These park passes can be purchased at the entry station or online. Beverages may be purchased at the snack bar next to the Fall River Visitor Center or at the Alpine Visitor Center. 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. There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 40 feet. Fall River Entrance The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National 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. Park streams may contain Giardia and other water borne diseases, so always purify water before drinking. You may make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year. WebBe advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. Find out all you need to know about transportation in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. Considering the park's high altitude, the weather trends closer toward moderate four-season climate than edging on the extremes. If you choose the second option, you can visit everywhere else in the park except for the Bear Lake Road Corridor. , Find all the details here. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. If you are looking for reliable group transportation around the Centennial State, Denver Charter Bus Company is the way to go. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups. 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. 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. The breathtaking winter wonderland of Rocky Mountain National Park in March should be high on your list. From the east: The Beaver Meadows Visitor Center is three miles from downtown Estes Park near the terminus of US-36 and can be reached via several roads. The stone steps in the trail can be 15-20 inches high. 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. Be advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. CO Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids & Toddlers The east side of Rocky Mountain National Park at Estes Park (7,500 feet) has less snow but still has cold temperatures even at lower elevations. 970 586-1206 March is the snowiest month in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it milder than January and February temperature-wise. CATHY ALPER/LWV. Estes Park, More posts you may like r/NationalPark Join 2 yr. ago Rocky Mountain National Park All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. If you were not able to obtain a permit, you are not completely out of luck. There are numerous electric car chargers in Estes Park and also a couple of electric car chargers in Grand Lake. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Trail Ridge Road Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado CO Postcard c.1960 at the best online prices at eBay! The second route, known as the Moraine Park Route, runs from Park and Ride to Moraine Park with stops at Sprague Lake, Hollowell Park, Tuxedo Park, Moraine Park Campground, Cub Lake Trailhead, and Fern Lake Bus Stop. 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. Access to Moraine Park and Bear Lake via the Bear Lake Road, which is plowed, are open year-round. Black Lake Full Day Snowshoe Tour this 7-8 hour tour includes snowshoes, lunch, snacks, hot drinks, local transportation and a professional Colorado mountain guide. A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What do I need to know for camping this winter? 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. WebYou can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. Of course, any of the roads in the Park present winter driving conditions slippery ice and blowing snow. When you complete this, youll be sent a confirmation via email. 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. Skate rentals are available. Visitors line up at Rocky Mountain National Parks Fall River Entrance Station, near Estes Park, on July 21, 2021. Camping space is extremely limited. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. This system is used during the busy season, late May through mid-October. Most of the roads in the park have little to no shoulder, with the added challenge of dealing with heavy summer traffic. There is no limit on number of tents, but no more than five vehicles per site are allowed. The small sites (#1 & 13) fit 9 - 15 people and a maximum of three vehicles. She will speak to the League of Women Voters on These buses run every 30 minutes from 6:30am until 7:30pm. Rocky Mountain National Park WebAll visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. There are a couple of exceptions to this. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Available / Book (866) 611-6114 Details Visit Site River Retreat Cabin Stunningly beautiful, fully restored classic Colorado Cabin on the Big Thompson river just 5 minutes from Estes Park. - Steve Cundy and Scott Cundy, Co-founders and Managers, All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023, California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in April, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in August, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in December, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in February, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in January, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in July, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in June, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in May, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in November, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in October, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in September, Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March. WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. Conditions can change quickly and visitors should be prepared for wind, snow, ice, rain, and freezing temperatures to occur at any time. Rocky Mountain National Park Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. You must have a backcountry/wilderness permit to camp overnight in the park's backcountry/wilderness. Feds sue Fort Collins water company for a Grand River Ditch Though there are no hot springs within the national park boundary, 20 miles southwest of the Grand Lake entrance sits Hot Sulphur Springs. Monthly or Longer Rental (720) 780-9845 Details Visit Site Riverside Retreat Rental cars are available at the Denver International Airport. The Fall River Entrance is one of two major entrance stations on the east side of the park and is located on U Read more Old Fall River Hallett is a 12,712 feet peak on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. includes access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States. Our Plan Your Visit - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National If you are not driving, the Estes Park Shuttle [2] offers reasonable one-way and round-trip rates from DEN to downtown Estes Park. For a unique cycling experience, check with the park information office for specifics on the Old Fall River Road (gravel surface) and Trail Ridge Road (paved), which are open to bicycles early in the summer season, before they open to vehicles. 970 586-1206 their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. Trail Ridge Road is not plowed between 4 pm and 7 am. Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. You can find more information on the various park passes at: 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, All material copyright by Morning Light Photography, Inc. All rights reserved. Soaking in 200,000 gallons of naturally steamy spring water will ease your every ache and pain. A large percentage of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park fly to Denver International Airport (DIA). The medium sites (#2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 & 12) fit 16-25 people and a maximum of four vehicles. If you have improperly rated tires on your vehicle, then you must use an approved traction control device. If you plan on visiting for more than one day, pick up A bookstore offers items for purchase. Web25 Likes, TikTok video from JaimeeKat (@jaimeekat): "#CapCut photo dump: Rocky Mountain National Park, Fall River Entrance Station Replacement Project, Estes Park, The Gem Lake trail is a steep climb up to a picturesque alpine lake at the top of a ridge. Youll have views of Little Horseshoe Park and the Mummy Range on your left as you travel east. Trail Ridge Road closed Monday after being open since May 27, according a park news release. Youll likely pay the $25 daily fee if youre traveling with children. 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". WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. Its a challenging activity that requires patience and the right conditions. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Displays include a topographical relief map of the park and exhibits about the Colorado River and its people. 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. CO This road climbs over 4,000 feet (1219 m) of elevation before steeply descending the other side. Located at 8900 ft elevation with 98 sites. It is served by numerous airlines and has direct flights to locations across the globe. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to The state of Colorado has a fantastic resource to check the currentavalanche conditions. Arches 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. From meadows found in the montane life zone to glistening alpine lakes and up to the towering mountain peaks, there is something for everyone to discover. Estes Park is more of a This is a one-way dirt road with many very tight twists and hairpin turns. The first is to park in the large parking garage behind the town visitor center. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park If you have a large group to transport, consider chartering a vehicle. Click here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. Be aware that these last-minute permits are in high demand and tend to sell out within a minute or even less. List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or crosscountry area where you plan to stay. You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970 586-1206. It begins and ends at the Park & Ride Transit Hub, approximately five miles (8 km) south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the park. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. Visit the national park's shuttle page for more details. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park It is multi-story and often has space. Rocky Mountain National Park sits on the Continental Divide, which separates the park into two distinct regions. If you choose this option, you can visit the popular areas along Bear Lake Road plus all the rest of the park, but these permits are likely to sell out first. The timed-entry permits need to be purchased in advance online. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. Next you will have two choices: Park Access +" (Includes Bear Lake Corridor) or Park Access" (Excludes Bear Lake Rd Corridor). Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Mountain National Park. located on Bear Lake Road approximately six miles south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. March in Rocky Mountain National Park is cold and snowy, but milder than January and February. Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more! Whether you are coming from Atlanta or Zurich, youll have no trouble reaching DIA. The park now has a timed entry system that requires reserving your time online prior to your visit from late May through mid-October. Three campgrounds, Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen, take reservations, as does the group-camping area at Glacier Basin. Entrance Stations and Visitor Centers - Rocky Mountain National Most of the visitor centers offer books and other items for purchase, and there is a gift shop located next door to the Fall River Visitor Center. The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. 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). Rocky Mountain National Park Site Pass - Recreation.gov There are two routes: The Bear Lake Route and the Moraine Park Route. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. Brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout abound. Winter wildlife watching: The quiet winter months are a spectacular time to spot wildlife. Rocky Mountain National Park Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you peak at grazing elk and snow-capped peaks. off the Bear Lake Road, 1 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, Open May 1 through October 11 (2010 season). There are no shoulders and few guardrails. Getting there: From Denver, follow I-25 North to Exit 243. Rocky Mountain National Park will implement another pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system from May 26 through October 22, 2023. For the safety of all motorists driving in Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter season, the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law may become active at any time, based on weather and road conditions. On Wildland trips, Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). It is first-come, first-served, with no reservations taken. Several expeditions visited the area in the early to mid 19th century, including one by Joel Estes in 1859 after which he and his family established a homestead that would soon become Estes Park, the resort town that currently sits on the east side of the park. 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. Alternatively, there is a number that you can text to pay for your parking place. 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. 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. Bonus: on the weekends there is a warming hut nearby. 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). 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Stations 7 day Next youll select the date and time you want to enter and add it to your cart. 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. 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 Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in NOTE: While the park is open year-round, the Trail Ridge Road closes in the winter and may not open until the late spring or early summer, depending on the snowpack. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. The recreation.gov website is run by an external contractor, not the National Park Service. Turn right at the trail junction a half mile in marked Cub Lake Trail. There are no sit-down restaurants inside of the park, but the neighboring towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake have numerous options. Rocky Mountain National Park During the winter season, motorists cannot drive over the top of Trail Ridge Road. Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. In March, hiking trails can be explored by snowshoe or cross country skisminus the summer crowds. One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. 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. Driving in Estes Park can be a little challenging as it is a small town with a lot of visitors. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Snacks are available for purchase at the Alpine Visitor Center, and there is a snack shop located next door to the Fall River Visitor Center. Rocky Mountain National Park About 1.5 miles along the trail is Paul Bunyans boot a rock formation in the shape of a giant hiking boot with a hole in the sole. I suggest doing this in advance. At the same time, you should remember that these roads are for getting places. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. Winters bring heavy snowfall, and although there is rarely a deep-freeze the park gets significantly less visitors. A smaller option is Eagle County Regional Airport (IATA: EGE) [4] located near the skiing resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek; however, service to this airport is usually seasonal and confined to the winter months. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that dont have a physical entrance to drive through. Some percentage of each days allotted permits are saved and made available at 5pm the evening before the date of entry. 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. Timed Entry Permit System - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. This is a new requirement for visiting the national park during the busy summer and autumn season. The biggest benefit of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is that there are significantly less visitors during the winter months. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. Early mornings or late evening rides may minimize conflict with other vehicles. Located at 8,200 ft elevation, with 54 sites. WebQuestion: Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular park for outdoor recreation activities in Colorado. There is no alcohol for sale anywhere in the park. To learn about the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park, click this link to visit the park's. Estes Park is more of a year-round town with facilities open in the off-season. Both areas offer excellent spots for high altitude alpine hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing, as well as ample opportunity for spotting wildlife. Also note that high elevation increases the chance of dehydration, severe sunburn, and the aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions. WebHow to Make a Rocky Mountain National Park Reservation Timed entry permit reservation tickets are available online at recreation.gov or by : Reservation Line: 877-444-6777 Reservation International: 606-515-6777 Reservation Line (TDD) 877-833-6777 Recreation.gov mobile app ( iOS / Android ). Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. Wildlife bull moose sighting in Rocky Mountain National Park Buses leave every 15 minutes from 6:30am until 7:30pm. Below are our recommendations for things to do in March: Sledding: Hidden Valley, near Estes Park is a popular sledding spot. and the America the Beautiful The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series - including the interagency Annual Pass, the Interagency Annual Senior Pass, the Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass, the Interagency Access Pass, the Annual Military Pass, and the 4th Grade Pass. You can either print this out to show at the park entrance station or you can show them the confirmation email on your phone. The next mile climbs up the western slopes of Deer Mountain along switchbacks. Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails. Directions & Transportation - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S WebPre-Climb Comments . Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? Other park campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and fill on most summer days. If you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between late May and mid-October, a timed-entry permit is required between 9am and 3pm for most of the park and from 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road.