National Park Service Finalizes Day Use Visitor Access Plan at Rocky Mountain National Park5/30/2024 The National Park Service has finalized a Day Use Visitor Access Plan for Rocky Mountain National Park to manage day use visitor access in a way that protects the park's resources, maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, and supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations.
The plan establishes two timed entry reservation systems from late-May through mid-October, one for the Bear Lake Road Corridor and one for the rest of the park. This is similar to what the park has piloted the last three summers and is the current operational plan for this summer. The reservation systems have been successful at spreading visitor use out throughout the day and throughout the park. The ability to be flexible and adapt the timed entry reservation systems to changing use patterns is a key element of the Day Use Visitor Access Plan. Park staff will continue to learn from this year’s pilot and adapt accordingly when considering future purchase lead times and reservation windows from year to year. Approval of the Day Use Visitor Access Plan is the culmination of extensive planning, public engagement, and managed access pilots that began in 2016. The Day Use Visitor Access Plan, Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact, and other reference documents are available on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ROMO_DUVAS To learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park and to plan for your next trip, visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/romo, download the NPS App, or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
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On Thursday, May 16, the body of Lucas Macaj, 23, of Colorado Springs, Colorado was recovered on Mills Glacier, near the base of Lamb’s Slide. Initial investigations indicate he took a significant fall. Rocky Mountain National Park rangers completed an on-scene investigation and recovery operations took place by helicopter. His body was flown to a landing zone in Rocky Mountain National Park and transferred to the Boulder County Coroner’s Office. Macaj was reported overdue late Sunday night after attempting to summit Longs Peak on Sunday, May 12. Macaj started from the Longs Peak Trailhead early Sunday, to summit Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route. Macaj was last heard from at approximately 1 p.m. Sunday, May 12, when he texted a friend indicating that he was on the summit of Longs Peak. Significant storms moved through high elevations in the park Sunday afternoon. Search efforts began on Monday and have included air reconnaissance, ground teams and dog teams searching the Longs Peak Trail and along the Keyhole Route, glassing areas above Black Lake, areas above Sandbeach Lake, the Hunter’s Creek Drainage to the base of Keplinger’s Coulier, and areas near Chasm Lake to the Loft. Several agencies and organizations have been assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members with search and recovery efforts. Flight for Life Air Ambulance, the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), and Colorado Army National Guard assisted with air reconnaissance operations. Also assisting were the Colorado Search and Rescue Association (CSAR), Search and Rescue Dogs of the United States, Larimer County SAR Dog Team, assisted by Boulder County Sheriff Dog Team, as well as Park County SAR Dog Team and El Paso County SAR Dog Team. The Boulder County Coroner’s office will release the cause of death.  Monday, May 13, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers began search efforts for Lucas Macaj, 23, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was reported overdue late last night after attempting to summit Longs Peak yesterday. Early this morning rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the Longs Peak Trailhead. Macaj was last heard from at approximately 1 p.m., Sunday, May 12, when he texted a friend indicating that he was on the summit of Longs Peak. Significant storms moved through high elevations in the park Sunday afternoon. Macaj started from the Longs Peak Trailhead early Sunday, to summit Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route. He is likely wearing a dark colored top, tan or brown pants, khaki-colored boots, and a black backpack. He may also be wearing a beanie and dark colored gloves. Macaj is described as 5’9,” 155 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Search efforts Monday have included air reconnaissance, a heat sensing fixed-wing flight and ground teams on the Longs Peak Trail to the Ledges on the Keyhole Route. Search efforts have also taken place on the Boulder Brook Trail. Air reconnaissance has focused on the Keyhole Route including The Ledges, The Trough, The Narrows, The Homestretch and the saddle between Longs Peak and Mount Meeker. Park rangers are also continuing investigations. Assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members with air reconnaissance today include Flight for Life Air Ambulance and aircraft from the State of Colorado Department of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) including a fixed wing aircraft outfitted with infrared and color sensors and a helitak crew for helicopter air reconnaissance. If you have information that could help investigators, if you may have seen Lucas Macaj, or if you were in the areas listed above on May 12, please contact us. You don't have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know. CALL or TEXT the National Park Service Investigative Services Bureau Tip Line 888-653-0009, ONLINE formwww.nps.gov/ISB or EMAIL nps_isb@nps.gov. -NPS- NPS Provided Photos
Rocky Mountain National Park is proposing a change in its current camping fees at four campgrounds beginning next year, in 2025.
The park is proposing a 10-dollar increase to overnight fees at four reservation campgrounds including Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, Aspenglen and Timber Creek Campgrounds. This proposed increase in summer fees would be from $35 to $45 per night. There is also a proposed additional increase of $10 for the new electrical sites that are being constructed at the Moraine Park Campground. The proposed fee for these forty-nine electrical sites is $55 per night. There are no fee changes to group sites, the Longs Peak Campground which is a first come, first-served summer campground with no water available, or winter rates. These proposed campground fee increases are based on comparable fees for similar services in nearby campgrounds. The proposed fee increases are necessary for Rocky Mountain National Park to improve and maintain high-quality visitor services.While basic park operations are funded by direct appropriations from Congress, the recreation use fees collected by the park are used to support new projects and the ongoing maintenance of park facilities that directly enhance the visitor experience. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) is the legislation that allows the park to collect entrance and amenity fees. This law allows parks like Rocky Mountain National Park to retain 80 percent of the fees collected in park for use on projects that directly enhance the experience of park visitors. The remaining 20 percent of all collected fees is distributed for use throughout the National Park System. Some of the projects funded through the collection of entrance station and campground fees at Rocky Mountain National Park include:
Public engagement is an important part of the park’s planning process. Rocky Mountain National Park is accepting public comments on the proposed fee increases. Please submit all comments to: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/RMNP_FrontcountryCampground_Fees_2024 Comments may also be submitted via mail to: Rocky Mountain National Park Office of the Superintendent 1000 US Hwy 36 Estes Park, CO 80517 Please be advised, before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. Although you can ask in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee we will be able to do so. All public comments on the proposed fee increases will be accepted through May 23, 2024. For additional information on Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206. Celebrate National Park Week, National Volunteer Week, Earth Day, and National Junior Ranger Day at Rocky Mountain National Park. What is National Park Week? This is a week-long celebration of our national parks that begins on Saturday, April 20 and continues through Sunday, April 28, 2024.
On Saturday, April 20: National Park Week kicks off with a fee free day. All park entrance fees will be waived on this date. Camping, overnight wilderness backpacking, and all other administrative fees remain in effect. Additional activities include: On the east side of the park, join NPS and Rocky Mountain Conservancy staff at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore informational booths and fun interactive activities for all ages.
Join us on the east side of RMNP at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center at 2 p.m. for the presentation “Dr. Steller’s Jay: A Living History Presentation Done in the Person of G.W. Steller,” with Pete Devine, former Yosemite Conservancy Education Director (retired). This special talk is the final presentation in Rocky Mountain National Park and Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s 2024 Winter Speaker Series. To learn more, visit https://rmconservancy.org/upcoming-events/ Unable to visit in person? Join Rocky’s online celebration! Follow us @RockyNPS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We will be sharing fun and interesting stories all week long! To learn more about Rocky Mountain National Park and to plan for your next trip, visit our website at www.nps.gov/romo, download the NPS App, or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206. -NPS- Voluntary automated gate transponders are available for purchase at Rocky Mountain National Park for annual and lifetime passholders, including RMNP, America the Beautiful, Senior, Military, Veterans, Access and Fourth grade passes. There is currently a transponder lane at Beaver Meadows Entrance and a new transponder lane is being constructed at Fall River Entrance. The lane at the Grand Lake Entrance is being reconstructed after it was destroyed in the East Troublesome Fire. The transponder lanes will be closed in 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the timed entry reservation system is in effect (May 24 to October 15).
A transponder is a small, credit card-sized device that must be attached to a vehicle’s window. The amenity fee for those interested in this voluntary transponder is $15. One transponder may be purchased per valid annual or lifetime pass and the transponder is valid for up to one year. It can be renewed each year for $5 after the initial purchase. Transponders must be attached to a vehicle’s window and are non-removable, non-transferable, and non-refundable. When using a transponder in the park, visitors must have their passes with them as well. The transponders are available for purchase at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Thursdays and Sundays beginning on February 22 through May 2, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning on Sunday May 5, transponders will be available for purchase on Sundays only at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to noon. Transponder lanes assist passholders and park staff by reducing queuing and congestion at entrance stations particularly on busy winter weekends, as well as prior to 9 a.m. and after 2 p.m. during months when timed entry reservation permits are in place. In 2004, Rocky Mountain National Park constructed a fast pass lane at the Beaver Meadows Entrance and in 2011, an additional fast pass lane was installed at the Grand Lake Entrance. Rocky Mountain National Park was one of the only national parks with fast pass lanes for visitors. Visitors who purchased an annual park pass or lifetime pass were able to use their pass to operate the automated gate. However, in 2019, the National Park Service modified the format of annual and lifetime passes. The new national passes are not compatible with the park’s fast pass gate system technology and the fast pass gate has not been operational for the last few years. Based on this change, the park has transitioned to windshield transponders for interested annual and lifetime passholders to access the transponder lane, outside of any pilot timed entry permit reservation system times, which in 2024 is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24 to October 15. For additional information about Rocky Mountain National Park, visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.  Each year, to protect breeding and nesting sites of raptors (also known as birds of prey), Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in the park. Raptors that are protected include multiple species of hawks, owls, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons.
To ensure that these birds can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during their breeding and nesting season. These areas are monitored by park wildlife managers. Raptor closures begin on February 15 and continue through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date depending on nesting activity. A closure is in place in the Loch Vale area which includes Cathedral Wall. The areas above the Loch Vale-Sky Pond Trail are closed to off trail travel. In the Lumpy Ridge area closures include Checkerboard Rock, Lightning Rock, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Sundance, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Bookmark Pinnacle, The Left Book, Bookmark, Twin Owls, Rock One and the Needle. These closures include the named formations. Closures include all climbing routes, outcroppings, cliffs, faces, ascent and descent routes and climber access trails to the named rock formations. Check the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/romo/raptor-closures.htm for all details on specific raptor closure areas, including maps. The National Park Service is committed to preserving birds of prey. If nest sites are located or territorial behaviors such as aggressive divebombing/vocalizing or birds fleeing nest sites due to human disturbance are observed, please report the general location to ROMO_Information@nps.gov. The same cliffs that are critical for raptors also appeal to climbers. The cooperation of climbing organizations and individuals continues to be essential to the successful nesting of raptors in the park. For further information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.  Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) invites you to explore research, monitoring, and management during the Biennial Research Conference “Challenges and Collaborations for Changing Landscapes” on March 6-7 at the Ridgeline Hotel in Estes Park. Scientific research is an integral part of science-informed decision making and adaptive management at RMNP. The park utilizes a collaborative research process in which park staff and research partners co-produce science to address management questions.
The Biennial Research Conference is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. It is free and open to all who are interested in attending. No pre-registration is required. Conference highlights include 27 oral presentations by research partners and park staff, a poster session highlighting 20 research and public engagement activities in the park, a Visitor Use Management Question and Answer Panel with park staff, and a Conversation Café in which members of the public can engage in structured, small-group discussions about moose and vital wetland ecosystems in the park. Oral presentations are organized into sessions covering related subjects. Sessions will focus on wildfire recovery, cultural resource stewardship, vegetation and forestry science, visitor use management, wildlife challenges, air and water quality monitoring, and wetland ecosystem challenges and stressors. Oral presentations in the wetland ecosystem session will also be available to attend virtually. Conference events begin at 8:00 am each day and conclude at 5:30 pm on March 6 and 5:00 pm on March 7. For a complete schedule of events, to access the wetland ecosystems session virtually, and other accessibility information, visit: go.nps.gov/RMNPConference2024 The conference will take place in the Ballroom of the Ridgeline Hotel, located at 101 S Saint Vrain Avenue, Estes Park, CO. For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.  A park visitor is cross-country skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Courtesy RMNP For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is less crowded. With a blanket of snow on the ground, visitors can enjoy the natural quiet. Cross-country skiing is a fun and challenging wintertime activity that offers new ways to explore the majestic scenery of Rocky. For those interested in exploring the park with a park ranger, this February RMNP is offering ranger-led ski tours on the west side of the park.
Ranger-led ski tours will be offered on the west side of RMNP (near Grand Lake), on the following Fridays at 1 p.m.: February 9, February 16, and February 23. Participants will enjoy skiing across snow-covered meadows and in mixed conifer forest areas within the Kawuneeche Valley and will learn about this incredible environment. These programs will be 1-2 hours in duration and will take place on non-groomed, off-trail routes. Rocky’s ranger-led ski tours are considered moderately strenuous. Participants should have a baseline fitness level that allows them to ski approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevations. These programs take place at 9,000 feet in elevation. This program is not suitable for young children. Participants must be 16 years or older. Some cross-country ski experience is required. This program is not designed to be a ski lesson. All participants will need to bring their own gear to participate, including Nordic skis, poles, boot, appropriate clothing, etc. Equipment can be rented nearby at locations in Grand County. All participants should have some knowledge of Nordic ski techniques and know how to snap into and out of their ski bindings. Reservations are required for all participants and space is limited to a maximum of 12 people per program. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1513. Reservations can be made beginning on the Wednesday before a scheduled program. All reservations are taken in the order they are received. Reservations for ranger-led ski tours are free (a park entrance fee or valid park entrance pass is required to enter RMNP). Winter Safety Tips Your safety is your responsibility; know your limits and make sure that everyone in your group is prepared for the anticipated weather and conditions. Travel across and under steep slopes is not advised unless all members of your party have the education, safety equipment, and experience to make informed decisions about traveling in avalanche terrain. For the latest avalanche conditions, visit http://avalanche.state.co.us. Advanced trip planning in winter is critical. Parking lots at popular destinations like Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, and Hidden Valley often fill on the weekends. Trail navigation in winter can present difficult challenges. Trails in the park are not marked for winter use. Route-finding skills are necessary. Signs and trails can be buried beneath snow and difficult to follow. Never follow other people’s tracks, as they can easily lead you off-course. Cell phones, GPS devices, and other electronic devices are not reliable in cold conditions, as batteries can freeze. For more information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/romo. -NPS- RMNP News Release, January 5, 2024 For many, winter is their favorite time of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. The park is less crowded, yet alive with activity. Weekends are much busier than weekdays. For those who are prepared, winter is an enchanting time to explore the wonders of the park. Snowshoeing is a fun, easy-to-learn activity and offers a new way to see the beauty of the park in winter. Rocky Mountain National Park offers Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks on both the east side (Estes Park) and west side (Grand Lake) of the park. Snowshoe walks are offered from January through mid-March, based on snow and weather conditions. Participants must provide their own snowshoes. Don’t own your own gear? Rental opportunities are available in nearby communities outside of the park. Join a Snowshoe Walk Program A Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walk is a two-hour program where participants will walk through hilly, uneven, snow-covered meadows and mixed conifer forest areas within Rocky Mountain National Park. Programs are offered on both the east and west sides of the park. No previous snowshoe experience is required, but the walk is considered moderately strenuous. Participants should have a baseline fitness level that allows them to snowshoe approximately one mile over hilly terrain at high elevations. These programs take place at 8,700-9,700 feet in elevation. Participants must be 8 years or older. Space is limited to a maximum of 20 people per program. Reservations are free (park entrance fees are still required) and all participants are required to make reservations in advance. These programs are very popular and fill quickly. For more information, visit the park’s webpage at www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/ranger-led-snowshoe-walks.htm. Beginning on January 6, Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks will be offered on the west side of RMNP (near Grand Lake), on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. Reservations are taken on the Wednesday before the scheduled program, in the order they are received. West side programs will be offered, weather permitting, through March 17, 2024. Beginning on January 9, Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks will be offered on the east side of RMNP (near Estes Park), on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. Reservations can be scheduled up to seven days in advance of a scheduled program. To make a reservation, call 970-586-1223. East side programs will be offered, weather permitting, through March 28, 2024. Are you a teacher interested in bringing your class to Rocky this winter? Ranger-Led Educational Snowshoe Programs are offered to organized school groups. To learn more and to schedule a field trip, visit www.nps.gov/romo/learn/education/rangerguided.htm. Winter Safety Tips Your safety is your responsibility; know your limits and make sure that everyone in your group is prepared for the anticipated weather and conditions. Travel across and under steep slopes is not advised unless all members of your party have the education, safety equipment, and experience to make informed decisions about traveling in avalanche terrain. For the latest avalanche conditions, visit http://avalanche.state.co.us. Advanced trip planning in winter is critical. Parking lots at popular destinations like Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, and Hidden Valley often fill on the weekends. Trail navigation in winter can present difficult challenges. Trails in the park are not marked for winter use. Route-finding skills are necessary. Signs and trails can be buried beneath snow and difficult to follow. Never follow other people’s tracks, as they can easily lead you off-course. Cell phones, GPS devices, and other electronic devices are not reliable in cold conditions, as batteries can freeze. Road conditions in the winter can vary. Before coming to the park, make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. There could be ice or patches of snow on the surface of park roads. It’s important to have tires in good condition for winter driving on mountain roads. Colorado Vehicle Traction Law may become active at any time, based on weather and road conditions. 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. If you have improperly rated tires on your vehicle, then you must use an approved traction control device. These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires. Remember to slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife. Wildlife are active throughout the day and night and can cross park roads at any time. For more information on Rocky Mountain National Park, please call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/romo.  Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walk. Photo: John Berry, Visit Estes Park |
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