one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on U.S. Route 34 at the entrance to the park. Just past 4th Street, veer right onto U.S. 36 and follow it for 20 miles to Estes Park. The timed-entry permits need to be purchased in advance online. These are put towards park improvements such as trail and road repairs, campsites, hazard tree mitigation, etc. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Because the wildlife is concentrated to a smaller area, there is a great chance to view them with a spectacular winter backdrop. CO Although there is no public transport into the park itself (other than the park shuttle mentioned above), Amtrak's California Zephyr service, which runs daily in both directions between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, has stops at Denver, Fraser-Winter Park, and Granby, from where you can hire a car to get the rest of the way to the park. A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. (Limit of 7 per party for individual campsites and crosscountry areas. Rocky Mountain National Park With Kids The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Be prepared for varying conditions when driving on Trail Ridge Road. The timed-entry permits are per-vehicle, not per person. Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. on U.S. Route 34, five miles west of the town of Estes Park, near the Fall River Entrance to the park. Soaking in 200,000 gallons of naturally steamy spring water will ease your every ache and pain. Read more about park pass options below. The 1930s brought a building boom to the park during the Great Depression, during which time the Trail Ridge Road was constructed through the park, which remains the highest continuous stretch of highway in the United States. The hikes below are all at a relatively high elevation where the snow will be reflecting back at you, so make sure to put sunscreen on to protect your skin. If you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between late May and mid-October, a timed-entry permit is required between 9am and 3pm for most of the park and from 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road. Plan Your Visit - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National On December 1, the road will revert to trail status and bicycles and leashed pets will not be allowed on Old Fall River Road. It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. You will however need a park pass which can be purchased at any of the park entrance stations. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. On the right youll have views of Moraine Park, Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and the Continental Divide. This system is used during the busy season, late May through mid-October. Park Roads - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Altitude sickness symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat and insomnia. All visitors driving in the park between mid-October and early June should be prepared for winter driving conditions. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Best-kept secret (#4 on map) To feel like you are really Additionally, rain, snow, ice, or fog can appear any moment without warning, making it even more treacherous. 80517. The eastern and more developed side of the park is dominated by striking valleys and cirques that were formed through heavy glaciation and is a good starting point for first-time visitors. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. The biggest benefit of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is that there are significantly less visitors during the winter months. Highway 34 connects Grand Lake and Estes Park across the Continental Divide, giving you awesome views of the western and eastern sides of the park. With a large selection of charterbus and minibus rentals, they'll match you with the perfect vehicle for your trip. Fees & Passes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National WebBe advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. Rocky Mountain National Park It also has its share of steep drops. Sidles will be retiring in June. Rocky Mountain National Park 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. The following fees are valid for 2019. The cost for timed-entry permits is just $2 per day and is non-refundable. A second option is Sprague Lake, a 3.3 mile loop that is perfect for the beginner skier since it is mostly flat. According to U.S. National Park Service statistics, \( 46.7 \% \) of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2018 entered through the Beaver Meadows park entrance, \( 24.3 \% \) of visitors entered through the Fall River park entrance, 6.3\% of Most of the roads in the park have little to no shoulder, with the added challenge of dealing with heavy summer traffic. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. Wildlife bull moose sighting in Rocky Mountain National Park The large meadow valleys and gentle slopes of the montane ecosystem in Rocky Mountain National Park are the most accessible and arguably the most approachable for winter hiking. Denver International Airport is located about 20 miles (32 km) from downtown Denver and 60 miles (97 km) from Rocky Mountain National Park. There are 60 miles (97 km) of hard-surfaced road with a five to seven percent grade. Trail Ridge Road is currently closed at Many Parks Curve on the east side of RMNP and at the Colorado River Trailhead on the west side of the park. However, you will always need a park pass. of the main entrance. In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. Entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park You will not need a 4-wheel drive vehicle or any off-road capabilities to drive any of the park roads during the summer season. The other exception to the rule of easy driving is Old Fall River Road. 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. 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: 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking 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. Cycling through the park offers riders a chance to take in some of the scenery and striking vistas at a casual pace; however, some may be daunted by the high altitudes and steep climbs on the main roads. WebYour Rocky Mountain Hideout! On May 1, Timed Entry It is served by numerous airlines and has direct flights to locations across the globe. Bonus: on the weekends there is a warming hut nearby. Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed permit entry system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a $30 vehicle entrance pass. At Grand Lake in March, there is a high of 43F (1C) and 9F (-16C) and an average snowfall of 13.4 inches. 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. Continue west alongside Cub Creek and Beaver Ponds. One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. Read on for our complete guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March. Youll have views of Little Horseshoe Park and the Mummy Range on your left as you travel east. 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 ). Alternatively, there is a number that you can text to pay for your parking place. The fee goes to recreation.gov to pay for their administration of this system. What do I need to know for camping this winter? Reservations accepted and recommended. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. 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. 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. Fees are not to be sent when requesting reservations, but are payable (by cash or check only) when the permit is issued. This page was last edited on 9 March 2022, at 07:45. During the busy season, the town of Estes Park operates a free shuttle service that serves the center of town and some of the main hotels. 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. Finally, theGrand Lake Nordic Centerhas twenty-one miles of groomed cross country ski trails with stunning views of the Continental Divide. Beverages may be purchased at the snack bar next to the Fall River Visitor Center or at the Alpine Visitor Center. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you RMNP Superintendent Darla Sidles retiring, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Frozen Dead Guy Days live music and entertainment lineup announced, Estes Womens Monument given prestigious history award, Perspectives: Watched by Howard P. Hanson, Estes Park Health Board of Directors approves May 2 ballot measure, EP Health Board discusses upcoming election, Update: Follow up on hoax report of active shooter, Fire breaks out above McGraw Ranch road from burn pile, PHOTOS GALLERY The Stanleys first annual Westerns & Whiskey Weekend, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, Aurora borealis in the rockies 2-27-23 - in time lapse, Mistaken identity leads to heavy police response on DUI arrest, Duck Race heralds arrival of spring to Estes Park, EVSTRA reacts to proposed STR regulations and rumors, Trail Gazette Editorial - Workforce staffing in the Estes Valley requires flexibility and open minds, Wrestling coach addressed Board of Ed about firing, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Several expeditions visited the area in the early to mid 19th century, including one by Joel Estes in 1859 after which he and his family established a homestead that would soon become Estes Park, the resort town that currently sits on the east side of the park. Old Fall River Road is closed to vehicles for the season. You are required to have one of these park passes to enter the park day or night. If youve never been hiking or skiing in deep snow, beware that avalanche conditions could exist. Turn left here and follow CO 66 west for 16 miles to the town of Lyons. If you choose this option, you can visit the popular areas along Bear Lake Road plus all the rest of the park, but these permits are likely to sell out first. A portion of the park pass fees collected by the government is returned to the parks through The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. If you arrive before the start of the permit time or after the end of the permit time, then you will not need a permit. The recreation.gov website is run by an external contractor, not the National Park Service. off the Bear Lake Road, 1 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, Open May 1 through October 11 (2010 season). This information is available 24 hours a day. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. If you have a large group to transport, consider chartering a vehicle. While Rocky Mountain National Park has federal exclusive jurisdiction, the park is authorized under 36 CFR 4.2(b) to enforce applicable local and state traffic regulations. 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. Park streams may contain Giardia and other water borne diseases, so always purify water before drinking. Those who are nervous around heights may want to leave the driving to someone else for the higher portions of this road. 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. 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. eight (8) persons and one camping unit Parking Check in is at 1:00 p.m. Handicapped accessible and family restrooms are available. Rocky Mountain National Park Guide Sled rentals are available throughout the town of Estes Park. Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. These park passes can be purchased at the entry station or online. As well as a timed-entry permit you must also show a national park (or interagency) pass to gain entry. Rangers can also provide information on what to do in the park. Our 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking Spots are all within 20 min. These passes are available for purchase in-person at park entrance stations or via the USGS Online Store. There are no showers at the campground you have to go in to Estes Park - find them at laundromat in the same shopping centre as the Safeways. Covers one motorcycle. Due to weather and adverse conditions, roads in Rocky Mountain National Park may close at any time. 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. Hummingbirds have a tendency to fly close to where people - and their food - are sitting. Most areas of the park sit well above 9,000 feet with mountains along the Continental Divide topping off at above 12,000 feet. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups at any campsites. WebPre-Climb Comments . So, if you want to visit in July, youll want to purchase your permit when they go on sale on June 1st. They include access to 2,000 federal recreation areas throughout the United States, including Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park [1] is a United States National Park that is located in the Front Range region of the state of Colorado. At the same time, you should remember that these roads are for getting places. Rocky Mountain National Park QGIS Geographic Information System. Keep in mind youll be at alpine tundra elevation, so be prepared for changing weather and potentially high winds. At this point its a good idea to take a quick water and snack break, as the trail soon becomes very steep. From May 25 through Oct. 22, and youll pay a reservation fee on top of the standard park entrance charge. The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? Be aware that these last-minute permits are in high demand and tend to sell out within a minute or even less. There are no shoulders and few guardrails. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet. Free shipping for many products! The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. To minimize impacts on the park's resources, the number of permits issued is limited. 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. When the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law is active in RMNP, this means that all vehicles (including 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and 2-Wheel Drive) must have properly rated tires (Mud and Snow, Mountain and Snow or All-Weather Tires) with a minimum of 3/16" tread. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. CO , When you complete this, youll be sent a confirmation via email. Just be aware that at these times the lines to get into the park can be long. The next mile climbs up the western slopes of Deer Mountain along switchbacks. Another option is to park at the Fairgrounds. WebEntry Reservation Tickets are also available: by calling the Reservation Line: 877-444-6777 Reservation International: 606-515-6777 Reservation Line (TDD) 877-833-6777 or by Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road. Trail Ridge Road is only open for seven miles (up to Many Parks Curve) and Old Fall River Road is completely closed to vehicular traffic. Offers natural history exhibits and a half-mile nature trail. In addition, be aware of the weather. Soak in Hot Springs: After a long winters day, there is nothing better than defrosting in a natural hot spring. This is a one-way dirt road with many very tight twists and hairpin turns. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. The Fall River Entrance is one of two major entrance stations on the east side of the park and is located on U Read more Old Fall River Rocky Mountain National Park When Erin isnt writing, she is exploring the mountains and rivers of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Photos from: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013. Whether you are coming from Atlanta or Zurich, youll have no trouble reaching DIA. The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. Both routes are based at the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from the Glacier Basin Campground. Youll then need to navigate to the page for Rocky Mountain National Park. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com. Think about your safety when recreating in Rocky Mountain National Park, Help protect Rocky - Learn About How to Leave No Trace, Take the Rocky Pledge and help protect the park and its resources, Learn more about ideas and strategies for RMNP's long-range visitor day use access planning, The Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is going to be under construction, Learn about the upcoming Moraine Park Campground and Headquarters East Utility Rehabilitation Project, 1000 US Hwy 36 Brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout abound. 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. WebEntrance Fees and Park Passes Learn what park pass is right for you Plan Your Fall Trip to Rocky Watch the hills come alive with color during the Fall season in RMNP Maps View