Timed entry permits are required to enter the park from May 24 through October 20, 2024, entrance passes continue to be required. You can secure a timed-entry permit and leave the car in town by using the Hiker Shuttle.
Timed Entry Permit Reservations are required, along with a park pass or entrance fee, to enter Rocky Mountain National Park from May 24 to mid October, 2024
To make a reservation for a timed entry permit, beginning at 8 a.m. on May 1, visit Recreation.gov or by:
Using the Recreation.gov mobile app
Once you make your reservation, you will receive an email confirmation with an attached reservation ticket. You'll need to present this at the entrance station and because cell phone service can be spotty we recommend downloading, screenshotting, or saving the ticket prior to arriving at Rocky Mountain National Park.
There are two different access options for timed entry permits in 2024, access with Bear Lake Road (Park Access+) and access without Bear Lake Road (Park Access). The time slots for these access options are different. To access Bear Lake Road between the hours of 5am and 6pm you'll need a timed entry permit. Outside of Bear Lake Road, you need a timed entry permit from 9am to 2pm.
Release Date | Reservation Dates |
May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT | May 24 - 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 20 |
40 percent of available timed entry permits 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 23.
These are expected to sell out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible.
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.
Questions? See RMNP's page on the timed-entry permit system here.
The hiker shuttle will operate between the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Bear Lake Park & Ride from May 24 to October 20, 2024. 7-day service will operate May 24 to September 2. Beginning on September 7, weekend service only will continue through October 20.
Schedule:
For more information on the hiker shuttle, check out our shuttles page and scroll to the bottom!
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Estes Park Visitor Center
500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 | 970-577-9900
Visit Estes Park Business Office
P.O. Box 4426, Estes Park, CO 80517