Rocky Mountain National Park has announced the dates and times for its timed entry reservation system for 2025. This system will be in place starting May 23-mid-October, and aims to help manage crowding, congestion, and preserve park resources. Here are the key details:
Timed Entry Reservation System for 2025:
- Bear Lake Road Corridor Permits:
- Time Frame: 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
- Area Covered: Includes the Bear Lake Road Corridor and access to the rest of the park.
- Season End: October 20, 2025.
- Rest of Park Permits (Excluding Bear Lake Road):
- Time Frame: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
- Season End: October 14, 2025.
Key Details:
- Timed Entry Requirement: A timed entry permit is required to enter the park during the specified time periods for both areas. Outside of those times, no timed entry permit is needed.
- Processing Fee: There is a $2 recreation.gov processing fee for each timed entry reservation.
- Park Entrance Fee: In addition to the timed entry reservation, an entrance fee or a valid park pass is required.
- Stay Duration: Once inside the park, visitors can stay as long as they like during the permitted time.
Reservation Schedule:
- May 1, 2025 (8 a.m. MT): Reservations for May 24 through June 30.
- June 1, 2025: Reservations for July and any remaining June dates.
- July 1, 2025: Reservations for August and any remaining July dates.
- August 1, 2025: Reservations for September and any remaining August dates.
- September 1, 2025: Reservations for October and any remaining September dates.
Reservation Availability:
- 60% of reservations will be available according to the above schedule.
- 40% of reservations will be released at 7 p.m. the night before for the following day.
Interesting facts:
- Rocky Mountain National Park was the fifth-most-visited national park in 2023, with over 4.1 million visits.
- The timed entry system was initially implemented as a pilot program in 2020 and has since been made permanent as part of a broader Day Use Visitor Access Plan finalized in May 2024.
This system is designed to improve the visitor experience and protect the park’s natural resources while accommodating the high volume of visitors, especially during peak seasons.
Photo: NPS
Author: Mile High Mamas
