US-34 also intersects US-36 in Estes Park via Loveland and continues on into the park toward the Fall River Visitor Center. WebEntrance Fees and Park Passes Learn what park pass is right for you Plan Your Fall Trip to Rocky Watch the hills come alive with color during the Fall season in RMNP Maps View Click here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. Just past 4th Street, veer right onto U.S. 36 and follow it for 20 miles to Estes Park. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 30 feet. 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. You can only get the timed-entry permit by purchasing them online in advance. Cycling through the park offers riders a chance to take in some of the scenery and striking vistas at a casual pace; however, some may be daunted by the high altitudes and steep climbs on the main roads. WebYou can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206. 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. From there you can walk on the paved riverwalk and be in town in just a couple of minutes. 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. 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. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. 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. 80517. You are required to have one of these park passes to enter the park day or night. Arches National Park Utah. eight (8) persons and one camping unit Parking Check in is at 1:00 p.m. Water is available at the entrance stations, visitor centers, and during summer months, the campgrounds. Estes Park Mountain Shophas rentals and many of the lodges in town provide free snowshoes for their guests. It is a perfect time to explore trails on snowshoes, dance on ice skates, or hit the sledding hills. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. 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. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing roads. Below are five recommendations for lower elevation winter hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park: On this short but sweet hike, normally one of the most popular hikes in the summer, youll travel through the subalpine forest filled with spruce, fir, lodgepole pine, and aspen. QGIS Association. Once it is in your cart, no one else can purchase it and you can select other dates. The Grand Lake entrance is about 2.5 hours away from the airport. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 35 feet and shuttle bus access is available. Our 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking Spots are all within 20 min. Limit of 12 per party for group campsites.). This is a one-way dirt road with many very tight twists and hairpin turns. Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. Any standard car will do, though we encourage you to consider renting an electric vehicle to help cut down on noise and pollution in the park. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. It also leads high up into the tundra. Located at 8,500 ft elevation with 150 sites. During the busy season, the town of Estes Park operates a free shuttle service that serves the center of town and some of the main hotels. One advantage to a winter trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is that oftentimes the lodges are nearly half the price, specifically in Estes Park. Be prepared for cooler temperatures as you climb in elevation and keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms, especially as you climb above treeline. Getting there: From Denver, follow I-25 North to Exit 243. 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. Sidles will be retiring in June. Keep in mind there is no machinery allowedonly hand augers are permitted to cut the ice. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. Photos from: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013. The timed-entry permits usually go on sale on the first day of each month at 10am at www.recreation.gov. Rocky Mountain National Park was founded in 1915 and is located in Northern Colorado close to the Estes Park and Grand Lake towns in the US. Next youll select the date and time you want to enter and add it to your cart. Site by. All sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations taken). If you were not able to obtain a permit, you are not completely out of luck. WebThe majority of visitors use the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. The last bus of the day leaves Bear Lake and Fern Lake trailheads at 7:30 p.m. There are many windy turns on this road and there are some areas where the road clings to the side of the mountain with steep drops. Synthetic (non-cotton) socks are essential for keeping your feet warm even if they get wet. The Continental Divide cuts almost directly through the center of the park, creating two areas with very different landscapes - a drier and heavily glaciated eastern side, and a wetter, more forested western side. There is no alcohol for sale anywhere in the park. Visit the national park's shuttle page for more details. During the busy season (late May through mid-October) you will need a timed-entry permit during peak hours, as well as a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. There is also a bookstore with items for purchase. If you choose the second option, you can visit everywhere else in the park except for the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Be prepared for changing conditions by dressing in layers and always carrying gear appropriate for both cold, wet weather and bright, sunny conditions. of the main entrance. Even driving at high elevation can affect sensitive individuals. 22. 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 ). Turn left here and follow CO 66 west for 16 miles to the town of Lyons. If youre seeking more miles, at this juncture you have the option to continue to Emerald Lake (0.6 miles) or to Lake Haiyaya (0.9 miles). Using lower gears while going downhill is strongly advised. 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. Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way road only. Alternatively, there is a number that you can text to pay for your parking place. off the Bear Lake Road, 1 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, Open May 1 through October 11 (2010 season). The west side of the Park at Grand Lake (8,300 feet) has more snow, but less wind. In the winter, it will be much less crowded and all the more breathtaking. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. 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. It is multi-story and often has space. The campground is seasonal, opening (in 2010) on May 26 and closing on September 25. enjoy the natural world. Peep the cliffs in the Northern area at Many Parks Curve of the park to spot bighorn sheep. Annual and Lifetime passes purchased online take 24 weeks to arrive by mail. Road conditions can vary greatly during the winter season. All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that dont have a physical entrance to drive through. 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. Roads may be snowpacked and icy. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Bear Lake trailhead, youll branch off to the left to join Dream Lake trail. Soak in Hot Springs: After a long winters day, there is nothing better than defrosting in a natural hot spring. WebTimed Entry Permit Reservations are required, along with a park pass or entrance fee, to enter Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023. Skate rentals are available. Located at 8,160 ft elevation, this campground is open year-round and has 245 sites. Read on for our complete guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March. Hallett is a 12,712 feet peak on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. Parking lot sizes vary. While safe to drive for most passenger vehicles, Old Fall River Road has a dirt surface and is winding and narrow. To minimize impacts on the park's resources, the number of permits issued is limited. These park passes can be purchased at the entry station or online. Buses leave every 15 minutes from 6:30am until 7:30pm. 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. You may obtain day-of-trip permits in person year round. Old Fall River Road is closed to vehicles for the season. Although there is no public transport into the park itself (other than the park shuttle mentioned above), Amtrak's California Zephyr service, which runs daily in both directions between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area, has stops at Denver, Fraser-Winter Park, and Granby, from where you can hire a car to get the rest of the way to the park. There are several entrances to the park which do not have fees on the east side of the park: Most of the major trailheads in the park are accessible by car and have parking lots depending on the popularity of the route. Valid for date of purchase. The 13,000-foot Mummy Range rests on the northern side of Rocky Mountain National Park with two roads skirting long its southern edges: a one-way, dirt road that winds up the Fall River called the Old Fall River Road; and a section of Highway 34 famously known as the Trail Ridge Road. It may still seem busy when you visit, but it was much busier before this system was implemented. Off-road mountain biking is prohibited inside the park. AWD and 4WD vehicles are advised. 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. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. Read more about park pass options below. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. As you begin your hike, youll cross the Big Thompson River and travel along the western edge of Moraine Park. Here are primary park passes for Rocky Mountain National Park. Stunning views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain can be seen from the east shore of Dream Lake. From meadows found in the montane life Offers daily ranger walks and illustrated programs on Saturday night. Estes Park is more of a year-round town with facilities open in the off-season. You may make reservations by mail or in person anytime after March 1 for a permit for that calendar year. Drink several quarts of water per day to ward off dehydration. Rangers can also provide information on what to do in the park. For the most current information on Trail Ridge Road. The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturdays - Sundays during the winter season. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. The rest of the park falls under the permitting system from 9am-3pm and this permit is often easier to obtain. Located East of Trail Ridge Road near Grand Lake, Colorado, located on U.S. Highway 34 just west of the Fall River Entrance Station. 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. Be prepared for deer, elk, turkey, or other animals to step out into the road at any time. 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. Soaking in 200,000 gallons of naturally steamy spring water will ease your every ache and pain. (Note: You will need a timed-entry permit with Bear Lake access to use the shuttle system.) 970 586-1206 Displays include a topographical relief map of the park and exhibits about the Colorado River and its people. 970 586-1206 Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. The following fees are valid for 2019. Fees and passes can also be purchased online through Recreation.gov. A bright, sunny day can turn windy and wet within a matter of minutes with high winds and driving rain or snow. March is the snowiest month in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it milder than January and February temperature-wise. The breathtaking winter wonderland of Rocky Mountain National Park in March should be high on your list. If youre new to snowshoeing, this is a perfect short hike to get you started. Both areas offer excellent spots for high altitude alpine hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing, as well as ample opportunity for spotting wildlife. Fees and passes can also be purchased online through Recreation.gov. QGIS Geographic Information System. Remember to slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles. WebQuestion: Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular park for outdoor recreation activities in Colorado. These are the interagency passes which are part of the America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Less common animal sightings include black bears and the rare mountain lions, although the former will manage to hang out if human food is accessible. It is about 1.5 hours to the park. A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in March requires a significant amount of planning. Moose mainly stay on the western side of the park and Bighorn Sheep - a rare but exciting find - stay above the tree line and can sometimes be seen off the Trail Ridge Road. Here are the many options for national park entrance fees. 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. When you return to the lodge after a day of winter exploration, cozy up with a home-cooked meal and enjoy a good nights sleep in a luxurious bed. Covers one motorcycle. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. Brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout abound. Technically, there is no lodging within the park, but the nearby towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake have numerous options. Of course, any of the roads in the Park present winter driving conditions slippery ice and blowing snow. 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. WebPre-Climb Comments . What do I need to know for camping this winter? The permits are always for the following month. The cost for timed-entry permits is just $2 per day and is non-refundable. 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. The park now has a timed entry system that requires reserving your time online prior to your visit from late May through mid-October. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. 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. Be aware that these last-minute permits are in high demand and tend to sell out within a minute or even less. Keep in mind youll be at alpine tundra elevation, so be prepared for changing weather and potentially high winds. Sled rentals are available throughout the town of Estes Park. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. Use Trail Ridge Road to return. The Gem Lake trail is a steep climb up to a picturesque alpine lake at the top of a ridge. From May 25 through Oct. 22, and youll pay a reservation fee on top of the standard park entrance charge. Trail Ridge Road is not plowed between 4 pm and 7 am. Show receipt for reentry. Copyright 2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. A great stopping point along the road is the Alpine Visitor Center at the Fall River Pass, which sits at almost 11,800 feet. Our Rocky Mountain National Park Snowshoe tours include: Lodge-based Rocky Mountain Snowshoe Tour this is a 4-day adventure with local lodging in Estes Park, transportation into the Park each day, snowshoe, backpacks and ski poles, all meals and snacks (including hot drinks on the trail), and a professional Colorado mountain guide. Covers single, non-commercial vehicle with capacity of less than 16 passengers. At the same time, you should remember that these roads are for getting places. 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. Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. A bookstore offers items for purchase. These buses run every 30 minutes from 6:30am until 7:30pm. When Erin isnt writing, she is exploring the mountains and rivers of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. If you missed this opportunity, you still have a chance to get a permit. You must have a backcountry/wilderness permit to camp overnight in the park's backcountry/wilderness. Temporary road closures may be put in place at any time for motorist safety, based on weather and road conditions. Credit/Debit Cards Only There are five drive-in campgrounds and two group camping areas in the park (one group campground is winter only, one is summer only). 22. The projects completed in 2013 include the following: 1000 US Hwy 36 To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, only credit and debit cardsnot cashare being accepted at park entrance stations. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. This is one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park with good reason. It is important to take all speed limits seriously and obey them with care. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. 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). Both routes are based at the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from the Glacier Basin Campground. Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation, 1000 US Hwy 36 One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. There are two routes: The Bear Lake Route and the Moraine Park Route. All visitors driving in the park between mid-October and early June should be prepared for winter driving conditions. 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. 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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. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com. Reservations accepted and recommended. Those who are nervous around heights may want to leave the driving to someone else for the higher portions of this road. 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. Handicapped accessible and family restrooms are available. If caught in a lightning storm above treeline get away from summits and isolated trees and rocks and find shelter (but avoid small cave entrances and overhangs) and crouch down on your heels. Starting around Memorial Day Weekend and going through the end of September, Rocky Mountain National Park operates a free shuttle bus service which enables you to access many destination and loop hikes along Bear Lake Road, including Sprague Lake and Glacier Gorge, to cut down on traffic congestion and limited parking. The eastern and more developed side of the park is dominated by striking valleys and cirques that were formed through heavy glaciation and is a good starting point for first-time visitors. The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm There are no showers at the campground you have to go in to Estes Park - find them at laundromat in the same shopping centre as the Safeways. Large vehicles or trailers should avoid this road. According to U.S. National Park Service statistics, \( 46.7 \% \) of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2018 entered through the Beaver Meadows park entrance, \( 24.3 \% \) of visitors entered through the Fall River park entrance, 6.3\% of Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Effective Wednesday, November 11, 2020 (Veterans Day) and every day onward, all U.S. armed service veterans and Gold Star dependents shall be granted free entrance to all Department of the Interior managed lands and waters. Park passes however are required all year long, but they can be purchased at the park entrance. Be advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. This information is available 24 hours a day. The day pass was implemented back in October of 2015. 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. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. Beverages may be purchased at the snack bar next to the Fall River Visitor Center or at the Alpine Visitor Center. The day pass was implemented in October 2015. WebHalf-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Mountains to Sky Tour" - RMNPhotographer. This is the highest continuously paved road in North America. Learn about getting to Rocky, the shuttle system, driving in the park, and parking in Estes Park. You can still get dehydrated even when its cold out! This campground is well-situated for exploring the eastern part of the park and is very clean. 80517. Depending on which entrance you choose, there are rentals for both activities available in Estes Park (east entrance) and Grand Lake (west entrance). 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.