RMNP RESERVATIONS

TIMED ENTRY IS NOT REQUIRED AGAIN UNTIL MAY OF 2026.

Timed Entry Reservations are not required in Rocky Mountain National Park currently (January–April 2026). Reservations become necessary again during the peak visitor season beginning in late May 2026 — generally when visitation increases and busy summer operations begin. The exact dates and hours for 2026 have not yet been released, but based on prior seasons and current National Park Service guidance, reservations are expected to mirror the 2025 system unless otherwise announced by the park.

What the Timed Entry System Is (2025 Version)

The Timed Entry Reservation System attempts to manage visitor access to reduce crowding, protect natural resources, and improve the overall visitor experience. It requires visitors with vehicles to reserve an entry time during specific hours on peak days.

There are typically two reservation options:

  • Timed Entry (Standard) — Provides access to most areas of the park excluding the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
  • Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road — Provides access to Bear Lake Road Corridor destinations and all other areas of the park.
    Both reservation types allow entry within a designated 2-hour window on the reserved day. Once inside, you may stay as long as you like.
2026 Season — What to Expect

When Timed Entry Reservations Will Likely Be Required

Based on the 2025 system and current NPS guidance, timed entry reservations are expected to be required again in 2026 for peak season, typically:

  • Late May through Mid-October 2026
  • Required during set daily time periods (e.g., morning through afternoon during peak visitation)
  • Exact dates and hours for 2026 will be announced by RMNP before reservations open
    You do not need a timed entry reservation now (early 2026).

Note: As of this writing, the official 2026 timed entry requirements have not yet been posted on the National Park Service’s site or Recreation.gov. Once released, park officials will provide specific dates and entry windows.

2025 Timed Entry Map_both reservations

NPS Graphic

How the System Works (Based on 2025 Model)

Timed Entry (standard)

  • Required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during peak hours each day.
  • Does not include access to Bear Lake Road Corridor destinations.
  • Best for visitors planning to explore Trail Ridge Road, Alpine Visitor Center, Wild Basin, west side areas, or hiking outside Bear Lake Road.
  • Required entry hours in 2025: 9 am to 2 pm daily during the system’s active period.

Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road

  • Required to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor (the park’s busiest area near Beaver Meadows) and all other park areas.
  • Typical destinations include Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, Moraine Park, Park & Ride, and more.
  • Required entry hours in 2025: 5 am to 6 pm daily during the active period.

Once You Have Your Reservation

  • You must arrive within your designated entry window (usually a 2-hour block).
  • Miss your window? Rangers may ask you to turn around and return later that day.
  • Entry within your window grants you access to the park for the rest of that day.

Reservation Costs & Details

  • The only cost for a timed entry reservation is a non-refundable $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.
  • You still need a separate park entrance pass or valid America the Beautiful pass in addition to your timed entry permit.
  • Timed entry reservations are per vehicle, not per person.

When You Can Reserve (based on recent patterns)

Assuming a similar release schedule to 2025:

  • Reservations typically go on sale at 8 a.m. MDT about one month before the visit date.
    - Early May: reservations for late May – June
    - Early June: July
    - Early July: August
    - Early August: September
    - Early September: October
  • A limited number of additional permits are usually released at 7 p.m. MDT the evening before travel.

Important: 2026 release dates and times will be confirmed once RMNP publishes the official reservation calendar on Recreation.gov and the NPS website.

Where to Make or Check Reservations

  • Visit Recreation.gov (RMNP Timed Entry page) to book or check availability once reservations are live.
  • National Park Service official updates and details are posted on nps.gov/romo.
  • For real-time status on reservations and operational updates, check RMNP social media or call the park’s information office.

Which Timed Entry Reservation Option is Best for Me?

Need help deciding which timed entry option is right for you? Check out the chart below.

Table that lists where you can go with your timed entry permit. Timed Entry does not allow access to Bear Lake Road.

When Can I Make a Timed Entry Reservation?  This is what happened in 2025.

Timed entry reservations will be released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov based on the following schedule:

Release Date Reservation Dates
May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT May 23 - June 30
June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT July 1 - July 31
July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT August 1 - August 31
August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT September 1 - September 30
September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT October 1 - October 19


Additional timed entry reservations will be released first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov at 7 p.m. MDT on the night before a desired arrival date. These will sell out quickly, it is best to plan ahead.

Quick Summary

✔ No timed entry required now (winter/spring 2026).
✔ Timing for 2026 peak-season reservations has not yet been released.
✔ Reservations will likely be required again from late May through mid-October 2026.
✔ Two permit types (with or without Bear Lake Road access) are expected to return.
✔ Timed entry reservations are separate from park entrance fees.