If you're planning to visit us in the next month, please wait and purchase your Annual or Lifetime pass in-person at the park. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Mountain National Park. These are the interagency passes which are part of the America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. The timed-entry permits need to be purchased in advance online. Road conditions in the Colorado rockies may change quickly due to blowing snow and incoming storms. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. 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. The park now has a timed entry system that requires reserving your time online prior to your visit from late May through mid-October. This is a new requirement for visiting the national park during the busy summer and autumn season. There are two routes along this corridor. Reservations accepted and recommended from May 26 to October 4, 2010, and it is first-come, first-served the remainder of the year. Rocky Mountain National Park will implement another pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system from May 26 through October 22, 2023. 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. Everyone who was behind you will be grateful. This page was last edited on 9 March 2022, at 07:45. SR-66/US-36 run from Denver through Longmont up the Big Thompson River canyon. 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. Trails from the campground connect to numerous other trails, and shuttle bus access is available. Lastly, youll go through the checkout process and pay for the permits. How to Make a A bookstore offers items for purchase. 7 day EXPLORE ROCKY MOUNTAINS WITH AWARD WINNING GUIDES Explore Rocky WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. , Displays include a topographical relief map of the park and exhibits about the Colorado River and its people. Emerald Lake Half Day Snowshoe Tour this tour is 4-5 hours and includes snowshoes, ski poles, snacks, hot drinks, local transportation and a professional Colorado mountain guide. The campground is seasonal, opening (in 2010) on May 26 and closing on September 25. 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. If you are looking for reliable group transportation around the Centennial State, Denver Charter Bus Company is the way to go. Ice Skating: There is a dedicated ice skating rink at Trout Haven, in Estes Park. Weekend hours vary based on the season. Below are our recommendations for things to do in March: Sledding: Hidden Valley, near Estes Park is a popular sledding spot. Wear and reapply sunscreen often. If you have a large group to transport, consider chartering a vehicle. 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. 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. There is almost always space here and a free town shuttle comes by regularly to take you the short distance into town. Simply follow highway 36 through downtown Estes The state of Colorado has a fantastic resource to check the currentavalanche conditions. So, if you want to enjoy watching animals or enjoy the view, dont stop in the middle of the road and block traffic. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. Beverages may be purchased at the snack bar next to the Fall River Visitor Center or at the Alpine Visitor Center. The last bus of the day leaves Bear Lake and Fern Lake trailheads at 7:30 p.m. March is the snowiest month in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it milder than January and February temperature-wise. It is recommended that you travel in a counter clockwise direction along Bear Lake. AWD and 4WD vehicles are advised. Find out all you need to know about transportation in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevations range from 8,000 feet to 12,183 feet (2,400 to 3,700 m). WebYou could take Peak to Peak Hwy from I70 to Estes Park - that one is open year round. Synthetic (non-cotton) socks are essential for keeping your feet warm even if they get wet. Web7-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass - $30.00 Rocky Entrance Fee - motorcycle entrance pass valid for 7 consecutive days Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass - $70.00 So, if you want to visit in July, youll want to purchase your permit when they go on sale on June 1st. You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970 586-1206. Youll then need to navigate to the page for Rocky Mountain National Park. Located at 8,200 ft elevation, with 54 sites. As well as a timed-entry permit you must also show a national park (or interagency) pass to gain entry. The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN) [3] located about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the park, with connecting service to most major US cities. Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. You may make reservations by mail or in person anytime after March 1 for a permit for that calendar year. (Limit of 7 per party for individual campsites and crosscountry areas. On that page youll see several different permit options such as campground permits, wilderness camping permits, etc. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that dont have a physical entrance to drive through. The Bear Lake Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and Bear Lake. On average, the month of March sees about 156,000 visitors more than double the number in February. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. on U.S. Route 36, three miles from the town of Estes Park. Grand Lake can be reached from I-70 via US-40 which runs through Empire and over the Berthoud Pass. If youre seeking more miles, at this juncture you have the option to continue to Emerald Lake (0.6 miles) or to Lake Haiyaya (0.9 miles). The small sites (#1 & 13) fit 9 - 15 people and a maximum of three vehicles. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. Early mornings or late evening rides may minimize conflict with other vehicles. WebTimed Entry Permit Reservations are required, along with a park pass or entrance fee, to enter Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023. Rocky Mountain National Park 1-Day Pass: $25/vehicle 7-Day Pass: $35/vehicle Annual Pass: $70 Mesa Verde National Park 7-Day Pass Jan-April: $15/vehicle 7-Day Pass May-Oct: Additionally, rain, snow, ice, or fog can appear any moment without warning, making it even more treacherous. About two miles in, the trail begins to climb through aspen groves and rocky terrain and eventually to the pine-covered shores of Cub Lake. These park passes can be purchased at the entry station or online. On January 26, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill that established the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail begins to climb up to Nymph Lake with views of Longs Peak. These buses run every 30 minutes from 6:30am until 7:30pm. If youre new to snowshoeing, this is a perfect short hike to get you started. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. more information on current conditions Closure points on the road may fluctuate this fall, however the road is closed to through travel for the season. Estes Park QGIS Association. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. WebThe main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. To learn about the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park, click this link to visit the park's. The stone steps in the trail can be 15-20 inches high. These buses run every 30 minutes. Be advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. Annual and Lifetime passes purchased online take 24 weeks to arrive by mail. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. includes access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States. The most challenging sections are found between Rainbow Curve and the Alpine Visitor Center. To address these problems, the National Park Service created a timed-entry permit system that limits the number of people who can enter the park each day and spreads out the time of visitor arrivals to limit congestion. The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm The Federal lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) funds projects in Rocky Mountain National Park that will help improve visitor experience and protect resources for future generations. Conditions can change quickly and visitors should be prepared for wind, snow, ice, rain, and freezing temperatures to occur at any time. A bookstore offers items for purchase and handicapped accessible restrooms are available. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to Stunning views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain can be seen from the east shore of Dream Lake. Note that snow conditions should be considered before hiking as higher elevations will be snow-covered later into the year. Ponderosa and Lodgepole pines are the dominate conifer trees in the area, although they have been recently dying in large numbers due to an outbreak of pine beetle infestation. Entrance Stations and Visitor Centers - Rocky Mountain National Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? From May 25 through Oct. 22, and youll pay a reservation fee on top of the standard park entrance charge. Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road, with 11 miles above 11,500 feet, few guard rails and no shoulders. You may obtain day-of-trip permits in person year round. Winters bring heavy snowfall, and although there is rarely a deep-freeze the park gets significantly less visitors. Available / Book (866) 611-6114 Details Visit Site River Retreat Cabin Stunningly beautiful, fully restored classic Colorado Cabin on the Big Thompson river just 5 minutes from Estes Park. Shuttle buses run between many trailheads, Moraine Park Visitor Center, and Moraine Park and Glacier Basin Campgrounds. Valid for date of purchase. Free shipping for many products! On the right youll have views of Moraine Park, Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and the Continental Divide. Hummingbirds have a tendency to fly close to where people - and their food - are sitting. Off-road mountain biking is prohibited inside the park. America the Beautiful The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. At this point its a good idea to take a quick water and snack break, as the trail soon becomes very steep. Credit/Debit Cards Only They include access to 2,000 federal recreation areas throughout the United States, including Rocky Mountain National Park. One of the most spectacular sights in the mid to late fall is to walk through a grove of Aspen trees as their leaves change from green to gold. The Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park visitor centers are popular destinations for getting oriented with the park's layout, the former having been designed by students of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. There is no limit on number of tents, but no more than five vehicles per site are allowed. It begins and ends at the Park & Ride Transit Hub, approximately five miles (8 km) south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the park. Department of Defense Identification Card; Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC); Veterans designation on a state-issued drivers license or identification card. Wildland Trekking offers luxurious lodge-based tours as well as winter day hikes to Emerald Lake and Black Lake. No prior experience is needed. Use Trail Ridge Road to return. Chartering an appropriately sized vehicle will make keeping your group together during travel easy. 22. It is important to take all speed limits seriously and obey them with care. The program will be held at the American Legion Hall, 850 N. St. Vrain Ave. Sidles and Patterson will discuss the timed entry program, construction projects around the Park especially at the Fall River entrance and on the West Side for ranger housing, and other summer plans. The first route, known as the Bear Lake Route, runs from Park & Ride Transit Hub to Bear Lake with stops at the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead and the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Several different entrance fee and pass options are available. One of the most dominating features in the southeast area of the park is Longs Peak at 14,259 feet, which is surrounded on all sides by several peaks well about 13,000 feet, including Mount Meeker, Mount Lady Washington, and Storm Peak. Reservations accepted and recommended. If you are visiting during the winter, we recommend renting an all-wheel-drive vehicle (not 4-wheel drive) as they are more suitable for snowy conditions. Trail Ridge Road is not designed to be an all-season road, with 11 miles above 11,500 feet, few guard rails and no shoulders. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road. There are numerous electric car chargers in Estes Park and also a couple of electric car chargers in Grand Lake. Visitors line up at Rocky Mountain National Parks Fall River Entrance Station, near Estes Park, on July 21, 2021. Be prepared for deer, elk, turkey, or other animals to step out into the road at any time. This recorded phone line has the most up-to-date information on the status of Trail Ridge Road. A smaller option is Eagle County Regional Airport (IATA: EGE) [4] located near the skiing resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek; however, service to this airport is usually seasonal and confined to the winter months. All visitors driving in the park between mid-October and early June should be prepared for winter driving conditions. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, 22. It is about a 90-minute drive to the eastern edge of the park from the airport. The cost for timed-entry permits is just $2 per day and is non-refundable. This road is a narrow dirt road that is one-way uphill only with sharp switch backs. This is one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park with good reason. You can still get dehydrated even when its cold out! WebTimed Entry Permit Reservations to enter the park will be available through www.recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on Monday, May 1. The biggest benefit of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is that there are significantly less visitors during the winter months. The timed-entry permits usually go on sale on the first day of each month at 10am at www.recreation.gov. 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. Less common animal sightings include black bears and the rare mountain lions, although the former will manage to hang out if human food is accessible. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. When you return to the lodge after a day of winter exploration, cozy up with a home-cooked meal and enjoy a good nights sleep in a luxurious bed. Visitation to Rocky Mountain National Park has grown so much over the years that it has begun to take a significant toll on the health of the park itself and on the visitor experience. Monthly or Longer Rental (720) 780-9845 Details Visit Site Riverside Retreat Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Always check NPS.gov for RMNP entry details, timed-entry reservations, and park regulations. Because the wildlife is concentrated to a smaller area, there is a great chance to view them with a spectacular winter backdrop. With a large selection of charterbus and minibus rentals, they'll match you with the perfect vehicle for your trip. Keep in mind youll be at alpine tundra elevation, so be prepared for changing weather and potentially high winds. Fees are good for the same group for seven days. I suggest doing this in advance. Some percentage of each days allotted permits are saved and made available at 5pm the evening before the date of entry. Continue along the trail or across Nymph Lake if its frozen. List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or crosscountry area where you plan to stay. Learn about getting to Rocky, the shuttle system, driving in the park, and parking in Estes Park. CO 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. Grand Lake is a better option for the summer months (June September) but there is still plenty to see and do on the west side of the Park. To protect against larger predators like bears and mountain lions make noise while hiking to avoid startling an animal, and use bear-proof containers to store anything with a scent; this includes food, toothpaste, deodorant, empty food wrappers, or anything else that might attract a bear's interest. Choose snacks that are high in calories as your body will be burning calories to keep you warm in the cold weather. 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. To help address the bottleneck of people driving around and around looking for parking, the Town has implemented a paid parking system in the downtown area. Limit of 12 per party for group campsites.). Marmots seem to be ubiquitous above the tree line, especially on well-hiked trails around Longs Peak. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. off the Bear Lake Road, 1 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, Open May 1 through October 11 (2010 season). Rocky Mountain National Park [1] is a United States National Park that is located in the Front Range region of the state of Colorado. To minimize impacts on the park's resources, the number of permits issued is limited. Passes that are part of the America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series are not available for purchase via Recreation.gov. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Temporary road closures may be put in place at any time for motorist safety, based on weather and road conditions. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com. Soak in Hot Springs: After a long winters day, there is nothing better than defrosting in a natural hot spring. This meeting is free and open to the public. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Trail Ridge Road Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado CO Postcard c.1960 at the best online prices at eBay! From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. 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. So, if you were visiting on July 10th and forgot to get your permit on June 1st, you could try at 5pm on July 9th. Be careful on snowfields, particularly on steep slopes where avalanche dangers may be high. But, you can be much closer using one of the other 4 entrances. Sidles will be retiring in June. , WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If youre new to high elevations and alpine and sub-alpine exploration, consider booking aguided snowshoe tour. 80517. Find all the details here. For the safety of all motorists driving in Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter season, the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law may become active at any time, based on weather and road conditions. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. 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. After a small mining rush on the western side of the park in the early 1880s, a 14 year old boy by the name of Enos Mills moved to the area and began to extensively document the region's geography and ecology through essays and books. Effective Wednesday, November 11, 2020 (Veterans Day) and every day onward, all U.S. armed service veterans and Gold Star dependents shall be granted free entrance to all Department of the Interior managed lands and waters. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. From the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, a good trail leads to Flattop Mountain and then a short 400 foot climb leads to the summit of Hallett. WebAll visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. Difficulty levels range from the half mile wheelchair accessable jaunt around Bear Lake to the backbreaking 'Mummy Kill', recommended only for those with years of mountaineering experience or a death wish. Colorado Traction Control Law may be implemented as conditions require. Rocky Entrance Fee - vehicle entrance pass valid for 7 consecutive days, Rocky Entrance Fee - motorcycle entrance pass valid for 7 consecutive days, America The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass - $80.00, Annual park pass valid at all U.S. National Park and federal lands, Looking for an epic spring break trip? If youve never been hiking or skiing in deep snow, beware that avalanche conditions could exist. The rest of the park falls under the permitting system from 9am-3pm and this permit is often easier to obtain. Black Lake Full Day Snowshoe Tour this 7-8 hour tour includes snowshoes, lunch, snacks, hot drinks, local transportation and a professional Colorado mountain guide. The timed-entry permit system could change as the national park refines the system. Be prepared for changing conditions by dressing in layers and always carrying gear appropriate for both cold, wet weather and bright, sunny conditions. 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. The Bear Lake Road area is the busiest place in the park and so has its own permitting system which runs from 5am until 6pm. Trail Ridge Road runs from the east side of the park near Estes Park to the west side of the park near Grand Lake. GOGO Charters makes group transportation easy. 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. After arriving within the designated time frame, your permit will allow your vehicle to leave and return to the park as needed during that day. This campground is well-situated for exploring the eastern part of the park and is very clean. The roads winding through the park are filled with numerous dangers, including dozens of hairpin turns and edges with steep drops and no guard rail. This system is used during the busy season, late May through mid-October. It may still seem busy when you visit, but it was much busier before this system was implemented. It is first-come, first-served, with no reservations taken. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, only credit and debit cardsnot cashare being accepted at park entrance stations. Trail Ridge Road closed Monday after being open since May 27, according a park news release. A visitor may prove their status as a veteran or a gold star dependent by presenting one of the following: Additional guidance regarding veterans and Gold Star dependents will be forthcoming. This road is normally well-graded and so any normal car should not have any trouble driving it. Most areas of the park sit well above 9,000 feet with mountains along the Continental Divide topping off at above 12,000 feet. Youll trek across frozen mountain lakes and through alpine meadows. It costs just $5 and stops at the Estes Park Visitor Center before continuing on to the Park & Ride Transit Hub in Rocky Mountain National Park where you can connect with the park's shuttle system in the Bear Lake Corridor. Web- Campers will be able to enter the park beginning at 1 p.m. on the first day of their camping reservation Timed Entry Reservations at Rocky Mountain National Park Campsite Limits. Then there is another class of passes that also work. Most of the visitor centers offer books and other items for purchase, and there is a gift shop located next door to the Fall River Visitor Center. Arches National Park Utah. One of the things you should keep in mind when driving in Rocky Mountain National Park is that it is the home of thousands of wild creatures. All are welcome. Located at 8,500 ft elevation with 150 sites. A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in March requires a significant amount of planning. It also leads high up into the tundra. Rangers can also provide information on what to do in the park. The fee goes to recreation.gov to pay for their administration of this system. WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. 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. From meadows found in the montane life Colorado Route 7 runs from Estes Park to the south, passing by several trailheads, including those for Lily Mountain, the Twin Sisters, the Longs Peak Ranger Station and the Wild Basin. Rental cars are available at the Denver International Airport. Considering the park's high altitude, the weather trends closer toward moderate four-season climate than edging on the extremes. The 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. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. but it can also be stressful. Estes Park 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). One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. A bright, sunny day can turn windy and wet within a matter of minutes with high winds and driving rain or snow. Hiking in the winter is a chance to experience the Rocky Mountains at their most majesticsnow-covered peaks, frozen alpine lakes, and evergreen branches bowing to their snowpack.