There are several entrances to the park which do not have fees on the east side of the park: Most of the major trailheads in the park are accessible by car and have parking lots depending on the popularity of the route. If you plan on visiting for more than one day, pick up Include your name, address, zip code and telephone number. You must have a backcountry/wilderness permit to camp overnight in the park's backcountry/wilderness. WebThe fastest way to get to the park from the airport is via the E-470 toll road, up I-25, then west on highway 66, and from Lyons head up Highway 36 to Estes Park. Beverages may be purchased at the snack bar next to the Fall River Visitor Center or at the Alpine Visitor Center. Continue straight along the ponderosa pines and open meadows for the first mile, keeping an eye out for deer and elk. Fees are not to be sent when requesting reservations, but are payable (by cash or check only) when the permit is issued. Valid for date of purchase. Elk, deer, chipmunks, ground squirrels, beavers, porcupines, foxes, and coyotes are all commonly seen in meadows and in and around lakes and streams. 970 586-1206 Visit www.nps.gov for complete fee listings. Continue along the trail or across Nymph Lake if its frozen. The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. Altitude sickness symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat and insomnia. This group campground is tent-only. At Grand Lake in March, there is a high of 43F (1C) and 9F (-16C) and an average snowfall of 13.4 inches. the page for Rocky Mountain National Park, Learn all the details about the Hiker Shuttle here, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas Begin February 15 to Protect Nesting Raptors, Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP continues pilot timed entry permit reservations from May 26 through Oct 22, Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park, Lastly, if you have reserved a campsite at one of the, Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US students in fourth grade: Free, Annual Volunteer Pass: Free (250 hours of volunteer service at any of the six participating federal agencies is required). Bear Lake - Latitude: 40.31197, Longitude: -105.64542. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable There are a couple of exceptions to this. The timed-entry permit system could change as the national park refines the system. Located East of Trail Ridge Road near Grand Lake, Colorado, located on U.S. Highway 34 just west of the Fall River Entrance Station. To be sure, it is still winter, but the temperatures are much more mild than December, January, and February. The park's borders lie within three counties, Larimer, Boulder, and Grand, and it is surrounded by Roosevelt, Arapaho, and Routt National Forests. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. This bus will take you from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride Transit Hub in Rocky Mountain National Park where you can connect with the park shuttle system that runs in the Bear Lake Corridor, as described above. This campground is open year-round starting on May 28, 2010. While parking is relatively ample in the early mornings, many lots are full by mid-morning during the peak summer months. Rocky Mountain National Park has the highest paved roads in any national park in the United States, with Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) cresting at 12,183 feet above sea level. You are required to have one of these park passes to enter the park day or night. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. RMNP is one of the few national parks that offers a one-day vehicle entrance pass. Rocky Mountain National Park [1] is a United States National Park that is located in the Front Range region of the state of Colorado. If youre short on time or lacking the desire to plan, it is a better idea to aim for a visit in the warmer months when weather is pleasant and the full scope of facilities are open. The Grand Lake entrance is about 2.5 hours away from the airport. Stunning views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain can be seen from the east shore of Dream Lake. On the north side, of the lake youll see Half Mountain and Longs Peak. So, if you want to enjoy watching animals or enjoy the view, dont stop in the middle of the road and block traffic. Estes Park is more of a A fee will be assessed commercial tour vehicles based on passenger capacity. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. As you begin your hike, youll cross the Big Thompson River and travel along the western edge of Moraine Park. Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. Wear and reapply sunscreen often. On the east side of the Park, elk descend down to the montane meadows and even into the town of Estes Park. There are many windy turns on this road and there are some areas where the road clings to the side of the mountain with steep drops. A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. Offers daily ranger walks and illustrated programs on Saturday night. The most challenging sections are found between Rainbow Curve and the Alpine Visitor Center. Fees are good for the same group for seven days. Just past 4th Street, veer right onto U.S. 36 and follow it for 20 miles to Estes Park. So, if you want to visit in July, youll want to purchase your permit when they go on sale on June 1st. During the busy season (late May through mid-October) you will need a timed-entry permit during peak hours, as well as a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. To experience the true beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, get out onto some of the 355 miles of trail that wind in, around, and over the Continental Divide, Wild Basin, Mummy Range, and more. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Rocky Mountain National Park sits on the Continental Divide, which separates the park into two distinct regions. Eleven miles of the paved road through the heart of the park is above 11,500 feet and Trails from the campground connect to numerous other trails, and shuttle bus access is available. Experience an incredible 9-mile scenic drive on Old Fall River Road, beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area and ending at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet. Rocky Mountain Park Entrance Fees As with all National Parks, there is a fee for entering Rocky Mountains National Park. Photos from: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013. In March, hiking trails can be explored by snowshoe or cross country skisminus the summer crowds. (Map created using: QGIS.org, 2021. Text is available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/Copyleft Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0] images are available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/How_to_re-use_Wikitravel_guides various licenses], see each image for details. Entrance Stations and Visitor Centers - Rocky Mountain National Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. All visitors driving in the park between mid-October and early June should be prepared for winter driving conditions. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry Office or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Finally, make sure to bring at least 3 liters of water. http://www.qgis.org), Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas Begin February 15 to Protect Nesting Raptors, Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP continues pilot timed entry permit reservations from May 26 through Oct 22, Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park, All material copyright by Morning Light Photography, Inc. All rights reserved. Starting around Memorial Day Weekend and going through the end of September, Rocky Mountain National Park operates a free shuttle bus service which enables you to access many destination and loop hikes along Bear Lake Road, including Sprague Lake and Glacier Gorge, to cut down on traffic congestion and limited parking. Located at 8,500 ft elevation with 150 sites. located along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on U.S. Highway 34 approximately 10 miles north of Grand Lake. After the third mile, youll arrive at the summit trail junction. WebTake I-25 north to Exit 243 (Hwy 66) to Estes Park From Denver via the Peak to Peak Scenic By-way Distance: 108 mi 174 km Time: 2.53 hours Take I-70 west to Exit 244 Other park campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and fill on most summer days. Cross country skiing:Since Trail Ridge Road is closed up to Many Parks Curve, it is a perfect place to ski and see snow-capped peaks and views from some of the highest points in the Park. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. Site by. Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way road only. Read more about park pass options below. You can either print this out to show at the park entrance station or you can show them the confirmation email on your phone. Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation, 1000 US Hwy 36 Then there is another class of passes that also work. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. For a unique cycling experience, check with the park information office for specifics on the Old Fall River Road (gravel surface) and Trail Ridge Road (paved), which are open to bicycles early in the summer season, before they open to vehicles. Estes Park Mountain Shophas rentals and many of the lodges in town provide free snowshoes for their guests. located approximately nine miles south of the town of Estes Park on Route 7. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. It has made the experience in the park much better with less-crowded trails and more of a chance to take in the wonder of this place. 970 586-1206 WebHow to Make a Rocky Mountain National Park Reservation Timed entry permit reservation tickets are available online at recreation.gov or by : Reservation Line: 877-444-6777 Reservation International: 606-515-6777 Reservation Line (TDD) 877-833-6777 Recreation.gov mobile app ( iOS / Android ). This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Turn left here and follow CO 66 west for 16 miles to the town of Lyons. enjoy the natural world. Offers exhibits about park wildlife, children's exhibits, and rangers can provide tips about what to do in the park. These buses run every 30 minutes. includes access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States. Click here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires. You can only get the timed-entry permit by purchasing them online in advance. Take in stunning views of Mount Chapin and Chasm Falls as you climb through the sub-alpine and into the alpine life zones. Youll hit a trail junction about a tenth of a mile in. WebThey can be seen all over the park, but most commonly are seen on Bear Lake Road, in Moraine Park and at the Fall River Entrance. The western side of the park is wetter, is heavily forested, and is less developed, but still contains excellent trekking and backcountry opportunities. This meeting is free and open to the public. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. Hallett is a 12,712 feet peak on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. Using lower gears while going downhill is strongly advised. A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. WebCurrent entry fee details: 1 day pass: $30/automobile (can purchase online) 7 day pass: $35/automobile (can purchase online) Pedestrians: 1 day pass, $15 per person. Holders of the National Park Pass ($80, allows entry to all national park areas for one year) do not need to pay an entrance fee.