Rocky Mountain National Park Launches Timed Entry Reservations
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado — Starting Thursday, the park implemented its timed entry permit reservation system for the peak summer season, running from May 23 to October. The initiative aims to enhance visitor experiences and protect park resources.
Visitors can make reservations for specific two-hour entry windows, with permits available for trips scheduled between May 23 and June 30. Additional reservations will be released nightly at 7 p.m. MDT for the following day, enabling last-minute planners to secure access. For example, those wishing to visit on June 3 can obtain permits starting at 7 p.m. on June 2, provided they didn’t secure one earlier.
The National Park Service emphasized the necessity of this system to maintain the integrity of the park while accommodating its many guests. Rocky Mountain National Park pioneered this timed entry approach during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, highlighting its value in managing visitor flow.
Each timed entry permit, which must be purchased via recreation.gov, covers one vehicle and all its passengers. Groups with multiple vehicles are reminded that each must have its own entry permit and valid park entrance pass to access the park.
As one of the most visited national parks in the country, the timed entry system represents a strategic measure to balance high visitation levels with environmental conservation efforts.
For further details or to secure a reservation, prospective visitors are encouraged to visit the National Park Service website or recreation.gov.
