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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. Drive to the next pull-over and walk back to enjoy the view. but it can also be stressful. On May 1, Timed Entry On average, the month of March sees about 156,000 visitors more than double the number in February. He began to lobby Congress to establish a national park in the area surrounding Longs Peak, a mountain he had climbed over 40 times by himself. Be aware that these last-minute permits are in high demand and tend to sell out within a minute or even less. - 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. At this point its a good idea to take a quick water and snack break, as the trail soon becomes very steep. If you drive in early in the morning or late at night, the fee booths will probably be unmanned. Wildland Trekking offers luxurious lodge-based tours as well as winter day hikes to Emerald Lake and Black Lake. There are 60 miles (97 km) of hard-surfaced road with a five to seven percent grade. America the Beautiful The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 30 feet. on U.S. Route 36, three miles from the town of Estes Park. The Moraine Park Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and the Fern Lake trailhead bus stop. Monthly or Longer Rental (720) 780-9845 Details Visit Site Riverside Retreat Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. From May 25 through Oct. 22, and youll pay a reservation fee on top of the standard park entrance charge. The park's borders lie within three counties, Larimer, Boulder, and Grand, and it is surrounded by Roosevelt, Arapaho, and Routt National Forests. 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. 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. Colorado Route 7 runs from Estes Park to the south, passing by several trailheads, including those for Lily Mountain, the Twin Sisters, the Longs Peak Ranger Station and the Wild Basin. In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. Stunning views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain can be seen from the east shore of Dream Lake. Bear Lake - Latitude: 40.31197, Longitude: -105.64542. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and During the winter season, motorists cannot drive over the top of Trail Ridge Road. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. This road is a narrow dirt road that is one-way uphill only with sharp switch backs. The recreation.gov website is run by an external contractor, not the National Park Service. More posts you may like r/NationalPark Join 2 yr. ago EXPLORE ROCKY MOUNTAINS WITH AWARD WINNING GUIDES Explore Rocky A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 22. In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. To address these problems, the National Park Service created a timed-entry permit system that limits the number of people who can enter the park each day and spreads out the time of visitor arrivals to limit congestion. Arches National Park Utah. These are put towards park improvements such as trail and road repairs, campsites, hazard tree mitigation, etc. Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Make sure to look west for view of the snow-capped 12,922 ft Stones Peak. Wear and reapply sunscreen often. The timed-entry permits need to be purchased in advance online. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable It also leads high up into the tundra. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. Passes cover entrance fees at National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife sites, as well as Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers sites. 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. Located East of Trail Ridge Road near Grand Lake, Colorado, located on U.S. Highway 34 just west of the Fall River Entrance Station. If you already have an Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or other valid entrance You have at least 5 minutes of inactivity before your selections are removed from your cart and made available to others. 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. WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. 80517. The large sites (7, 8 & 9) fit 26- 40 people and a maximum of five vehicles. 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. To experience the true beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park, get out onto some of the 355 miles of trail that wind in, around, and over the Continental Divide, Wild Basin, Mummy Range, and more. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. A few of the most memorable hikes are listed below. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing roads. 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. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. Covers single, non-commercial vehicle with capacity of less than 16 passengers. This road is normally well-graded and so any normal car should not have any trouble driving it. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. Find all the details here. A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in March requires a significant amount of planning. 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. In the winter, it will be much less crowded and all the more breathtaking. RMNP is one of the few national parks that offers a one-day vehicle entrance pass. 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. In the west, moose can be found in Kawuneeche Valley. WebAll visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. A large percentage of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park fly to Denver International Airport (DIA). Be prepared for changing conditions by dressing in layers and always carrying gear appropriate for both cold, wet weather and bright, sunny conditions. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups. located approximately nine miles south of the town of Estes Park on Route 7. Be advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. Three campgrounds, Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, and Aspenglen, take reservations, as does the group-camping area at Glacier Basin. Located at 8,500 ft elevation with 150 sites. Another alternative for getting to Rocky Mountain National Park is to take a new bus service offered from Boulder, Colorado. You may make reservations by mail or in person anytime after March 1 for a permit for that calendar year. Whether you are coming from Atlanta or Zurich, youll have no trouble reaching DIA. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Altitude sickness symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat and insomnia. Best-kept secret (#4 on map) To feel like you are really 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. Parking lot sizes vary. The timed-entry permit system could change as the national park refines the system. After arriving within the designated time frame, your permit will allow your vehicle to leave and return to the park as needed during that day. On the day Trail Ridge Road closed for the winter, Rocky Mountain National Park announced a major renovation of one of its two main entrance stations. 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. The small sites fit 10 - 15 people, medium sites 16 - 25 people, and large sites 26 - 40 people. Trail Ridge Road runs from the east side of the park near Estes Park to the west side of the park near Grand Lake. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. The west side of the Park at Grand Lake (8,300 feet) has more snow, but less wind. Open winter only, this tent-only group site is first-come, first-served. Located at 8900 ft elevation with 98 sites. A bright, sunny day can turn windy and wet within a matter of minutes with high winds and driving rain or snow. These buses run every 30 minutes. From meadows found in the montane life Conditions can change quickly and visitors should be prepared for wind, snow, ice, rain, and freezing temperatures to occur at any time. There are two companies that operate out of Denver that specialize in connecting you to a vehicle that suits you and your group's needs, at competitive rates. Below are our recommendations for things to do in March: Sledding: Hidden Valley, near Estes Park is a popular sledding spot. For wildlife seekers, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some fantastic opportunities to view the variety of animals that live inside its borders. CO Another option is to park at the Fairgrounds. Youll likely pay the $25 daily fee if youre traveling with children. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation, 1000 US Hwy 36 Here are primary park passes for Rocky Mountain National Park. , Here's a map for the 2022 summer shuttle service in Estes Park. Read more about park pass options below. Note that snow conditions should be considered before hiking as higher elevations will be snow-covered later into the year. 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. Soak in Hot Springs: After a long winters day, there is nothing better than defrosting in a natural hot spring. 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. Other park dangers include wildlife - never feed wild animals, and always give them their space. The timed-entry permits are per-vehicle, not per person. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Use Trail Ridge Road to return. These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires. You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry Office or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. 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! A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. 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. 80517. located on Bear Lake Road approximately six miles south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. 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). There is also a bookstore with items for purchase. Keep in mind youll be at alpine tundra elevation, so be prepared for changing weather and potentially high winds. 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. (Map created using: QGIS.org, 2021. The western side of the park is wetter, is heavily forested, and is less developed, but still contains excellent trekking and backcountry opportunities. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 35 feet and shuttle bus access is available. Turn right where a steep climb to the summit and stunning 360 views await you. If youre new to high elevations and alpine and sub-alpine exploration, consider booking aguided snowshoe tour. It is a perfect time to explore trails on snowshoes, dance on ice skates, or hit the sledding hills. From there you can walk on the paved riverwalk and be in town in just a couple of minutes. If you choose the second option, you can visit everywhere else in the park except for the Bear Lake Road Corridor. The campground is seasonal, opening (in 2010) on May 26 and closing on September. Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road. If you have a large group to transport, consider chartering a vehicle. So, if you want to enjoy watching animals or enjoy the view, dont stop in the middle of the road and block traffic. Displays include a topographical relief map of the park and exhibits about the Colorado River and its people. one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on U.S. Route 34 at the entrance to the park. 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. March is the snowiest month in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it milder than January and February temperature-wise. As well as the pay station, there is app for your phone called Park Mobile which is very easy to use. Trail Ridge Road is not plowed between 4 pm and 7 am. Wildflowers seem to be everywhere throughout the park, including the popular Indian Paintbrush and Columbine, Colorado's state flower. A 20-minute film on the park is also shown on request. WebEntry Reservation Tickets are also available: by calling the Reservation Line: 877-444-6777 Reservation International: 606-515-6777 Reservation Line (TDD) 877-833-6777 or by Next youll select the date and time you want to enter and add it to your cart. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Mountain National Park. There are five drive-in campgrounds and two group camping areas in the park (one group campground is winter only, one is summer only). Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. Large vehicles or trailers should avoid this road. Winter wildlife watching: The quiet winter months are a spectacular time to spot wildlife. 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 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. Arches Fees and passes can also be purchased online through Recreation.gov. Timed-entry permits are NOT required from October 11th 2022 through mid-May 2023. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. Bonus: on the weekends there is a warming hut nearby. You are required to have one of these park passes to enter the park day or night. What do I need to know for camping this winter? Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. eight (8) persons and one camping unit Parking Check in is at 1:00 p.m. The permits are always for the following month. A great stopping point along the road is the Alpine Visitor Center at the Fall River Pass, which sits at almost 11,800 feet. You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970 586-1206. Click here to learn more about driving on Trail Ridge Road. The trail begins to climb up to Nymph Lake with views of Longs Peak. When Erin isnt writing, she is exploring the mountains and rivers of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The 1930s brought a building boom to the park during the Great Depression, during which time the Trail Ridge Road was constructed through the park, which remains the highest continuous stretch of highway in the United States. Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way road only. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. (Limit of 7 per party for individual campsites and crosscountry areas. Learn all about what to expect visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March (Written by Erin McCarthy). WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 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. 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. 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. The timed-entry permits usually go on sale on the first day of each month at 10am at www.recreation.gov. Buses leave every 15 minutes from 6:30am until 7:30pm. 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. Drink several quarts of water per day to ward off dehydration. 80517. 970 586-1206 Evidence of Native American peoples visiting the area date back almost 10,000 years, mainly from the Ute and Arapaho communities. The Bear Lake Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and Bear Lake. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. As well as a timed-entry permit you must also show a national park (or interagency) pass to gain entry. They include access to 2,000 federal recreation areas throughout the United States, including Rocky Mountain National Park. From the west: The Kawuneeche Visitor Center is one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on US-34. Reservations accepted and recommended. The greatest danger to most park visitors is due to altitude. If youve never been hiking or skiing in deep snow, beware that avalanche conditions could exist. 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". The rest of the park falls under the permitting system from 9am-3pm and this permit is often easier to obtain. Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. You can only get the timed-entry permit by purchasing them online in advance. They specify which day and what time you are allowed to enter. 80517. The first is to park in the large parking garage behind the town visitor center. The biggest benefit of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is that there are significantly less visitors during the winter months. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. A portion of the park pass fees collected by the government is returned to the parks through The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Reservations available and recommended for Loops C & D; A & B Loops will be first-come, first-served. Off-road mountain biking is prohibited inside the park. Make sure to pack more food than you think you need. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com. On January 26, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill that established the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout abound. The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. Roads may be snowpacked and icy. The water is turned off in the winter at all year-round campgrounds but drinking water is available at entrance stations and open visitor centers. Though there are no hot springs within the national park boundary, 20 miles southwest of the Grand Lake entrance sits Hot Sulphur Springs. A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. However, you can snowshoe or cross country ski on Old Fall River Road in the winter. Summer are the high season with warm temperatures ranging in from mid 70s-80F during the day, but dropping into the low 40sF to near freezing. In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. One of the most dominating features in the southeast area of the park is Longs Peak at 14,259 feet, which is surrounded on all sides by several peaks well about 13,000 feet, including Mount Meeker, Mount Lady Washington, and Storm Peak. Entrance Fee in advance Pass Discounts for Camping. To be sure, it is still winter, but the temperatures are much more mild than December, January, and February. Annual and Lifetime passes purchased online take 24 weeks to arrive by mail. As you begin your hike, youll cross the Big Thompson River and travel along the western edge of Moraine Park. Youll travel along switchbacks amongst ponderosa, aspen, and fir trees. Department of Defense Identification Card; Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC); Veterans designation on a state-issued drivers license or identification card. WebPre-Climb Comments . Temporary road closures may be put in place at any time for motorist safety, based on weather and road conditions. Take US34 ( Big Thompson Canyon) from Estes Park to Loveland. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and Grand Lake can be reached from I-70 via US-40 which runs through Empire and over the Berthoud Pass. These are the interagency passes which are part of the America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. No prior experience is needed. Estes Park is more of a Most areas of the park sit well above 9,000 feet with mountains along the Continental Divide topping off at above 12,000 feet. Estes Park The cost for timed-entry permits is just $2 per day and is non-refundable. Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. Visit the national park's shuttle page for more details. There is a $20 administrative fee for permits during peak season periods (non-refundable). The next mile climbs up the western slopes of Deer Mountain along switchbacks. 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. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. Some percentage of each days allotted permits are saved and made available at 5pm the evening before the date of entry. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups at any campsites. But, you can be much closer using one of the other 4 entrances. Shuttle buses run between many trailheads, Moraine Park Visitor Center, and Moraine Park and Glacier Basin Campgrounds. 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. Valid for date of purchase. off the Bear Lake Road, 1 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, Open May 1 through October 11 (2010 season). Located at 9,500 ft elevation and open year-round, this tent-only campground has 26 sites. The day pass was implemented back in October of 2015. Ice fishing: Within the Park borders in the winter months,ice fishing is permitted with a valid Colorado fishing license. Even driving at high elevation can affect sensitive individuals. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. 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. Alternatively, there is a number that you can text to pay for your parking place. List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or crosscountry area where you plan to stay. Also note that high elevation increases the chance of dehydration, severe sunburn, and the aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions. Estes Park Mountain Shophas rentals and many of the lodges in town provide free snowshoes for their guests. It is important to take all speed limits seriously and obey them with care. Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). at Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, Open daily May 28 - October 11 (2010 season). Be prepared for varying conditions when driving on Trail Ridge Road. WebQuestion: Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular park for outdoor recreation activities in Colorado. Site by. The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. Several different entrance fee and pass options are available. They cannot be purchased at the entrance stations to the national park. Photos from: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013. When you complete this, youll be sent a confirmation via email. There are no sit-down restaurants inside of the park, but the neighboring towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake have numerous options. 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. If you missed this opportunity, you still have a chance to get a permit. 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 A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. Learn all about the Estes Park Hiker Shuttle. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. It is multi-story and often has space. Highway 34 connects Grand Lake and Estes Park across the Continental Divide, giving you awesome views of the western and eastern sides of the park. 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.