Timed Entry permit at Rocky Mountain: what applies in 2026?

Exact conditions

Status

Required under the listed conditions

Applies to

vehicles

Effective dates

May 22, 2026 through October 12, 2026

Published fee

$2

Release model

fixed date

Release detail: Monthly block releases at 8 a.m. MDT: May 1 for May 22-Jun 30; Jun 1 for Jul 1-31; Jul 1 for Aug 1-31; Aug 1 for Sep 1-30; Sep 1 for Oct 1-18. Separately, 40 percent of each day's reservations are released at 7 p.m. MDT the evening before the arrival date.

Fee detail: Non-refundable $2 Recreation.gov processing fee per reservation, in addition to the park entrance fee. Reservations are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Exceptions and limits

• Entry before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. requires no timed entry reservation.
• Visitors entering by bicycle do not need a timed entry reservation.
• Commercial Use Authorization and Special Use Permit holders, concessioners and commercial tours do not need a timed entry reservation.
• A Wilderness Overnight Backpacking permit serves as the timed entry reservation.
• All areas of Rocky Mountain National Park EXCEPT the Bear Lake Road corridor - includes Trail Ridge Road, Alpine Visitor Center, Old Fall River Road, the west side, Wild Basin, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge and East Inlet