Skip nav to main content.
timed entry for Rocky Mountain National Park

Photo Credit: NetaDegany

Timed Entry Permits – 2026

As one of the most visited parks in the United States, Rocky Mountain National Park has worked hard to develop a Day Use Visitor Access Plan to maintain daily operations, promote safety, protect resources, and ensure a positive visitor experience for all!

Here are important things to know about Timed Entry Permits before your visit:

  • Timed Entry Permits are required to enter the park from May 22nd – Mid October, 2026 (October dates vary by permit type)
  • You will have a 2-hour window to enter the park during your reservation. You can stay as long as you like!
  • The Timed Entry Permits cost $2 per vehicle.
  • There are two kinds of Timed Entry Permits available: Timed Entry -or- Timed Entry+Bear Lake Road. This graphic highlights what is included with each permit so you can decide which one you need:

Timed Entry Permits: What is included

Source: National Park Service

  • The Timed Entry permit is required between the hours of 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, from May 22nd through October 12th, 2026. You may enter all areas of the park outside of the Bear Lake Road corridor without a Timed Entry permit before 9:00 am and after 2:00 pm. 
  • The Timed Entry +Bear Lake Road permit is required to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5:00 am – 6:00 pm, from May 22nd through October 18th, 2026.

Timed entry reservations will be 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, so we recommend planning ahead!

To make a timed entry reservation, visit Recreation.gov, or by using their mobile app. You can also call their reservation line: 877-444-6777.

Please note that timed entry reservations are not available in person at any Rocky Mountain National Park entrance stations or visitor centers. 

What you need in order to enter RMNP:

In addition to your Timed Entry Reservation, you will need a Park Pass or to pay a daily Entrance Fee.

You can purchase your Park Pass or pay your Entrance Fee in person at any entrance or at the automated fee machines.