Check out these important know-before-you-go tips when planning your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. 

As the nation’s fourth most visited national park, planning ahead is in your best interest to make sure you have the best trip possible. Here’s what you need to know.

  1. You may need a timed entry permit reservation. Timed entry permits are required May 26 - October 22, 2023 and are dependent on when you enter the park.
    • Bear Lake Road (Park Access+) timed entry permits are required between 5am and 6pm

    • “Rest of park” (Park Access) timed entry permits are required between 9am and 2pm

  2. Plan to enter the park early in your timed-entry window. Your permit will allow you a two-hour window to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, which you will have chosen when you purchased your entry permit. Entering early ensures you are able to avoid possible entrance lines that would affect your ability to enter within your allotted time.
  3. If you have a camping reservation in the park or you're entering the park with a permitted guide, outfitter or tour operator a timed entry permit is not required.
  4. In addition to the timed entry permit, you always need an entrance pass to enter the park. We recommend buying yours ahead of time to help decrease time spent in entry lines. Buy your entry pass online.
  5. Rocky Mountain National Park’s Hiker Shuttle information is here.
  6. Areas affected by the East Troublesome - Thompson Zone and Cameron Peak wildfires may still be closed. Reference this trail map to help plan your hikes.
  7. Rocky Mountain National Park is always in a stage 1 fire ban. Campfires are prohibited in the park, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and front-country campgrounds. Any additional restrictions are listed here.
  8. Only park in designated parking lots. Do not park on roads or private property that surround outlying park entrances. Please be respectful of private drives and roadways outside of the park.

2023 timed entry 2