Include your name, address, zip code and telephone number. The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturdays - Sundays during the winter season. Valid for date of purchase. No prior experience is needed. 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. On the right youll have views of Moraine Park, Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and the Continental Divide. The park is dominated by Longs Peak, one of Colorado's 54 "Fourteeners" at 14,259 feet and dubbed the "Monarch of the Front Range". It may still seem busy when you visit, but it was much busier before this system was implemented. WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. NOTE: While the park is open year-round, the Trail Ridge Road closes in the winter and may not open until the late spring or early summer, depending on the snowpack. Park streams may contain Giardia and other water borne diseases, so always purify water before drinking. Be vigilant for thunderstorms in the early to late afternoons, where lightning can create a serious hazard. Make sure to look west for view of the snow-capped 12,922 ft Stones Peak. WebQuestion: Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular park for outdoor recreation activities in Colorado. Most of the roads in the park have little to no shoulder, with the added challenge of dealing with heavy summer traffic. They include access to 2,000 federal recreation areas throughout the United States, including Rocky Mountain National Park. The west side of the Park at Grand Lake (8,300 feet) has more snow, but less wind. Rocky Mountain National Park Drink several quarts of water per day to ward off dehydration. Sightsee on a Bus Tour: Ifyoud rather stay warm and dry to see the sights, there is an option to book a winter bus tour with Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Lastly, youll go through the checkout process and pay for the permits. This means the total seating capacity, not the actual number of people. Skate rentals are available. Rocky Mountain National Park It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. WebPre-Climb Comments . 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. 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. Our 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking Spots are all within 20 min. This recorded phone line has the most up-to-date information on the status of Trail Ridge Road. CO Next youll select the date and time you want to enter and add it to your cart. Below are five recommendations for lower elevation winter hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park: On this short but sweet hike, normally one of the most popular hikes in the summer, youll travel through the subalpine forest filled with spruce, fir, lodgepole pine, and aspen. Estes Park, 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: The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary 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. 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. 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. Here's a map for the 2022 summer shuttle service in Estes Park. I suggest doing this in advance. The Bear Lake Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and Bear Lake. If youre new to the sport you can book a trip with a guide in Estes Park, the Colorado Mountain School or Kent Mountain Adventure Center. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. If you have improperly rated tires on your vehicle, then you must use an approved traction control device. Marmots seem to be ubiquitous above the tree line, especially on well-hiked trails around Longs Peak. She will speak to the League of Women Voters on A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. If youre new to snowshoeing, this is a perfect short hike to get you started. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers, All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in April, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in August, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in December, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in February, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in January, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in July, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in June, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in May, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in November, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in October, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in September, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March. Moose mainly stay on the western side of the park and Bighorn Sheep - a rare but exciting find - stay above the tree line and can sometimes be seen off the Trail Ridge Road. 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. WebTake I-25 north to Exit 243 (Hwy 66) to Estes Park From Denver via the Peak to Peak Scenic By-way Distance: 108 mi 174 km Time: 2.53 hours Take I-70 west to Exit 244 Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Eleven miles of the paved road through the heart of the park is above 11,500 feet and Covers one motorcycle. off the Bear Lake Road, 1 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, Open May 1 through October 11 (2010 season). You must have a backcountry/wilderness permit to camp overnight in the park's backcountry/wilderness. One advantage to a winter trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is that oftentimes the lodges are nearly half the price, specifically in Estes Park. These include: Vehicle or motorcycle entrance passes valid for 1-day only, Vehicle or motorcycle entrance passes valid for 7-consecutive days, The Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass. 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 Rocky Mountain National Park WebHalf-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Mountains to Sky Tour" - RMNPhotographer. Another option is to park at the Fairgrounds. Timed Entry Permit System - Rocky Mountain National 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). This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, of the main entrance. 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. AWD and 4WD vehicles are advised. This meeting is free and open to the public. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Early mornings or late evening rides may minimize conflict with other vehicles. Photos from: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013. Visit the national park's shuttle page for more details. A large percentage of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park fly to Denver International Airport (DIA). Most of the roads in the park can only be accessed by personal car as the shuttle only covers a very small portion of the park. If you already have an Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or other valid entrance A second option is Sprague Lake, a 3.3 mile loop that is perfect for the beginner skier since it is mostly flat. This is a one-way dirt road with many very tight twists and hairpin turns. Those who are nervous around heights may want to leave the driving to someone else for the higher portions of this road. Ice climbing:Rocky Mountain National Park is a world-class destination for ice climbing. CO Valid for date of purchase. A great stopping point along the road is the Alpine Visitor Center at the Fall River Pass, which sits at almost 11,800 feet. 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 ). Fees and passes can also be purchased online through Recreation.gov. 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. WebAll visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups at any campsites. 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. Be careful on snowfields, particularly on steep slopes where avalanche dangers may be high. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. - including the interagency Annual Pass, the Interagency Annual Senior Pass, the Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass, the Interagency Access Pass, the Annual Military Pass, and the 4th Grade Pass. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and Water is available at the entrance stations, visitor centers, and during summer months, the campgrounds. March in Rocky Mountain National Park is cold and snowy, but milder than January and February. one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on U.S. Route 34 at the entrance to the park. Elevations range from 8,000 feet to 12,183 feet (2,400 to 3,700 m). It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear Youll hit a trail junction about a tenth of a mile in. WebThe main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. If youd like to avoid paying for parking, there are alternatives. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com. located along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on U.S. Highway 34 approximately 10 miles north of Grand Lake. Here are the many options for national park entrance fees. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and 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. Finally, make sure to bring at least 3 liters of water. Rocky Mountain National Park [1] is a United States National Park that is located in the Front Range region of the state of Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park Of course, any of the roads in the Park present winter driving conditions slippery ice and blowing snow. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. Both routes are based at the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from the Glacier Basin Campground. The park's borders lie within three counties, Larimer, Boulder, and Grand, and it is surrounded by Roosevelt, Arapaho, and Routt National Forests. 80517. 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. You just have to arrive before the permitting time begins in the morning or after the permitting time ends in the afternoon or evening. Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. Timed-entry permits are NOT required from October 11th 2022 through mid-May 2023. Rocky Mountain National Park It is about a 90-minute drive to the eastern edge of the park from the airport. Conditions can change quickly and visitors should be prepared for wind, snow, ice, rain, and freezing temperatures to occur at any time. Arches National Park Utah. From there you can walk on the paved riverwalk and be in town in just a couple of minutes. The large sites (7, 8 & 9) fit 26- 40 people and a maximum of five vehicles. 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 Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations 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. It is imperative to check the current road conditions before you head out. There is no alcohol for sale anywhere in the park. The timed-entry permits are per-vehicle, not per person. Near the beginning of the trail, near the eastern shore of Bear Lake, is a fantastic view of Hallett Peak. 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 timed-entry permit system could change as the national park refines the system. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. From late May through mid-October there is a shuttle system for the very busy Bear Lake corridor. Entrance Altitude sickness symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat and insomnia. Youll trek across frozen mountain lakes and through alpine meadows. Rocky Mountain National Park The water is turned off in the winter at all year-round campgrounds but drinking water is available at entrance stations and open visitor centers. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. Rocky Mountain National Park 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 Annual and lifetime passes may not be used to pay for commercial tours. Estes Park, SR-7 runs from Boulder via Lyons and Allenspark along the east side of the park, passing the Longs Peak Ranger Station and intersects US-36 in Estes Park. A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. Rocky Mountain National Park was founded in 1915 and is located in Northern Colorado close to the Estes Park and Grand Lake towns in the US. Youll want to select Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry. Reservations accepted and recommended. You may obtain day-of-trip permits in person year round. In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to It is first-come, first-served, with no reservations taken. There are five drive-in campgrounds and two group camping areas in the park (one group campground is winter only, one is summer only). (Limit of 7 per party for individual campsites and crosscountry areas. What do I need to know for camping this winter? A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These passes are available for purchase in-person at park entrance stations or via the USGS Online Store. Simply follow highway 36 through downtown Estes The campground is seasonal, opening (in 2010) on May 26 and closing on September 25. On May 1, Timed Entry When setting out on trail in temperatures at or below freezing, be prepared with plenty of extra warm layers, a waterproof jacket and pants, and hiking shoes/boots for your snowshoes. For the most up-to-date information from the national park about the timed-entry permit system, visit: the National Park website. and the America the Beautiful The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series - including the interagency Annual Pass, the Interagency Annual Senior Pass, the Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass, the Interagency Access Pass, the Annual Military Pass, and the 4th Grade Pass. includes access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States. Make sure to pack more food than you think you need. 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. This is one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park with good reason. 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. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, and Kyle Patterson, Management Specialist and Public Affairs Officer for the Park will be the featured speakers at the League of Women Voters of Estes Park Learn with the League program Wednesday, March 15 at 10 a.m. However, you will always need a park pass. A bookstore offers items for purchase and handicapped accessible restrooms are available. They cannot be purchased at the entrance stations to the national park. At the same time, you should remember that these roads are for getting places. CO Visitor Information | 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. WebThe majority of visitors use the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. Synthetic (non-cotton) socks are essential for keeping your feet warm even if they get wet. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park She has been with superintendent for seven years. Other park campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and fill on most summer days. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park The small sites fit 10 - 15 people, medium sites 16 - 25 people, and large sites 26 - 40 people. As you begin your hike, youll cross the Big Thompson River and travel along the western edge of Moraine Park. If youre new to high elevations and alpine and sub-alpine exploration, consider booking aguided snowshoe tour. The rest of the park falls under the permitting system from 9am-3pm and this permit is often easier to obtain. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. Learn all about what to expect visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March (Written by Erin McCarthy). It is about 1.5 hours to the park. Bonus: on the weekends there is a warming hut nearby. Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking Colorado From late May through October 2nd there is a bus that leaves from Table Mesa Park-N-Ride on weekends and holidays. 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. Estes Park Mountain Shophas rentals and many of the lodges in town provide free snowshoes for their guests. Whether you are coming from Atlanta or Zurich, youll have no trouble reaching DIA. 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. There is a $20 administrative fee for permits during peak season periods (non-refundable). 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. Offers natural history exhibits and a half-mile nature trail. Rocky Mountain National Park Guide The stone steps in the trail can be 15-20 inches high. Hallett is a 12,712 feet peak on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. This information is available 24 hours a day. 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. Visitors line up at Rocky Mountain National Parks Fall River Entrance Station, near Estes Park, on July 21, 2021. 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. Grand Lake Entrance. 80517. Read more about park pass options below. , 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. Use Trail Ridge Road to return. Peep the cliffs in the Northern area at Many Parks Curve of the park to spot bighorn sheep. 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. During the winter season, motorists cannot drive over the top of Trail Ridge Road. There is almost always space here and a free town shuttle comes by regularly to take you the short distance into town. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. Department of Defense Identification Card; Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC); Veterans designation on a state-issued drivers license or identification card. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation, 1000 US Hwy 36 A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in March requires a significant amount of planning. 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. Park Roads - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Depending on which entrance you choose, there are rentals for both activities available in Estes Park (east entrance) and Grand Lake (west entrance). 80517. Estes Park is more of a Chartering an appropriately sized vehicle will make keeping your group together during travel easy. Its a challenging activity that requires patience and the right conditions. Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. 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. WebThe 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. WebRocky Mountain National Park has two entrances: Beaver Meadow Grand Lake The nearest airport to the Beaver Meadow entrance is in Denver, Colorado. 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. A 20-minute film on the park is also shown on request. You may make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. Roads may be snowpacked and icy. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! October 25, 2022 | Fall River Entrance Construction will begin the week of October 31, 2022 for a new and improved entrance station at the Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. enjoy the natural world. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that dont have a physical entrance to drive through. Both areas offer excellent spots for high altitude alpine hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing, as well as ample opportunity for spotting wildlife. Fees are good for the same group for seven days. Always check NPS.gov for RMNP entry details, timed-entry reservations, and park regulations. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit Reservations 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 The last bus of the day leaves Bear Lake and Fern Lake trailheads at 7:30 p.m. Next you will have two choices: Park Access +" (Includes Bear Lake Corridor) or Park Access" (Excludes Bear Lake Rd Corridor). Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. WebYour Rocky Mountain Hideout! Our Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoe tours include: Lodge-based Rocky Mountain Snowshoe Tour this is a 4-day adventure with local lodging in Estes Park, transportation into the Park each day, snowshoe, backpacks and ski poles, all meals and snacks (including hot drinks on the trail), and a professional Colorado mountain guide. Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way road only. 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. Off-road mountain biking is prohibited inside the park. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Mountain National Park. The 13,000-foot Mummy Range rests on the northern side of Rocky Mountain National Park with two roads skirting long its southern edges: a one-way, dirt road that winds up the Fall River called the Old Fall River Road; and a section of Highway 34 famously known as the Trail Ridge Road.