Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Rocky Mountain National Park Act.  Conservation efforts previously spread headed by Theodore Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot, and John Muir, who all had a deep appreciation for nature, led to the formation of this park.  In the 1930’s Trail Ridge Road was constructed by the American Conservation Corps, to replace the rugged Old Fall River Road, which still exists today as a seasonal, gravel, one way road to the Alpine Visitors Center at 12,000 feet.  Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in North America, is open year round.  However, much of it is closed due to deep snow from November to May.

“In years to come when I am asleep beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and hope in this park.” – Enos Mills

Plan your visit to Rocky Mountain National Park

Are you planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park?  Here are a few things to know before you head to the park.

There is a Timed Entry System to enter the park between May 26 through October 22, 2023.

Rocky Mountain National Park has a timed entry system. Before you come, you must first make a reservation  to enter the park between May 26 through October 22, 2023.

• May 1, 2023 Timed Entry Permits will be released for the dates of May 26 through June 30.
• June 1, 2023 Timed Entry Permits will be released for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June.
• July 1 – September 1, 2023 Timed Entry Permits will be released as before, for the following month and any remaining days that have not been booked for that month.

Didn’t make a reservation? Visit recreation.gov after 5pm the day before you want to visit the park. Additional time slots will be released.

A Park Pass is Required

In addition to your timed entry, you will need a park pass.  There are four choices:

• • One day pass
  • Seven day pass
  • Rocky Mountain National Park Pass
  • America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass 

Watch the Weather

The weather can be extreme in Rocky Mountain National Park.  The town can be 85 degrees and delightful in August.  Yet a drive to the top of Trail Ridge Road, and you can find snow!  Early summer afternoons can bring thunder and lightening storm.  To get below tree line before the storms roll in, start your long hikes in the early morning.

Hydration is the Name of the Game

Our weather here in Colorado is dry.  And at a high altitude, the sun is stronger than you realize.  So make sure you drink LOTS of water.  The rule of thumb is to drink an ounce per pound you weigh. Staying hydrated also helps prevent altitude sickness.

A Park for All Seasons

Each season in Rocky Mountain National Park brings a unique beauty and adventure to it.  The elevation range in Rocky Mountain National Park spans from below 8,000 feet to over 14,000 feet above sea level. With many diverse ecosystems found within the park, there is something for everyone.

Summer

There is so much to see and do inside Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer season!  Summer is also high season so expect crowds.  Before you come to Rocky Mountain National Park, make sure you take the time to research your activities and make reservations.  The park has a timed entry system.  If you are going to hike with a guide, make sure to reserve a day and time before you arrive to Colorado.

Depending on your level of activity, there is something for everyone in the National Park.  There are open meadows at Moraine Park or Horseshoe Park.  You can take a scenic drive up Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road.

Activities you might like to do while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

• A short day hike.
• Fly fishing in a mountain lake.
• Take a scenic drive over the Continental Divide or visit the Alpine Visitor Center.
• Plan a monster hike to summit a mountain or a multi-day wilderness backpacking camping trip.
• Horseback ride in the park with a local outfitter.
• Or just relax in a meadow in the Colorado sun and bird watch.

Fall

The early fall is still high season so expect crowds, particularly on weekends.  The park has a timed entry system until the end of October.  The fall is also rutt season.  This is the mating season for the elk.  So they will be out enmasse.  The bull elks follow the herds of female elks, called calves and call to them with their unique bugling.

Activities you might like to do while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

• A short day hike.
• Enjoy elk watching.
• Fly fishing in a mountain lake.
• Take a leaf peeper scenic drive through the park.
• Or just relax in a meadow in the Colorado sun and bird watch.

Winter

Winter is the quietest season with plenty to do in the park.  There is no longer a timed entry system, but you will still need a park pass.   Much of the park is closed due to the large amounts of snowfall and the roads are not maintained.  The Bear Lake corridor is open and hikes to Emerald Lake and Sky Pond are fun with snowshoes or micro spikes.

Activities you might like to do while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

• A day hike – bring micro spikes.
• Snowshoeing through the park.
• Take a drive to Many Curves Road and walk up Trail Ridge Road.
• Cross country skiing.

Spring

The early fall is still high season so expect crowds, particularly on weekends.  The park has a timed entry system until the end of October .  The fall is also rutt season.  This is the mating season for the elk.  So they will be out enmasse.  The bull elks follow the herds of female elks, called calves and call to them with their unique bugling.

Activities you might like to do while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.

• A day hike – bring micro spikes.
• Snowshoeing through the park.
• Take a drive to Many Curves Road and walk up Trail Ridge Road.