Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). CO Continue along the trail or across Nymph Lake if its frozen. The Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Roads are closed during the winter and usually do not re-open util late spring at the earliest. 22. Most areas of the park sit well above 9,000 feet with mountains along the Continental Divide topping off at above 12,000 feet. Our 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking Spots are all within 20 min. If youre new to high elevations and alpine and sub-alpine exploration, consider booking aguided snowshoe tour. Reservations accepted and recommended. WebEntrance Fees and Park Passes Learn what park pass is right for you Plan Your Fall Trip to Rocky Watch the hills come alive with color during the Fall season in RMNP Maps View Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. located along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on U.S. Highway 34 approximately 10 miles north of Grand Lake. Credit/Debit Cards Only To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, only credit and debit cardsnot cashare being accepted at park entrance stations. Located at 8900 ft elevation with 98 sites. The western side of the park is wetter, is heavily forested, and is less developed, but still contains excellent trekking and backcountry opportunities. This road is a narrow dirt road that is one-way uphill only with sharp switch backs. What do I need to know for camping this winter? Off-road mountain biking is prohibited inside the park. includes access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States. When setting out on trail in temperatures at or below freezing, be prepared with plenty of extra warm layers, a waterproof jacket and pants, and hiking shoes/boots for your snowshoes. Be prepared for cooler temperatures as you climb in elevation and keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms, especially as you climb above treeline. Youll want to select Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry. One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. Cross country skiing:Since Trail Ridge Road is closed up to Many Parks Curve, it is a perfect place to ski and see snow-capped peaks and views from some of the highest points in the Park. 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). The following fees are valid for 2019. If youre new to the sport you can book a trip with a guide in Estes Park, the Colorado Mountain School or Kent Mountain Adventure Center. $20 per night during the reservation period and when water is on; $14 per night the rest of the year. 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. 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. The Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park visitor centers are popular destinations for getting oriented with the park's layout, the former having been designed by students of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Winters bring heavy snowfall, and although there is rarely a deep-freeze the park gets significantly less visitors. Since 1997, over $60 million of entrance and camping fees has been spent on various improvements and projects in Rocky. In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. From May 25 through Oct. 22, and youll pay a reservation fee on top of the standard park entrance charge. 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. There are numerous electric car chargers in Estes Park and also a couple of electric car chargers in Grand Lake. America the Beautiful The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. Offers exhibits about park wildlife, children's exhibits, and rangers can provide tips about what to do in the park. Rocky Mountain National Park sits on the Continental Divide, which separates the park into two distinct regions. Sightsee on a Bus Tour: Ifyoud rather stay warm and dry to see the sights, there is an option to book a winter bus tour with Rocky Mountain Conservancy. In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. Fees are not to be sent when requesting reservations, but are payable (by cash or check only) when the permit is issued. (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road corridor). Sled rentals are available throughout the town of Estes Park. 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. Thunderstorms are constantly looming in the early to mid afternoon during the summer, but clear off quickly by evening, bringing crisp and cool weather. The rest of the park falls under the permitting system from 9am-3pm and this permit is often easier to obtain. the page for Rocky Mountain National Park, Learn all the details about the Hiker Shuttle here, https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm, Temporary Closures In Lumpy Ridge And Loch Vale Areas Begin February 15 to Protect Nesting Raptors, Winter Adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, RMNP continues pilot timed entry permit reservations from May 26 through Oct 22, Winter Pile Burning Operations On Both Sides Of Park, Lastly, if you have reserved a campsite at one of the, Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US students in fourth grade: Free, Annual Volunteer Pass: Free (250 hours of volunteer service at any of the six participating federal agencies is required). Driving in Estes Park can be a little challenging as it is a small town with a lot of visitors. Turn right where a steep climb to the summit and stunning 360 views await you. Depending on which entrance you choose, there are rentals for both activities available in Estes Park (east entrance) and Grand Lake (west entrance). The U.S. Department of the Interior filed a lawsuit against a Fort Collins water company over a ruptured culvert that damaged parts of Rocky Mountain National Park in 2017. WebBe advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. hiking vacations that enrich people's lives." There are a couple of exceptions to this. The recreation.gov website is run by an external contractor, not the National Park Service. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 The west side of the Park at Grand Lake (8,300 feet) has more snow, but less wind. 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. RMNP is one of the few national parks that offers a one-day vehicle entrance pass. Offers daily ranger walks and illustrated programs on Saturday night. If you plan on visiting for more than one day, pick up There is no alcohol for sale anywhere in the park. Always check NPS.gov for RMNP entry details, timed-entry reservations, and park regulations. Remember to slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles. Just past 4th Street, veer right onto U.S. 36 and follow it for 20 miles to Estes Park. WebThese include: The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. Rocky Mountain Park Entrance Fees As with all National Parks, there is a fee for entering Rocky Mountains National Park. 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. Hummingbirds have a tendency to fly close to where people - and their food - are sitting. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. Choose snacks that are high in calories as your body will be burning calories to keep you warm in the cold weather. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, 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: You may make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. While Rocky Mountain National Park has federal exclusive jurisdiction, the park is authorized under 36 CFR 4.2(b) to enforce applicable local and state traffic regulations. AWD and 4WD vehicles are advised. The large sites (7, 8 & 9) fit 26- 40 people and a maximum of five vehicles. The Gem Lake trail is a steep climb up to a picturesque alpine lake at the top of a ridge. Ponderosa and Lodgepole pines are the dominate conifer trees in the area, although they have been recently dying in large numbers due to an outbreak of pine beetle infestation. If you choose the second option, you can visit everywhere else in the park except for the Bear Lake Road Corridor. On May 1, Timed Entry The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. Youll likely pay the $25 daily fee if youre traveling with children. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They specify which day and what time you are allowed to enter. 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. There are two companies that operate out of Denver that specialize in connecting you to a vehicle that suits you and your group's needs, at competitive rates. Wildland Trekking offers luxurious lodge-based tours as well as winter day hikes to Emerald Lake and Black Lake. WebThe majority of visitors use the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The medium sites (#2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 & 12) fit 16-25 people and a maximum of four vehicles. WebYou can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206. enjoy the natural world. Several different entrance fee and pass options are available. WebQuestion: Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular park for outdoor recreation activities in Colorado. Here's a map for the 2022 summer shuttle service in Estes Park. She has been with superintendent for seven years. Erin McCarthy is a freelance writer and former Colgate University Outdoor Education Leader. If you missed this opportunity, you still have a chance to get a permit. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. Web25 Likes, TikTok video from JaimeeKat (@jaimeekat): "#CapCut photo dump: Rocky Mountain National Park, Fall River Entrance Station Replacement Project, Estes Park, In addition, be aware of the weather. 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. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Drive to the next pull-over and walk back to enjoy the view. The water is turned off in the winter at all year-round campgrounds but drinking water is available at entrance stations and open visitor centers. Old Fall River Road is open to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers through November 30. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. at Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, Open daily May 28 - October 11 (2010 season). Reservations available and recommended for Loops C & D; A & B Loops will be first-come, first-served. The eastern and more developed side of the park is dominated by striking valleys and cirques that were formed through heavy glaciation and is a good starting point for first-time visitors. Take US34 ( Big Thompson Canyon) from Estes Park to Loveland. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. If you have a large group to transport, consider chartering a vehicle. Free shipping for many products! 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. The park offers 359 miles of trail to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders. To be sure, it is still winter, but the temperatures are much more mild than December, January, and February. 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. You will however need a park pass which can be purchased at any of the park entrance stations. Just be aware that at these times the lines to get into the park can be long. Limit of 12 per party for group campsites.).