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:
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.
Click here for more information on the Timed Entry Reservation system including a comprehensive video overview by local guide, Erik Stensland.
Don’t Forget!
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.
For everything you need to know about obtaining your park pass visit: rockymountainnationalpark.com