Timed Entry Reservations are not required in Rocky Mountain National Park currently (January–April 2026). Reservations become necessary again during the peak visitor season beginning in late May 2026 — generally when visitation increases and busy summer operations begin. 

What the Timed Entry System Is 

The Timed Entry Reservation System attempts to manage visitor access to reduce crowding, protect natural resources, and improve the overall visitor experience. It requires visitors with vehicles to reserve an entry time during specific hours on peak days.

There are typically two reservation options:

• Timed Entry (Standard) — Provides access to most areas of the park excluding the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
• Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road — Provides access to Bear Lake Road Corridor destinations and all other areas of the park.
  Both reservation types allow entry within a designated 2-hour window on the reserved day. Once inside, you may stay as long as you like.

  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

  
  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.
   

  Details on Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations

  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 2025, 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:

  Release Date	Reservation Dates
  May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT	May 22 - June 30
  June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT	July 1 - July 31
  July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT	August 1 - August 31
  August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT	September 1 - September 30
  September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT	October 1 - October 18

  
  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.

  Click Here to Make a Reservation 

  
  

  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.

  
  

  Why Are Timed Entry Reservations in Place?

  Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. In 11 years, RMNP has experienced a 44 percent increase in visitation.
  
  Most of these visits take place during the busy summer season of late May through mid-October. Rapid growth in day use visitation patterns contributed to increased traffic on roads and congestion on trails. This has led to increased negative impacts to visitor safety, led to physical and verbal confrontations between visitors, diminished the overall visitor experience, degraded the park’s natural and cultural resources and created a heavy strain on the park’s facilities.
  
  Between 2016 and 2023, the park piloted several day-use visitor management strategies to address these concerns. During the summer of 2021 and winter of 2022-2023, RMNP staff also asked the public for their participation in envisioning the future of day use visitor access at RMNP. Following these efforts, in 2024, the National Park Service finalized a Day Use Visitor Access Plan for RMNP that manages visitation in a way that maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, protects resources, and supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations.