A family at a tranquil mountain lake nestled among vibrant trees and rocky formations, reflecting the surrounding nature.

Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit Reservations Guide

Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park? During peak season, many visitors need a timed entry permit reservation to enter RMNP during certain hours, especially if visiting the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Use this guide to understand which reservation you need, when timed entry is required, how to book, and how to plan your Estes Park trip around your park entry time.

Reserve Your Timed Entry Permit

Timed entry reservations are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours from May 22 through October 2026, and a valid park entrance pass is still required. Visitors can secure a timed entry reservation and leave the car in town by using the Hiker Shuttle.

2026 Details

Timed Entry Permit Reservations are required, along with a park pass or entrance fee, to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours beginning from May 22, 2026. There are two reservation options: Timed Entry and Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road.

How to Make a Rocky Mountain National Park Reservation

To make a timed entry reservation, beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on May 1, 2026, visit Recreation.gov or use the Recreation.gov mobile app. The only cost associated with booking a timed entry reservation is the $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.

You may also make a reservation by calling:

Reservation line: 877-444-6777
International: 606-515-6777
TDD: 877-833-6777

Once you make your reservation, you will receive an email confirmation with an attached reservation ticket. You’ll need to present your reservation confirmation to a park ranger at the entrance station. Because cell phone service can be spotty in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, we recommend downloading, screenshotting, or saving your reservation before you arrive.

Access Options

There are two different access options for timed entry reservations in 2026:

Timed Entry — Includes access to Rocky Mountain National Park and outlying areas, but does not include access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Reservations are required from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT, beginning May 22 through October 12, 2026.
Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road — Includes access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor, plus the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park and outlying areas. Reservations are required from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. MDT, beginning May 22 through October 18, 2026.

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When you can make a Rocky Mountain National Park Reservation:

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. on the night before a desired arrival date, beginning on the evening of May 22.

These are expected to sell out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible.

To enter the park with your timed-entry permit

Your permit will allow a two-hour window to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, which you will have chosen when you purchased your entry permit. Be sure to arrive at the entrance gate early in the two-hour window to avoid possible entrance lines affecting your ability to enter within the allotted time.

Which Timed Entry Permit Option is Best for You?

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Questions? See RMNP's page on the timed-entry permit system here.

Looking for shuttle information? Click here to view our shuttle & parking page!