Beginning on Friday, May 22 to mid-October, a timed entry reservation will be required to enter and visit all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park (including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and East Inlet Trail) during certain hours of the day.

There are two reservation options available to choose from:

• Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road)
• Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road

The system, established through the Day Use Visitor Access Plan finalized in May 2024, manages day use visitor access in a way that maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, protects the park's resources, and supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations.

Timed entry reservations help spread visitor use out throughout the day and throughout the park.

Details on Timed Entry Reservations (does not include access to Bear Lake Road)

Timed Entry reservations provide access to all areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding areas within the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Timed Entry reservations are best for those planning to take a scenic drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit Alpine Visitor Center, explore destinations on the west side of the park, hike at Wild Basin or visit any area of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor.

When are Timed Entry Reservations needed to enter the park?

• Timed Entry reservations are needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily beginning on Friday, May 22 through Monday, October 12, 2026.
• Don't have a reservation? That's ok! You can enter the park before 9 a.m. or anytime after 2 p.m. without a timed entry reservation.
  

Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations provide reservation holders access to RMNP's popular Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park near Beaver Meadows Entrance. These reservations will also provide access to all other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations are best for those who plan to visit destinations inside the Bear Lake Road Corridor, including Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, Park & Ride Parking Area, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake.

When are Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park?

• Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations are needed to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily beginning on Friday, May 22 through Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Additional Details to Know Before Making a Reservation:

All timed entry reservations allow park visitors to enter RMNP within designated 2-hour windows of time. Once you enter the park, stay as long as you like. There is no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.

If you have a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservation, you must enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor within your designated 2-hour window of time. If you miss your designated window of time, you will be asked to turn around and come back to Bear Lake Road anytime after 2 p.m.

Also, if you have a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservation, be advised that if you enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor and then want to exit and return to the Bear Lake Road Corridor later in the day, know that re-entry is only allowed after 2 p.m.

• For example, if you enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor using a 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. reservation and then want to leave and return later in the day, you may re-enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor anytime after 2 p.m.

How Much Do Timed Entry Reservations Cost?

• The only cost associated with making a timed entry reservation is a non-refundable $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.

Which Timed Entry Reservation Option is Best for Me?

Need help deciding which timed entry option is right for you? Check out the chart below.

I'm Planning a Trip to Rocky During Summer or early Fall, When Can I Make a Timed Entry Reservation?

Timed entry reservations are released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov based on the following schedule:

Additional timed entry reservations will be released first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov at 7 p.m. MDT on the night before a desired arrival date. These will sell out quickly, it is best to plan ahead!

To make a timed entry reservation, visit Recreation.gov or by:

• Using the Recreation.gov mobile app
• Calling the reservation line: 877-444-6777
• Calling the reservation line (International): 606-515-6777
• Calling the reservation line (TDD): 877-833-6777

Timed entry reservations can only be made on Recreation.gov. They are not available in person at any Rocky Mountain National Park entrance stations or visitor centers. To make a reservation, click on the blue button listed below.

When planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, take time to consider your preparedness, skills, fitness and experience. No matter how you choose to recreate, be prepared to turn back when conditions change or if you are being pushed to your limits. Weather and conditions can change quickly in the Rockies. Before starting any trip, take time to explore the park's website and plan ahead for a safer and more enjoyable visit.