When Does Timed-Entry Start at Rocky Mountain National Park?

Summer in Northern Colorado is quickly approaching, and before you know it, thousands of tourists will be in the region to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The summer months bring people from all over the world to the area, filling towns like Estes Park, in hopes of catching a glimpse of Colorado's wildlife.

Timed Entry Returns to Rocky Mountain National Park

In years past, Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a timed-entry system to reduce strain on its resources. This year will be no different. To gain access to Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer months, visitors must have a reservation to get through the gates.

These reservations have a two-hour window of availability; however, there is no set time to leave the park. General timed-entry reservations will allow visitors access to most of the park.

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If visitors would like to see the Bear Lake Road Corridor, a separate timed-entry permit will be required. This timed-entry reservation is probably the best option for those who would like to visit Bear Lake, because it gives you access to the entirety of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Timed Entry Returns to Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park's timed-entry reservations run from May 22, 2026, to October 13, 2026. Here are some important dates you need to know to plan your visit this summer to Rocky Mountain National Park:

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• May 1: Reservations to enter from May 22 through June 30.
• June 1: Reservations for July and any remaining days in June.
• July 1: Reservations for August and any remaining days in July.
• August 1: Reservations for September and any remaining days in August.
• September 1: Reservations for October and any remaining days in September.

Reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park can be made through recreation.gov.