Planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? Before you lace up your hiking boots and set off on your alpine adventure, there’s one crucial step you don’t want to overlook—securing your Rocky Mountain National Park reservations.
Like many of the most popular U.S. national parks, RMNP now requires Timed Entry Reservations during peak season to help manage crowds and protect the park’s fragile ecosystems.
On top of that, if you’re planning to camp inside the park or venture into the backcountry, you’ll also need to snag a campground or wilderness permit reservation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry reservations—from securing a Timed Entry Permit to reserving a campsite or wilderness permit for an unforgettable night under the stars.
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Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations: Everything You Need to Know
Timed Entry Reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park
From late May through mid-October, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) requires a Timed Entry Reservation for all visitors driving a vehicle inside the park. These reservations are separate from the standard entrance fee, meaning you’ll need to secure both a Timed Entry Permit AND pay the park entrance fee.
There are two separate permit reservations for Rocky Mountain, depending on where in the park you want to visit:
The Timed Entry reservation allows entrance to any area of the Park, except the Bear Lake Corridor (Bear Lake Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Bierstadt Lake trailhead, Sprague Lake & others). Required 9AM to 2PM.
The Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservation allows access to trailheads and sights along Bear Lake road, the most popular area for hiking in the Park, as well as entrance to the rest of the park. Required 5AM to 6PM.
When Are Reservations Required?
Timed Entry Reservations are required from late May through mid-October, the most popular months for visiting the Park.
Timed Entry Reservations are required for entry between 9 AM and 2 PM. If you arrive before 9 AM or after 2 PM, you do NOT need a Timed Entry Reservation. However, during peak summer months, arriving early is highly recommended to secure parking and avoid crowds.
Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations are required to drive onto Bear Lake Road between 5AM to 6PM.
How to Book Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Reservations
Reservations are available through Recreation.gov and open in two phases:
Advance Reservations – Released on May 1, 2025 8 a.m. MDT for dates spanning late May through mid-October.
These tend to sell out VERY quickly, especially for weekends and holiday periods, so I suggest being logged in and ready right at 8AM if you want to score tickets during this time period.
Next-Day Reservations – A limited number of reservations are released at 5 PM MT the day before each entry date. If you weren’t able to grab an advance reservation, set a reminder for 4:55 PM MT and be ready to book as soon as they drop!
What If I Can’t Get a Timed Entry Reservation?
If you’re unable to secure a Timed Entry Permit, don’t despair, you still have a few options:
You can enter the park before 9 AM or after 2 PM – The reservation system only applies to entry between 9 AM and 2 PM, so if you’re an early riser or planning a sunset visit, you won’t need a permit.
I actually recommend arriving prior to 9AM if you’re not headed to the Bear Lake Road area – even if you have a Timed Entry Reservation.
When I visited in 2023, I wasn’t able to score a Timed Entry reservation and entered the park around 7:30 AM to drive Trail Ridge Road. And I had one of the most popular areas of the park completely to myself! Consider driving to one of Trail Ridge Road’s epic overlooks for sunrise and make the most of your day in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Want to visit Bear Lake Road for hikes like Emerald Lake, Sky Pond and Bear Lake? ➡️ Use the Hiker Shuttle!
This shuttle departs from the Estes Park Visitor Center and takes passengers to the Park & Ride Transit Hub inside Rocky Mountain National Park, located along Bear Lake Road.
Important details about the Hiker Shuttle:
- Reservations are required and must be booked through Recreation.gov
- Tickets cost $2 per transaction (not per person)
- Shuttle service operates seasonally from late spring through early fall
- The shuttle does NOT operate on the west side of the park or across Trail Ridge Road
While Hiker Shuttle reservations are required, they are usually easier to get than Park Access+ Timed Entry Reservations, making them a solid option if you don’t secure a regular vehicle entry pass.
Do Campers Need A Timed Entry Reservation? Campground, Backcountry, or Horseback Riding Reservations
If you have a campground or wilderness reservation or reservations at Glacier Creek Livery – some special rules and exceptions to the Timed Entry Reservation systems apply.
Make sure to read these rules carefully, because yes, it gets complicated.
Timed Entry Rules for Campground Reservations
If you have campground reservations at Rocky Mountain National Park, your reservation includes access to most areas of the park—but with some limitations.
Campers can enter the park starting at 1 PM on the first day of their campground reservation—this is also the official check-in time for all RMNP campgrounds.
If you want to arrive earlier in the day, you’ll need to either enter before Timed Entry hours begin (typically before 9 AM for most areas) or secure a separate Timed Entry Reservation for that morning.
Glacier Basin and Aspenglen Campground reservations include access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor, while Timber Creek Campground reservations do not.
If you’re staying at Longs Peak Campground (which is first-come, first-served and opens in early July), you’ll still need a Timed Entry Permit if arriving during reservation hours.
How to Show Your Camping Reservation at the Park Entrance
When arriving at the park’s entrance, have your campground reservation and a valid photo ID ready to show the ranger.
You can present a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. Cell service at the park entrance is basically non-existent, so don’t count on having the service to pull up your Recreation.gov account on-site.
Wilderness Backpacking Permits & Timed Entry Reservations
If you’re heading into the backcountry, your Wilderness Overnight Backpacking Permit doubles as your Timed Entry Reservation—but only after you’ve picked up a physical copy from one of RMNP’s two Wilderness Offices:
- East Side: Next to Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
- West Side: Inside Kawuneeche Visitor Center
Both locations are open daily from 7 AM – 3:30 PM.
Horseback Riding Reservations & Timed Entry
If you booked a horseback riding tour with Glacier Creek Livery inside RMNP, your ride reservation also serves as your Timed Entry Permit.
Riders can enter the park (including Bear Lake Road) up to two hours before their scheduled ride. Reservations can be made at rockymountainhorserides.com.
Don’t Forget: Entrance Fees Still Apply
Even if you have a camping, backpacking, or horseback riding reservation, you’ll still need to pay the standard park entrance fee at the gate or in advance via Recreation.gov.
Do I Need a Timed Entry Reservation for Outlying Areas of the Park like Longs Peak, and Wild Basin?
Yes! A Timed-Entry reservation is required to drive into ANY areas of Rocky Mountain National Park while the reservation system is in effect.
Timed Entry Reservations are required for all areas, including East Inlet, North Inlet, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, Lily Lake, and Lumpy Ridge.
Entrance Fees for Rocky Mountain National Park
Timed Entry Reservations do not cover the park entrance fee, which all visitors must pay upon arrival (or in advance via Recreation.gov).
Entrance Fees:
- Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for 1 day)
- Motorcycle: $25 (valid for 1 day)
- Individual (on foot or bike): $15 per person
- RMNP Annual Pass: $70 (great if you plan to visit multiple times in a year)
Traveling to more than 2 National Parks or National Forests this year? Purchase an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass for $80, which covers entrance fees at all National Parks and NPS managed sites.
Camping Reservations in Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want to spend a night under the stars, you’ll need to secure campground reservations in advance. RMNP has five front-country campgrounds, but four of them require reservations and fill up fast.
RMNP Campgrounds & Reservations
| Campground | Elevation | Open Season | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspenglen | 8,200 ft | Late May – Sep (Oct – May First Come, First Served) | Required (Oct – May First-come, First-served) |
| Glacier Basin | 8,500 ft | Late May – Sep | Required |
| Moraine Park | 8,160 ft | Year-round (Currently closed due to construction) | Required |
| Timber Creek | 8,900 ft | Late May – Sep | Required |
| Longs Peak | 9,500 ft | July – Early Sep | First-come, first-served (tents only) |
How to Book a Campsite
- Reservations for Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, Timber Creek and Moraine Park are available 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov.
- During winter, a select number of campsites are available at Aspenglen on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Longs Peak is first-come, first-served and can fill up early in the day, especially in peak season.
Camping inside the park is the best way to experience RMNP at sunrise and sunset, but if sites are full, there are also campgrounds and lodges available in Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Backcountry Wilderness Permit Reservations
For those looking to explore beyond the beaten path, RMNP offers a vast backcountry filled with alpine lakes, remote peaks, and untouched wilderness.
However, if you want to camp overnight in the backcountry, you’ll need a Wilderness Permit.
How to Get a Backcountry Permit
Backcountry camping permits are available via Recreation.gov and open for booking on March 1 each year.
- Highly competitive: Popular routes (like Sky Pond or Thunder Lake) book up within minutes when reservations open.
- Cost: $36 per trip.
- Group size: Max of 7 people per permit.
- Bear canisters required for food storage—no exceptions.
If you don’t secure a reservation, a limited number of same-day walk-up permits may be available at RMNP Wilderness Offices, but they’re first-come, first-served.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Rocky Mountain National Park reservations may seem overwhelming, but with a little planning, you can secure your Timed Entry Permit, camping reservations, or backcountry permit with ease.
Whether you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park for a day, a weekend, or taking an overnight trek into the backcountry, booking in advance ensures you can fully enjoy everything this incredible park has to offer.
Need a Timed Entry Permit? Set your reminder for May 1 and visit Recreation.gov to book yours!
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