What were timed entry reservations like in Rocky Mountain National Park in 2021?
2023 Update: If you’re looking for information on summer 2023 please visit this post for the best information!
This post was originally written for Summer 2021 to help visitors to understand the systems in place for RMNP.
In 2020, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) initiated a reservation system for timed entry into the park. Despite the timed entry system, Rocky was the 4th most visited park in the NPS system last year. The reservation system worked well for most and left many wondering if this was the future of NPS sightseeing. Recently, in January 2021, RMNP announced that reservations are no longer required for entry into the park and the official statement said they would not require reservations this summer or in the future.
UPDATE:
Now in a huge reversal of their January announcement, RMNP announced on Monday, March 29th, it will implement the timed-entry reservation system again for summer 2021. The update included tons of information that you will need to know for your summer/fall visit to the park:
Reservations for park entry will be required May 28 - October 11
Reservations open on May 1st and cost $2.00 on top of your entry fee. If you have an NPS park pass, you will still be required to pay the $2.00
Park capacity will be between 75-85% (up from 60% last year)
Park shuttles will run at 50% normal capacity
The biggest news from Monday is the limitation of access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor - this is by far the busiest area of the park and RMNP is obviously working to mitigate backups and the overflow of visitors by requiring a different reservation
PLEASE NOTE: this means there will be two different reservations offered: 1. Bear Lake Road Corridor (BLRC) PLUS the rest of the park or 2. Only “rest of the park” without BLRC access. This option still allows you to drive Trail Ridge Road and explore much of the park.
BLRC plus rest of park reservation times will be 5:00 am - 7:00 am, 7:00 am - 9:00 am, 9:00 am - 11:00 am, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Please note there will be an overlap in reservation times in the afternoon creating a larger crowd at that time. Entry outside of these times DO NOT require a reservation.
For only “rest of park” access the entry times you will have the options to enter at 9:00 am - 11:00 am, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Entry outside of these times DO NOT require a reservation.
Just like last year, summer 2021 is shaping up to be a record year for the National Park System so if you’re planning on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park during peak hours I would highly encourage you to make reservations as early as possible. You can make your timed-entry reservation on Recreation.gov.
Your RMNP reservations can be made starting May 1st on Recreation.gov if you will be visiting Memorial Day through June 30th. On June 1st, you will be able to make reservations for all of July. On July 1st, you can start making reservations for all of August. And it continues on like so through October dates.
When making your reservation you will be required to purchase your RMNP pass at that time as well or enter your annual pass number. For us, it was easy to enter in our 4th grade Every Kid Outdoors pass last year. You will also have to pick which pass option you want and your entry window.
*Reminder: these reservations are only necessary for peak hours - if you plan to enter outside of those times you will not need a reservation.
Don’t forget to bring your printed reservation with you or have a screenshot already on your phone, do not rely on cell phone service in the park, it is very spotty.
For folks without reservations, you will be denied entry into RMNP. Please be sure to plan ahead.
If you are camping, inside RMNP this is what I found out: “Visitors with campground reservations and wilderness camping permits will use those permits as their timed entry reservations. You may enter the park on the first day of your camping reservation. Entrance fees apply and can be paid at the entrance station. Visitors must have these camping permits in advance. There will be no same-day sales at the park’s campgrounds. Visitors must have their camping reservation confirmation visible.”
To stay up to date on 2021 information please refer to the park’s official website and RMNP social media pages (@RockyNPS). We will also keep this page updated when we get new information.
