Bear Lake - Latitude: 40.31197, Longitude: -105.64542. Here's a map for the 2022 summer shuttle service in Estes Park. If you arrive before the start of the permit time or after the end of the permit time, then you will not need a permit. Once it is in your cart, no one else can purchase it and you can select other dates. 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. Copyright 2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Be careful on snowfields, particularly on steep slopes where avalanche dangers may be high. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you RMNP Superintendent Darla Sidles retiring, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Frozen Dead Guy Days live music and entertainment lineup announced, Estes Womens Monument given prestigious history award, Perspectives: Watched by Howard P. 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You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206. The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm If youre new to high elevations and alpine and sub-alpine exploration, consider booking aguided snowshoe tour. Denver International Airport is located about 20 miles (32 km) from downtown Denver and 60 miles (97 km) from Rocky Mountain National Park. Erin McCarthy is a freelance writer and former Colgate University Outdoor Education Leader. enjoy the natural world. Specify the number of people that will be in your party. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky The fastest way to get to the park from the airport is via the E-470 toll road, up I-25, then west on highway 66, and from Lyons head up Highway 36 to Estes Park. If you missed this opportunity, you still have a chance to get a permit. Everyone who was behind you will be grateful. RMNP Superintendent Darla Sidles retiring Estes Park Trail Covers single, non-commercial vehicle with capacity of less than 16 passengers. Although RMNP is one of the few national parks with a one-day vehicle entrance pass, the fee is not new. These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires. national Slopes & Flattop Mtn, Rocky Mountain National Park This visitor center offers ranger-led walks in the Land Above the Trees and exhibits on the alpine tundra. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking in the winter is a chance to experience the Rocky Mountains at their most majesticsnow-covered peaks, frozen alpine lakes, and evergreen branches bowing to their snowpack. Find out all you need to know about transportation in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. For all reservations: During the busy summer months, if you have a permit reservation, you must pick up the permit by 10 AM on the first day of your planned backcountry/wilderness stay, otherwise, the permit will be cancelled in its entirety, and given to other backpackers. What do I need to know for camping this winter? Just be aware that at these times the lines to get into the park can be long. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and WebHalf-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Mountains to Sky Tour" - RMNPhotographer. In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. 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. The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary Finally, make sure to bring at least 3 liters of water. Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). One of the most spectacular sights in the mid to late fall is to walk through a grove of Aspen trees as their leaves change from green to gold. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. The timed-entry permits are per-vehicle, not per person. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups. All are welcome. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and The entire park is above 7,500 feet and ranges as high as 14,259 feet, so it is important to take time to acclimate before undertaking strenuous activities. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. A great stopping point along the road is the Alpine Visitor Center at the Fall River Pass, which sits at almost 11,800 feet. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. The trail begins to climb up to Nymph Lake with views of Longs Peak. Rocky Mountain National Park There are two routes along this corridor. at Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, Open daily May 28 - October 11 (2010 season). CO Be aware that these last-minute permits are in high demand and tend to sell out within a minute or even less. Free shipping for many products! Offers exhibits about park wildlife, children's exhibits, and rangers can provide tips about what to do in the park. Grand Lake is a better option for the summer months (June September) but there is still plenty to see and do on the west side of the Park. Rocky Mountain National Park I suggest doing this in advance. A visitor may prove their status as a veteran or a gold star dependent by presenting one of the following: Additional guidance regarding veterans and Gold Star dependents will be forthcoming. The A Loop is for tents only, including walk-ins, the B Loop does not allow generators allowed, and the C Loop allows generators. 970 586-1206 Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. more information on current conditions Closure points on the road may fluctuate this fall, however the road is closed to through travel for the season. Use Trail Ridge Road to return. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. It is about a 90-minute drive to the eastern edge of the park from the airport. Experience an incredible 9-mile scenic drive on Old Fall River Road, beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area and ending at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet. Hawks and eagles are often seen soaring above the glacier gorges in search of critters that hide among the rocks and colorful tree birds such as blue jays and cardinals fly in the lower altitudes. You always need a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. In Estes Park in March, you can expect a high of 44F (6C) and low of 23F (-5C) and an average snowfall of 8.6 inches. WebTake I-25 north to Exit 243 (Hwy 66) to Estes Park From Denver via the Peak to Peak Scenic By-way Distance: 108 mi 174 km Time: 2.53 hours Take I-70 west to Exit 244 After a small mining rush on the western side of the park in the early 1880s, a 14 year old boy by the name of Enos Mills moved to the area and began to extensively document the region's geography and ecology through essays and books. Site by. Entrance A bright, sunny day can turn windy and wet within a matter of minutes with high winds and driving rain or snow. Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round on both the east and west side of the park. CATHY ALPER/LWV. Slopes & Flattop Mtn, Rocky Mountain National Park Hummingbirds have a tendency to fly close to where people - and their food - are sitting. Grand Lake can be reached from I-70 via US-40 which runs through Empire and over the Berthoud Pass. Click here to learn more about driving on Trail Ridge Road. If you're planning to visit us in the next month, please wait and purchase your Annual or Lifetime pass in-person at the park. There is also a bookstore with items for purchase. This campground is open year-round starting on May 28, 2010. WebThe fastest way to get to the park from the airport is via the E-470 toll road, up I-25, then west on highway 66, and from Lyons head up Highway 36 to Estes Park. Visit www.nps.gov for complete fee listings. Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? 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. The medium sites (#2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 & 12) fit 16-25 people and a maximum of four vehicles. (Note: You will need a timed-entry permit with Bear Lake access to use the shuttle system.) EXPLORE ROCKY MOUNTAINS WITH AWARD WINNING GUIDES Explore Rocky , Rocky Mountain National Park 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. The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (IATA: DEN) [3] located about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from the park, with connecting service to most major US cities. Route: Flattop Mountain Trail & Hallett Peak, West Slopes To help address the bottleneck of people driving around and around looking for parking, the Town has implemented a paid parking system in the downtown area. Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. Be advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. Timed Entry Permit System - Rocky Mountain National Park Credit/Debit Cards Only Most of the roads in the park have little to no shoulder, with the added challenge of dealing with heavy summer traffic. This information is available 24 hours a day. A second option is Sprague Lake, a 3.3 mile loop that is perfect for the beginner skier since it is mostly flat. List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or crosscountry area where you plan to stay. Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation for road conditions outside the park. on U.S. Route 34, five miles west of the town of Estes Park, near the Fall River Entrance to the park. WebCurrent entry fee details: 1 day pass: $30/automobile (can purchase online) 7 day pass: $35/automobile (can purchase online) Pedestrians: 1 day pass, $15 per person. Grand Lake Entrance. Timed-entry permits are required from late May through mid-October during peak hours (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for the Bear Lake Road area), unless you have a camping permit, are part of a guided tour, or are entering via the Hiker Shuttle. A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. The fee goes to recreation.gov to pay for their administration of this system. At Grand Lake in March, there is a high of 43F (1C) and 9F (-16C) and an average snowfall of 13.4 inches. You can go a bit into RMNP on the east side, currently up to Many Parks Curve lookout (there's a phone number at the link for up-to-date info). Rocky Mountain National Park sits on the Continental Divide, which separates the park into two distinct regions. 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. In the winter, it will be much less crowded and all the more breathtaking. You may make reservations by mail or in person anytime after March 1 for a permit for that calendar year. Due to weather and adverse conditions, roads in Rocky Mountain National Park may close at any time. These buses run every 30 minutes from 6:30am until 7:30pm. The projects completed in 2013 include the following: 1000 US Hwy 36 Extreme weather can change the status of Trail Ridge Road at any timebe ready to adjust your travel plans if needed, and always check the weather before you start your drive. Trail Ridge Road is an actual highway connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake. On the right youll have views of Moraine Park, Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and the Continental Divide. Site by, Learn all about the Estes Park Hiker Shuttle, 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. The Bear Lake Road area is the busiest place in the park and so has its own permitting system which runs from 5am until 6pm. The day pass was implemented back in October of 2015. Valid for date of purchase. The nice thing about using the app is that you can put more time on your parking place wherever you are right from your phone, if you plan to stay longer than you paid for. The cost for timed-entry permits is just $2 per day and is non-refundable. Fees and passes can also be purchased online through Recreation.gov. Think about your safety when recreating in Rocky Mountain National Park, Help protect Rocky - Learn About How to Leave No Trace, Take the Rocky Pledge and help protect the park and its resources, Learn more about ideas and strategies for RMNP's long-range visitor day use access planning, The Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is going to be under construction, Learn about the upcoming Moraine Park Campground and Headquarters East Utility Rehabilitation Project, 1000 US Hwy 36 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. Because the wildlife is concentrated to a smaller area, there is a great chance to view them with a spectacular winter backdrop. Reservations accepted and recommended from May 26 to October 4, 2010, and it is first-come, first-served the remainder of the year. If you were not able to obtain a permit, you are not completely out of luck. The west side of the Park at Grand Lake (8,300 feet) has more snow, but less wind. Turn right where a steep climb to the summit and stunning 360 views await you. She has been with superintendent for seven years. Entrance fees are $20 per private vehicle or $10 for individuals on foot or on bicycle, valid for one day. The first is to park in the large parking garage behind the town visitor center. They include access to 2,000 federal recreation areas throughout the United States, including Rocky Mountain National Park. Here are the many options for national park entrance fees. Off-road mountain biking is prohibited inside the park. A bookstore offers items for purchase. Fees and passes can also be purchased online through Recreation.gov. This campground is well-situated for exploring the eastern part of the park and is very clean. Keep your eyes peeled as you may spot an elk or a bighorn sheep! Youll travel along switchbacks amongst ponderosa, aspen, and fir trees. 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. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing roads. A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in March requires a significant amount of planning. Three campgrounds, Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen, take reservations, as does the group-camping area at Glacier Basin. WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. Directions & Transportation - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S Wildlife bull moose sighting in Rocky Mountain National Park However, you can snowshoe or cross country ski on Old Fall River Road in the winter. 22. How to Make a Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in It is first-come, first-served, with no reservations taken. The park is dominated by Longs Peak, one of Colorado's 54 "Fourteeners" at 14,259 feet and dubbed the "Monarch of the Front Range". There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit of 30 feet. The permits are always for the following month. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The large sites (7, 8 & 9) fit 26- 40 people and a maximum of five vehicles. There are a number of different national park passes available that can be purchased at the park entrance stations or online. It costs just $5 and stops at the Estes Park Visitor Center before continuing on to the Park & Ride Transit Hub in Rocky Mountain National Park where you can connect with the park's shuttle system in the Bear Lake Corridor.