Rocky Mountain National Park’s reservation system ensures a balanced visitor experience while protecting the park’s natural resources. To make a reservation at Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors must use the Recreation.gov platform to secure timed entry permits. This system applies to both day-use and camping reservations, with specific booking windows and procedures in place for different seasons.
What Are the Steps to Make a Reservation at Rocky Mountain National Park?
- Create an account on Recreation.gov
- Choose between day-use timed entry permit or campsite reservation
- Select your desired date and entry time slot
- Pay the reservation fee
- Receive and save your confirmation
Detailed Reservation Process
- Online Platform: All reservations must be made through Recreation.gov website or mobile app
- Account Creation: A Recreation.gov account is required before making any reservations
- Permit Types:
- Day-use timed entry permit
- Campsite reservation (which also serves as a timed entry permit)
Reservation Windows
| Reservation Date | For Visits During |
|---|---|
| May 1, 8 a.m. MDT | May 24 – June 30 |
| June 1, 8 a.m. MDT | July and remaining June days |
| July 1, 8 a.m. MDT | August and remaining July days |
| August 1, 8 a.m. MDT | September and remaining August days |
| September 1, 8 a.m. MDT | October and remaining September days |
Note: 40% of daily permits are released at 7 p.m. MDT the day before the reservation date.
What Types of Reservations Are Available at Rocky Mountain National Park?
- Day-use timed entry permits
- Campsite reservations
Day-Use Timed Entry Permits
- Required for all vehicles entering the park during peak hours
- Two types available:
- Bear Lake Road Corridor access (includes whole park)
- Rest of the park access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor)
Campsite Reservations
- Available for Aspen Glen, Glacier Gorge, and Timber Creek campgrounds
- Prices range from $26 to $30 per night
- Serve as timed entry permits for the duration of the stay
How Far in Advance Can You Make a Reservation at Rocky Mountain National Park?
- Reservations open on a rolling monthly basis
- Booking window opens at 8 a.m. MDT on the 1st of each month for the following month
- Example: June 1 for July reservations, July 1 for August reservations, etc.
- Last-minute reservations: 40% of permits released at 7 p.m. MDT the day before
What Is the Cancellation Policy for Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations?
- Non-refundable $2 reservation processing fee for all bookings
- Timed entry permit cancellations: Generally non-refundable due to low cost
- Campsite cancellations:
- Can be made through Recreation.gov
- Specific refund deadlines and fees not detailed in sources
- Typically, cancellations within 48 hours may incur additional fees
Are There Lodging Options Within Rocky Mountain National Park?
- No lodging facilities within the park boundaries
- Camping is the only overnight option inside the park
- Nearby towns offer various accommodations:
- Estes Park (east side)
- Grand Lake (west side)
- Granby (west side)
Estes Park Lodging
- Closest town to park entrances
- Offers hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals
- Amenities include restaurants, shops, and shuttle services to the park
How to Ensure a Successful Reservation at Rocky Mountain National Park?
- Plan ahead and mark your calendar for reservation release dates
- Create a Recreation.gov account in advance
- Be flexible with dates and entry times
- Have alternative plans in case your preferred slots are unavailable
- Consider less popular entry times or campgrounds for better availability
- Check for last-minute openings the night before your planned visit
By following these guidelines and understanding the reservation process, you can successfully make a reservation at Rocky Mountain National Park and enjoy all the natural beauty it has to offer.
References:
1. Estes-Park.com – Reservations to Enter Rocky Mountain National Park
2. DestinationGranby.com – Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Reservations for 2024
3. VisitEstesPark.com – Rocky Mountains National Park Timed Entry Permit Reservations