Learn about getting to Rocky, the shuttle system, driving in the park, and parking in Estes Park. You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry Office or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Be prepared for deer, elk, turkey, or other animals to step out into the road at any time. This road is a narrow dirt road that is one-way uphill only with sharp switch backs. Most of the roads in the park have little to no shoulder, with the added challenge of dealing with heavy summer traffic. Trail Ridge Road is an actual highway connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake. Drink several quarts of water per day to ward off dehydration. Located at 8,200 ft elevation, with 54 sites. 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. located approximately nine miles south of the town of Estes Park on Route 7. The Never Summer Mountains sit on the western side of the park and consist of 10 distinct peaks, all rising well over 12,000 feet. It is multi-story and often has space. Find out all you need to know about transportation in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. Youll then need to navigate to the page for Rocky Mountain National Park. A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. Entrance Stations and Visitor Centers - Rocky Mountain National You may make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year. Even driving at high elevation can affect sensitive individuals. 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. 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. March is the snowiest month in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it milder than January and February temperature-wise. Summer are the high season with warm temperatures ranging in from mid 70s-80F during the day, but dropping into the low 40sF to near freezing. (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road corridor). If you already have an Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or other valid entrance Fees are not to be sent when requesting reservations, but are payable (by cash or check only) when the permit is issued. 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 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: On average, the month of March sees about 156,000 visitors more than double the number in February. WebPre-Climb Comments . What do I need to know for camping this winter? 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. If you begin to feel sick or experience any physical problems descend to lower elevations. Here are the many options for national park entrance fees. Next youll select the date and time you want to enter and add it to your cart. Old Fall River Road is open to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers through November 30. So, if you were visiting on July 10th and forgot to get your permit on June 1st, you could try at 5pm on July 9th. WebAll visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. Timed Entry Permit System - Rocky Mountain National Park Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails. RMNP is one of the few national parks that offers a one-day vehicle entrance pass. 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 While safe to drive for most passenger vehicles, Old Fall River Road has a dirt surface and is winding and narrow. The Gem Lake trail is a steep climb up to a picturesque alpine lake at the top of a ridge. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. During the winter season, motorists cannot drive over the top of Trail Ridge Road. A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) - NPS In Estes Park in March, you can expect a high of 44F (6C) and low of 23F (-5C) and an average snowfall of 8.6 inches. Snowshoeing:a visit in March will almost guarantee that you need snowshoes for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a perfect time to explore trails on snowshoes, dance on ice skates, or hit the sledding hills. These buses run every 30 minutes from 6:30am until 7:30pm. All sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations taken). The day pass was implemented in October 2015. As well as a timed-entry permit you must also show a national park (or interagency) pass to gain entry. $20 per night during the reservation period and when water is on; $14 per night the rest of the year. Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. The next mile climbs up the western slopes of Deer Mountain along switchbacks. They specify which day and what time you are allowed to enter. 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. The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN) [3] located about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the park, with connecting service to most major US cities. All are welcome. In the west, moose can be found in Kawuneeche Valley. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Mountain National Park. QGIS Geographic Information System. Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? 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. No prior experience is needed. Copyright 2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Marmots seem to be ubiquitous above the tree line, especially on well-hiked trails around Longs Peak. At the same time, you should remember that these roads are for getting places. 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. Be prepared for varying conditions when driving on Trail Ridge Road. Take in stunning views of Mount Chapin and Chasm Falls as you climb through the sub-alpine and into the alpine life zones. Elevations range from 8,000 feet to 12,183 feet (2,400 to 3,700 m). Soak in Hot Springs: After a long winters day, there is nothing better than defrosting in a natural hot spring. If you plan to stay in a crosscountry area, indicate the area(s) and elevation where you wish to camp. 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. Both routes are based at the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from the Glacier Basin Campground. Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is likely be a more stressful trip in the winter than in the summer as there is inherently more to prepare and more that could go wrong. Most areas of the park sit well above 9,000 feet with mountains along the Continental Divide topping off at above 12,000 feet. To be sure, it is still winter, but the temperatures are much more mild than December, January, and February. Starting around Memorial Day Weekend and going through the end of September, Rocky Mountain National Park operates a free shuttle bus service which enables you to access many destination and loop hikes along Bear Lake Road, including Sprague Lake and Glacier Gorge, to cut down on traffic congestion and limited parking. Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 WebTimed Entry Permit Reservations are required, along with a park pass or entrance fee, to enter Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023. Ice climbing:Rocky Mountain National Park is a world-class destination for ice climbing. Located at 9,500 ft elevation and open year-round, this tent-only campground has 26 sites. If youve never been hiking or skiing in deep snow, beware that avalanche conditions could exist. If caught in a lightning storm above treeline get away from summits and isolated trees and rocks and find shelter (but avoid small cave entrances and overhangs) and crouch down on your heels. When the traction law is in place in RMNP, if a vehicle is involved in a motor vehicle crash, to include sliding off the road due to icy conditions, motorists will be cited if their vehicle does not meet Colorado Traction Control Law requirements. Soaking in 200,000 gallons of naturally steamy spring water will ease your every ache and pain. 22. Arches Park The first route, known as the Bear Lake Route, runs from Park & Ride Transit Hub to Bear Lake with stops at the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead and the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Roads may be snowpacked and icy. Its a challenging activity that requires patience and the right conditions. Be vigilant for thunderstorms in the early to late afternoons, where lightning can create a serious hazard. 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. This meeting is free and open to the public. 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. Colorado Traction Control Law may be implemented as conditions require. 80517. Read more about park pass options below. Conditions at 5,000 feet are dramatically different from conditions above 8,000 feet. Depending on which entrance you choose, there are rentals for both activities available in Estes Park (east entrance) and Grand Lake (west entrance). 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. When you return to the lodge after a day of winter exploration, cozy up with a home-cooked meal and enjoy a good nights sleep in a luxurious bed. Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. The roads winding through the park are filled with numerous dangers, including dozens of hairpin turns and edges with steep drops and no guard rail. Plan Your Visit - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. 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Near the beginning of the trail, near the eastern shore of Bear Lake, is a fantastic view of Hallett Peak. Park passes however are required all year long, but they can be purchased at the park entrance. There are 60 miles (97 km) of hard-surfaced road with a five to seven percent grade. eight (8) persons and one camping unit Parking Check in is at 1:00 p.m. Road conditions can vary greatly during the winter season. 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 Make sure to pack more food than you think you need. Youll have views of Little Horseshoe Park and the Mummy Range on your left as you travel east. Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road. If you plan on visiting for more than one day, pick up WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. Fees are good for the same group for seven days. Take US34 ( Big Thompson Canyon) from Estes Park to Loveland. 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". Rocky Mountain Park Entrance Fees As with all National Parks, there is a fee for entering Rocky Mountains National Park. at Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, Open daily May 28 - October 11 (2010 season). Fall River Entrance The state of Colorado has a fantastic resource to check the currentavalanche conditions. She will speak to the League of Women Voters on Rocky Mountain National Park In addition, be aware of the weather. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. Brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout abound. This road is normally well-graded and so any normal car should not have any trouble driving it. A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The entire park is above 7,500 feet and ranges as high as 14,259 feet, so it is important to take time to acclimate before undertaking strenuous activities. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Photos from: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013. Rocky Mountain National Park [1] is a United States National Park that is located in the Front Range region of the state of Colorado. A bright, sunny day can turn windy and wet within a matter of minutes with high winds and driving rain or snow. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. On January 26, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill that established the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park. There is a $20 administrative fee for permits during peak season periods (non-refundable). She has been with superintendent for seven years. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and 80517. Thunderstorms are constantly looming in the early to mid afternoon during the summer, but clear off quickly by evening, bringing crisp and cool weather. He began to lobby Congress to establish a national park in the area surrounding Longs Peak, a mountain he had climbed over 40 times by himself. However, due to spring break for school-aged kids and college students alike the numbers start to creep up when the calendar page turns to March. At Grand Lake in March, there is a high of 43F (1C) and 9F (-16C) and an average snowfall of 13.4 inches. Holders of the National Park Pass ($80, allows entry to all national park areas for one year) do not need to pay an entrance fee. To this end, it is wise to have a reliable vehicle and always pack extra food, water, flares, and blankets in case of an emergency. Whether you're planning a single visit or coming back multiple times a year, enjoy the convenience of purchasing a Rocky Mountain National Park site-specific digital pass online before you arrive. Park your vehicle in one of these spaces and then find either a pay station or a sign which lists the various ways you can pay. Offers natural history exhibits and a half-mile nature trail. The trailhead to Longs Peak and other destinations is a short distance away. From the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, a good trail leads to Flattop Mountain and then a short 400 foot climb leads to the summit of Hallett. Weekend hours vary based on the season. Reservations to Enter Rocky Mountain National Park The Grand Lake entrance is about 2.5 hours away from the airport. - 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. Visit the national park's shuttle page for more details. Also note that high elevation increases the chance of dehydration, severe sunburn, and the aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions. Rocky Mountain National Park For the most current information on Trail Ridge Road. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. The small sites (#1 & 13) fit 9 - 15 people and a maximum of three vehicles. If you are looking for reliable group transportation around the Centennial State, Denver Charter Bus Company is the way to go. 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. If youre seeking more miles, at this juncture you have the option to continue to Emerald Lake (0.6 miles) or to Lake Haiyaya (0.9 miles). Credit/Debit Cards Only Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. CO Obtaining Permits and Passes for Rocky Mountain National Park They cannot be purchased at the entrance stations to the national park. located along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on U.S. Highway 34 approximately 10 miles north of Grand Lake. Eleven miles of the paved road through the heart of the park is above 11,500 feet and Peep the cliffs in the Northern area at Many Parks Curve of the park to spot bighorn sheep. For the most up-to-date information from the national park about the timed-entry permit system, visit: the National Park website. Other park campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and fill on most summer days. However, you will always need a park pass. Rangers can also provide information on what to do in the park. Evidence of Native American peoples visiting the area date back almost 10,000 years, mainly from the Ute and Arapaho communities. Rocky Mountain National Park 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. Extreme weather can change the status of Trail Ridge Road at any timebe ready to adjust your travel plans if needed, and always check the weather before you start your drive. I suggest doing this in advance. 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! Several different entrance fee and pass options are available. It is about a 90-minute drive to the eastern edge of the park from the airport. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. Entrance Stations and Visitor Centers - Rocky Mountain National 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. To learn about the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park, click this link to visit the park's. Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit Reservations Early mornings or late evening rides may minimize conflict with other vehicles. How to Make a , 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. List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or crosscountry area where you plan to stay. The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. Ice Skating: There is a dedicated ice skating rink at Trout Haven, in Estes Park. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations WebBe advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. What do I need to know for camping this winter? Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round on both the east and west side of the park. A large percentage of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park fly to Denver International Airport (DIA). All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that dont have a physical entrance to drive through. 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 If youd like to avoid paying for parking, there are alternatives. - 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. Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation, 1000 US Hwy 36 Off-road mountain biking is prohibited inside the park. Considering the park's high altitude, the weather trends closer toward moderate four-season climate than edging on the extremes. The Federal lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) funds projects in Rocky Mountain National Park that will help improve visitor experience and protect resources for future generations. This system is used during the busy season, late May through mid-October. Note that snow conditions should be considered before hiking as higher elevations will be snow-covered later into the year. The biggest benefit of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is that there are significantly less visitors during the winter months. There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 40 feet. A fee will be assessed commercial tour vehicles based on passenger capacity. 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. Additionally, rain, snow, ice, or fog can appear any moment without warning, making it even more treacherous. During the busy season (late May through mid-October) you will need a timed-entry permit during peak hours, as well as a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. , Estes 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.
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