How will staff layoffs and budget cuts effect my plans to visit Rocky Mountain National Park?

The reality is, National Parks have recently lost vital year-round staff members. These are highly educated, skilled and knowledgable employees who have devoted their careers to protecting and preserving public lands so that all Americans and foreign visitors can enjoy the abundant natural beauty of our vast and breathtaking country. It is a hard loss for Rocky Mountain National Park, that was already facing the challenges of being understaffed.

It is important to know that park rangers not only work on trails and projects that keep the park beautiful. They provide vital search and rescue for park visitors who get lost or injured, serve as paramedics in the park, and create rich educational programs that enhance your experience.

RMNP is currently open and preparing for the busy season ahead. After a negative response and protests, the government made some concessions. The National Park Service is hiring seasonal workers to ensure parks stay open and accessible to visitors. Here is what the National Parks Service says about a park visit in 2025, “We are focused on ensuring that every visitor has the chance to explore and connect with the incredible, iconic spaces of our national parks. Our teams are dedicated to staffing to meet the evolving needs of our visitors, ensuring memorable and meaningful experiences for all.”

Should I still come?

Yes! Come enjoy RMNP in all of her glory! We are expecting a beautiful spring and summer season in the rockies, and it is the perfect time to come. Additionally, your support is vital to the surrounding communities that rely on tourism. Estes Park is a rural community that is proud of all their small businesses that depend on your visitation. Your commitment to enjoying and preserving YOUR Rocky Mountain National Park means everything.

Here you’ll find all the resources you need for planning your Rocky Mountain National Park visit in 2025. This will help you plan ahead and get current information on park updates and make advance reservations for your next visit! We want to make sure you have all the “need to know” information to make lasting memories in RMNP.

How can I help?

Practice “Leave no Trace” principles. Now, more than ever, we need park visitors to clean up after themselves. Don’t burden under-staffed park employees and volunteers with your mess. Be mindful of what you bring into the park and make an effort to take it back out with you. We all need snacks and water for a day of exploration, but use reusable containers whenever you can and take your trash with you to dispose of properly outside of the park.

Practice patience – if you notice longer lines at the park entrance or in visitors centers, be patient and remember the park is understaffed. If you see overflowing trash cans in the park, be patient as a diminished group of workers and volunteers do their best to take care of visitors. One of the amazing benefits of being in such a beautiful location is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. When you encounter a park ranger, take the opportunity to ask them how things are going and express your appreciation for all their hard work!

Probably most importantly, practice wisdom – now is not the time to take risks by going on hikes beyond your physical capabilities. Response time to emergencies will be slower, so be smart, thoughtful, and honest about what you are physically prepared to do in your explorations.