This summer Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing a timed entry permit system in response to the need to the need for managing significant increases in visitation to public lands in Colorado and continued Covid-19 concerns, ongoing park seasonal staff shared housing challenges, reduced shuttle bus capacity and residual fire impacts in some areas of the park from historic fires in 2020. The reservations are bookable through recreation.gov.

The system will run from May 28 to October 11, 2021. To learn more about the park reservation system, visit the Rocky Mountain National Park website. Here's an overview:

• There will be two types of reservations available.
  • One permit will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which will include the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 am to 6 pm.
  • The second permit will be for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. This reservation period will be from 9 am to 3 pm. 
• Reservations to enter the park will go on sale through www.recreation.gov at 8 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Saturday, May 1. Reservations will be available to enter the park from May 28 through June 30. One June 1, the system will begin accepting reservations for the month of July. On August 1, reservations will be available for the month of September. On September 1, reservations will be available for October.
• Initially, 25 percent of permits will be held and available for purchase the day prior at 5 p.m. through recreation.gov. These are expected to sell out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible.

Consider booking a tour with one of our member guides. By using a guide service, you can bypass the member reservation system while also learning more about the flora, fauna, and history of this beautiful area! Contact the guides directly to book and learn what is included in their tours.

                                  

If you would like to hike and are unable to secure a timed entry permit, Brownfield's offers great suggestions for hiking beyond the Bear Lake Corridor and outside of Rocky Mountain National Park: 

Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes not in the Bear Lake Corridor (excluding areas impacted by the fires):

• Wild Basin Area
  • Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Ouzel Falls
  • Finch Lake
  • Thunder Lake
  • Ouzel Lake
  • Bluebird Lake
  • Sandbeach Lake
  • Pear Lake
  • Lion Lakes #1 & #2
• Longs Peak Area
  • Eugenia Mine
  • Estes Cone
  • Boulderfield
  • Keyhole
  • Chasm Lake
• Lumpy Ridge Area
  • Gem Lake
  • Balanced Rock
  • Lumpy Ridge Loop
  • Twin Owls
  • MacGregor Falls
• Cow Creek Area
  • West Creek Falls
  • Bridal Veil Falls
  • Fox Creek Falls
• Trail Ridge Road Area
  • Mt. Ida
  • Marmot Point
  • Toll Memorial
  • Lake Irene
  • Upper Ute Trail (Alpine Visitor Center to Milner Pass)
• Fall River Road Area
  • Lawn Lake/Crystal Lake
  • Alluvial Fan
  • Deer Mountain
  • Lake Ypsilon
  • Potts Puddle
  • Little Horseshoe Park

No reservation required:

• Lions Gulch
• Kruger Rock
• Homestead Meadows
• Prospect Mountain
• Old Man Mountain
• Lake Estes
• Lily Mountain
• East Portal Trailhead
• Homer Rouse Trail

Are you a local business owner? Here are some ideas to get help communicate the message about the timed entry permit system:

• Reassure guests that they can access Rocky Mountain National Park before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without a timed reservation permit (excluding the Bear Lake Corridor). Encourage guests to early because they must enter the park before 9 a.m. and there may be a line to enter. 
• Post signage in your store about the timed entry permit system describing both the permit systems and other hikes that are available for them to do outside of the Bear Lake corridor and outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.
• Ask your customers if they plan to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park while they are visiting the area. If they say yes, share with them about the reservation system.
• Share the information with your customers via your email marketing and social media
• Share the information with guests you have make an advance registration for the services you offer (lodging, groups events, etc.)
• Estes Park is more than just mountains! Estes offers boutique shopping, craft beverages, excellent dining options, and plenty of other visitor activities. While you're here, explore everything that we have to offer.  Shop Estes Park here.