RMNP switching to time-entry reservation on June 4

By Barb Boyer Buck
May 29, 2020

Rocky Mountain National Park opened on May 27 after access to the public was closed for more than two months to help mitigate the COVID19 crisis.  Masks are required to be worn anywhere six feet of distance between visitors cannot be maintained.

“(There were) approximately 2,500 vehicles Wednesday in the park,” said Kyle Patterson, Rocky’s Public Information Officer, “that's pretty comparable to last year's mid-week visitation after Memorial Day weekend.”  The Park’s shuttle buses were running and will continue to offer service during all phases of the reopening. However, ridership will be limited to 15 people per trip. 

Phase two of the entrance plans begins on June 4: a timed-entry reservation system with just 4,800 vehicles allowed entrance during set time periods from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Entry to the Park before and after those times will not require a reservation, but entrance fees still apply. 

“We are eager to welcome visitors back to their national park,” said RMNP Superintendent Darla Sidles. “This system will more safely manage the pace and flow of visitor use, reduce crowding, and provide an improved visitor experience in alignment with the park’s safe operational capacity.”   

“In this first phase, from May 27 through June 3, the park has reopened many outlying areas and basic park road and trail access,” stated a public release issued by Rocky. 
 
“(Until June 4) Park staff are evaluating the level of visitation and may meter access based on the level of visitation. This will be evaluated throughout each day. During these dates, visitors can only purchase entrance passes at entrance stations with credit cards. (Right now), visitors may be delayed entering or asked to return later if visitation and congestion warrants.”

During phase two, regular entrance fees apply and each reservation will cost an additional reservation fee of $2.  For those with annual passes, only the $2 fee will apply per reservation. Reservations can be canceled up to 72 hours before your time slot.

Anyone can make a timed-entry reservation right now for a visit planned between June 4 and July 31 for time periods between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. only at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300013  - do not contact the Park directly to make you reservation. 

Each reservation is per vehicle and applies to all areas accessed by vehicles in RMNP. 

Additional reservations will be released on July 1 for remaining dates in July and any dates in August.  This holds true for the subsequent months, through October, said RMNP.   In addition, ten percent of the total available reservations will go on sale two days prior to the requested date and will be available up to the timed entry window they are for, provided they have not been sold out. 

Visitors with campground reservations and wilderness camping permits will use those permits as their timed-entry reservations; entrance fees still apply and can be paid at the entrance station. 

“This process will facilitate advance payment of entrance fees, minimize contact between park entrance station staff and visitors and limit congestion in parking lots. The permit system will apply to all areas of the park,” RMNP stated.  

A commuter permit is available for residents of Boulder, Grand and Larimer counties who live within 50 miles of a park entrance station. This permit is for non-stop, non-recreational travel through the park, costs $25, and is good for three years. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/commuter_permits.htm
 
Additional frequently asked questions on the timed entry permit system can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm

---