2022 RMNP Entry NEED TO KNOW Info | Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado Passes & Tickets

Rocky Mountain National Park has issued their 2022 passes and timed entry ticket information. YOU need to watch this video if you plan to come to RMNP in 2022.
Watch our Top of the World Experience in RMNP: • Top of the World SURPR...
Park Service here: www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm
Timed Entry Tickets here: www.recreation.gov/timed-entr...
Dawn Wilson Tours here: www.dawnwilsonphotography.com...
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Chapters:
00:00 Need to watch
01:46 Spring
2:43 Why tickets?
3:27 Passes & Tickets
4:45 Timed Entry Tickets Important Note
5:18 Free Days
6:30 Timed Entry Ticket Details
13:19 When to buy tickets
14:42 Other National Parks in Colorado with Timed Entry Tickets
15:25 Insider tips for visiting RMNP
20:24 Camping in RMNP
21:28 More local tips
23:19 Wildlife Photography in RMNP
24:30 Book a tour
25:27 Even more personal tips
We even post a few photos on the Cattail Chronicles Instagram account here:
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[@CattailChronicles]

2023 video now live! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn7Ef4uNq62sosU

[@blakelewis8547]

thank you for the information. very helpful

[@michellelou7517]

You guys are awesome! Thanks for the great detail info. We r coming to visit next week!

[@CattailChronicles]

You are? So great! There's really no bad days in Rocky, you will love it!

[@HJ-uh7zb]

I love your guys energy this made me so happy

[@CattailChronicles]

Aww thanks! Filming the 2023 video soon!

[@choski76]

Thank you for doing a great job

[@donnafox8496]

This is the most informative video I have seen on Rocky Mountain national Park! Thank you so much for making it with all your great explanations! Much more details that I got from trying to call the national Park service.

[@CattailChronicles]

Yay, glad to help!

[@jet3104]

Great video guys

[@SheepdogPreparedness]

Great video. I love Estes and RMNP. I'll be coming for my yearly trip in late August. So excited!

[@CattailChronicles]

Thanks! Wonderful you can visit every year, enjoy!

[@lynnchez5418]

Very informational. Thank you so much! Made everything so much more clearer :)

[@CattailChronicles]

You are welcome 😁

[@marksmith4539]

Very informative. Thank you for all your work & time!

[@CattailChronicles]

You are welcome!

[@regina8897]

Thank you so much for htis video this helped SOOO much!

[@CattailChronicles]

You are welcome! Enjoy your visit to the park.

[@haleybowen7015]

Going to Rocky in June and this was super helpful! Thank you!

[@CattailChronicles]

June is a great time to go! Enjoy!

[@markh4217]

Thank you for all the great information.

[@CattailChronicles]

You are welcome 😊

[@allenfutrelle9090]

Great info, thanks so much!!

[@CattailChronicles]

You are welcome! Hope you get a chance to visit Rocky!

[@afranh]

This is so so so helpful. Thank you very much for sharing. I plan to visit RMNP next week. I was looking for information everywhere. But you put everything together so nicely. Thanks again.

[@CattailChronicles]

Great! Have a fun time! Be sure to stop at Sheep Lakes just in case the moose are still hanging out there :)

[@johneason6540]

Thank you very much. I do have a 5 day hiking trip planned with REI, my first trip to RMNP. I'm excited.

[@CattailChronicles]

That sounds incredible!

[@freudianslip2010]

Heading to Estes Park in October and planning on a couple days in RMNP. Thanks for the tips!

[@CattailChronicles]

That's a wonderful time to go to Rocky, enjoy!

[@michaelmyers7416]

Good job. I have climbed almost everything you can see in the park and ridden my Bicycle through multiple times. Not crazy. Glad to hear I can go in without a timed Pass on the bicycle. Really disappointed about the timed entry because my family has been going there for over 100 years but I understand the need to control crowds

[@pattymattes7124]

Thanks for the information. Interesting about pets, dogs, but understandable. You can take your dog into the Shenandoah National Park. They have to be on leash. Yes, I have my lifetime pass just like Steve. There are some advantages to being an OF including senior discounts on things like coffee and sometimes donuts, LOL.

[@CattailChronicles]

Yeah dog law is pretty strict. Many people bring their dogs but just do a drive through so the dogs stay in the car with them. We have way too many people who allow their dogs off leash and they would be an endless pest to wildlife and likely killed by elk and moose. The funniest place Ive ever seen an elk was is Estes Park at the dog park! He took over the whole area :)

[@yanaysova5782]

Hi! Thank you so much for this SUPER informative and detailed video! You are amazing ! I'm planning to visit RMNP this year at the beginning of October. We only have one day for the park so I'm not sure how much we can make out of it. Can you do bearlake corridor and the lakes AND going up trail ridge to the visitor center at the same day? If so how would you plan it? And if not what would you recommend more for first timers? Thank you so much!!

[@CattailChronicles]

Well Trail Ridge Road will likely be snowed over and closed by October so likely Bear Lake. Seriously any day in RMNP is going to be extraodinarry. We will often go up for just the driving loop from one entrance in Estes to the other. Bear Lake Cooridor has Sprague Lake too with lovely scenery and often moose.

[@yanaysova5782]

Amazing! Thank you so much ! 💓

[@talitamilasauskas1249]

Hello, 1- thank you for the video. Extremely informative 2- love the view 3-if I have a time ticket for 11am can I call them and exchange for earlier? 4- Thanks for doing this:) It will be me and my spouse first time there. We only will have one day since we are heading to grand Teton and Yellowstone. Any advice for 1 day trip?? Also, we were not able to secure a time pass that includes the bear lake road corridor. What does that mean? We won’t be able to see it? Or can we take a shuttle to see it and not our car? Thank you once again

[@CattailChronicles]

Not sure about changing the time, likely not. You can try for the last minute tickets the night before. You won't be able to see the bear lake Cooridor. There is plenty more to see though. I def recommend going up Trail Ridge Road at least to the visitor center. That can take half to a full day if you explore a bit at all the stops. Enjoy!

[@Mpo65]

Love all your informative videos. We are going in August 5-8, 2023 Estes Park. As I understand in 2023 I need to start making those timed entry reservations starting Aug. 1st. but we are going to be on the road driving and I don't know if I can have internet connections, it's so frustrating. And are the timed entry tickets reservations sent to our email addresses or we need to save on phone??? I just wish I could do the reservations in July while still at home. 😣 HELP please!

[@CattailChronicles]

Actually you are in luck! August timed entry ticket sales start July 1st.

[@irinavakulenko5482]

As I am watching your video (great job btw) I have a question. I am somewhat confused about the timing. We will stay in Granby and want to go through the park (Hwy 34) to Estes eventually. If our time slot is, say, 9-11 am and we want to get to Bear Lake as well do we need to cover two entrances in these time opening: Grand Lake and Bear Trail, or just one of them? Thank you.

[@CattailChronicles]

Bear Lake covers the whole park. But be sure to get Bear Lake specifically for access to that corridor.

[@chriss9412]

If I have a times entry reservation for the Bear Lake Corridor will I need to enter Bear Lake Road during the time slot? Or do we just need to be inside the park? (we will be staying near the Grand Lake Entrance) Thank you guys so much for making such a helpful video!

[@CattailChronicles]

Be at the Bear Lake entrance by the time on your ticket. I would definitely explore that area early (if you get early tickets) then you have the rest of the park.

[@marshallnichol1655]

Coming from TX in august! We will be sleeping in the back country 3 nights. Would love any tips you have

[@CattailChronicles]

How exciting! I've never done a trip like that. I would say be prepared for bears (food storage, spray, etc). Have a beacon of some kind in case you get lost. Depending on elevation it could get very cold at night. NO FIRES.

[@GUAYO1996]

Hey @Cattail Chronicles I am trying to plan a backpacking trip for this august 2022. I plan to do a 4 day/3 night loop and was wondering if you would be so kind and give me some advise?:) Maybe what trails to definitely look for, where to park my car for that extended amount of time? If you don't stay at a campground, could you still be able to set up a tent near the trail for the night? Could you build a small fire to keep you warm and keep bugs away? Thank you for your content it has really helped me out a lot so far!!! ♥

[@CattailChronicles]

Oh I wish I had the answers for you. I do know you will need a park pass and a timed entry ticket. We are constantly under fire watch so assume absolutely no fires will be allowed. Glad we've been helpful! You will love your trip here :)

[@GUAYO1996]

@@CattailChronicles thank you for your reply:) Do you by chance have a favorite trail that it’s not too touristy?

[@CattailChronicles]

@@GUAYO1996 The whole park is very popular. The east side is more accessible from Denver so I find it's more busy. If you can get over to the west slope it might be quieter.

[@GUAYO1996]

Thank you so for being kind a replying to me!!! & Thank you for your content !!!

[@frozenpea6638]

Steve just holdin' his camera!

[@CattailChronicles]

HIs favorite activity.

[@jelarkin6415]

Great video, fyi you DO need timed entry on the free days

[@CattailChronicles]

Good question. I looked it up on the RMNP website and you DO need timed entry tickets on free days also.

[@terrihamilton6166]

Good job. I will be visiting Denver on October 13 thru October18. I cannot do high altitudes, is there short walking path I can take and stay low. I know I probably won't see much, but it would be a must visit while I'm there.

[@CattailChronicles]

If you are staying IN Denver a great place to go is The Rocky Mountain Arsenal near the airport. There is a driving path and some walking trails. They have deer and bison and birds and a great view of the city. Another is Cherry Creek State Park. Remember Denver is still at altitude at a mile high so don't be surprised if you have some altitude issues there too. Simply driving through Rocky is lovely too if you can tolerate the altitude by car with no exertion. Hope this helps, enjoy your visit!

[@terrihamilton6166]

@@CattailChronicles Thanks for the advice. Yes I will be staying in Denver. I will check out the RM near the airport. I also heard about Cherry Creek park which I will try to get there too.

[@lieselreimers9892]

Hello! I am planning a trip for next week, we have a timed permit for bear lake 4-6pm and a 7 day park pass for our vehicle. Does each person in the vehicle need a $2 pass? Or does each person need one of the park passes that are approximately $30? THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO!

[@CattailChronicles]

Park passes and timed entry tickets are Per Vehicle so you should be good to go if everyone fits in one vehicle. When you pull up to the park entrance you need to have your park pass AND your Id ready btw (driver's license of the pass holder). Have fun! Watch out for moose!

[@cedelina2005]

Thank you for the valuable information, but question, if I have an annual park pass, a camp reservation from Aug 12th to 13th, and a timed entry for the 12th, do I still need to have timed entry for the 13th?

[@CattailChronicles]

I believe so.

[@amranackerman9656]

Any other part of Colorado aside from Rocky mountain park that I'll need a Pass? Like Mt Sneffels for example or molan pass

[@CattailChronicles]

With so many 14rs in Colorado it would be tough to make one big video. Here's what I found for Mt Sneffles: www.fs.usda.gov/main/gmug/passes-permits There is no entrance fee for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest. The Forest is open year-round for a variety of recreational activities and uses. However, there are fees at campgrounds and day use areas that are operated by the Forest's concessionaire from May to September. A few campgrounds are operated by Forest Service staff during the summer. The Forest Service also keeps some areas open before and after the concessionaire's full service season. Before you plan an activity on the forest, please be sure to check whether or not you need a permit or pass. Permits are not required for hiking on the Forest. Common activities that that may require a permit include wood cutting, mushroom picking, rock collecting and cutting a Christmas tree.

[@janettaylor2681]

Hi. Your video is great! I am staying in Estes park and was wondering if you have to use the shuttle or can you park at the trailhead? Thanks for your help!

[@CattailChronicles]

They just announced the shuttle is back! You do need a timed entry ticket for shuttle rides they said too (during the set hours)

[@CattailChronicles]

Oh but yes you can drive in :)

[@CattailChronicles]

Some trail heads get full very early so be prepared to park farther or go on early.

[@janettaylor2681]

@@CattailChronicles I guess my question is, do you need to use the shuttle? Can I just drive myself to the trailhead? Is there parking at the trailheads? Thanks!

[@CattailChronicles]

@@janettaylor2681 Yes you can drive in and up to trailheads :)

[@nickolasb3642]

So trail ridge road is closed for the season but is bear lake road open?

[@CattailChronicles]

Yes as far as I know.

[@shaunpontsler9484]

Love RMNP, good video with lots of info. It's annoying that the govt is doing this. I have been to the park many times, yes, bear lake is busy but just get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon and you'll be fine.

[@CattailChronicles]

The park needed something to help with the increased traffic. Going in the off season is still nice.

[@JacobBrunson]

The full-park passes are only available for afternoon entry times on the date I want to go (because I forgot to get my pass a few days ago when they became available). Can I get two passes, a limited park pass for the morning, and the full-park pass to do Bear Lake Road stuff in the afternoon? How would that work? Would I show the limited-park pass on entry to RMNP, and then show the full-park pass when entering Bear Lake Road in the afternoon? Or would I have to leave the park and re-enter in the afternoon to show my full-park pass?

[@CattailChronicles]

That could work if there are Bear Lake tickets. Once in the main park there is another gate to enter Bear Lake by the Beaver Meadows entrance. Would be perfect to enter at Fall River and explore Trail Ridge Road then make your way to Bear Lake by afternoon.

[@heinzpilot]

So did they close the swipe card lane? I always buy my Parks Pass at RMNP to use this feature to skip the drive lines.

[@CattailChronicles]

There used to be a Park Pass Holder line that was fast but not in the last couple years. Sounds like they might bring it back.

[@blinkz5806]

Sorry if you answered already but so if i dont have a 5am entry for Bear Lake corridor but get there before 5am (say i get there at 4), i can enter the corridor correct? What happens after 5 am do I just have to stay within that corridor until im ready to explore the rest of the park because i won’t be able to reenter? I want to do skypond trail but didn’t get a 5am slot yet!

[@CattailChronicles]

Yeah the Bear Lake tickets go fast. Correct if you go in before 5:00 you can stay in all day. However if you leave the area you won't have reentry (unless it's after ticket hours). Keep in mind parking is very limited I believe even at that hour.

[@blinkz5806]

@@CattailChronicles so are there multiple parking lots within bear lake corridor or no? Like is it possible i cant park inside the area at all and have to leave?

[@kevinpham4931]

So let say I wanted to hike to Emerald Lake, I wouldnt need a timed entry pass but i would need a park pass?

[@CattailChronicles]

You need both.

[@mikesilliman2916]

If you get the standard timed entry ticket and not the Bear lake ticket, can you still take the shuttle to Bear lake?

[@CattailChronicles]

Nope

[@lacighap398]

So once you enter the park at that time You can leave and come back later that day at a different time?

[@CattailChronicles]

Correct. As long as you enter during the time on your ticket you can come and go all day.

[@josephperez1545]

hi watching the video. still looking for some answer. what if you'll get the 1day vehicle pass for $30 is that mean you can go whenever without time entry??

[@CattailChronicles]

No. You also need a timed entry ticket.

[@josephperez1545]

@@CattailChronicles well, during the payment process it doesn't show the time entry, was that separated?

[@jenniferdemorrow7940]

I am looking for a timed pass that includes Bear Lake Road but it doesn't seem available. Should I wait to see if they are available the night before? We are going June 16th and June 17th and today is June 7th.

[@jenniferdemorrow7940]

There is the option to buy the park access but it doesn't have the Bear Lake Road corridor.

[@CattailChronicles]

They are very likely sold out. I would get the general timed entry pass AND try to get a Bear Lake Ticket the night before. So if you don't get a Bear Lake you can at least get in the park.

[@frozenpea6638]

Deer Mountain?

[@JeffandLeslie]

My wife and I are wildlife/nature photographers. Your tip about getting there before the timed entry pass and after it (at least for the main park) shouldn't be a problem for others interested in wildlife photography or nature photography. We're usually in position by 5am and for the afternoon / evening shooting hours, we try to be in position about 2 hours before sunset.

[@CattailChronicles]

For sure! I think some people are up in bear lake by 3:00 so they have time to hike to the vistas too. I think they've done a good job at adjusting the tickets over the last few years. As a 'local' I just need to remember I can't just spend a fall afternoon there on a whim anymore.

[@JeffandLeslie]

@@CattailChronicles quick question, say a person had a 5am entry ticket. Do they have to be out by noon or can they stay until dark? Is the timed entry just that entry or is there also a time limit while in the park? We're planing a trip out West to a few national parks September 2023 for some photography and videography.

[@CattailChronicles]

@@JeffandLeslie It's just for the entry. You can stay in after that. Only camping in designated camping areas of course. Around Jan/Feb 2023 check the website to see what changes they've made for 2023 though.

[@JeffandLeslie]

@@CattailChronicles Thanks Monique. Appreciate the response. Jeff

[@kevinkeenan3333]

You touched on a scenario I was considering. We’re going to be in Estes Park in July and couldn’t get the Timed Entry Permit for any of the mornings we’re going to be there. We plan to get there before 5:00 to drive Trail Ridge Road round trip. When my wife and I did it a few years ago we went to Grand Lake for coffee and walked around before coming back on TRR. I’m assuming we won’t be able to leave the park on the other end since we don’t have a Timed Entry Permit. Is that correct?

[@CattailChronicles]

Correct. If you have at timed entry ticket and enter the park during your time (and have a regular pass of course) then you will be readmitted. One idea is to enter super early as you plan. Spend a big portion of the day in the park. Head to Grand Lake in mind afternoon and stay until 3:00. Then you can drive back in without a timed ticket.

[@mitch12525]

What’s the parking situation like? I worry that I will enter the park and then be stranded with a car and no spots.

[@CattailChronicles]

There are very popular spots. Bear Lake has a small lot but down the road is a huge lot with buses that bring you to Bear Lake. Some of the trail heads fill quickly too. Otherwise Alpine Visitors Center at the top typically has parking. And there are several pullouts with decent parking. Sometimes you have to loop through for a spot. Avoiding the midday crowds is best.

[@mitch12525]

@@CattailChronicles do you need a timed entry or any sort of special parking pass for these visitor center parking lot? Or does the pass and timed entry ticket you buy cover that?

[@CattailChronicles]

@@mitch12525 There's no extra passes or tickets need to be at the Alpine Visitors Center at the top of Trail Ridge Road. There is a visitor center in Estes Park too that is next to the golf course where elk frequently hang out. Lots of books and info available there too.

[@morgann3173]

do you need a timed entry ticket per person?

[@CattailChronicles]

Per vehicle.

[@morgann3173]

@@CattailChronicles thank you!

[@frozenpea6638]

elevation headache?

[@CattailChronicles]

Yeah. Elevation sickness is sneaky and awful.

[@danielmalmros8532]

I thought 13 june was a free day atleast i cant buy a pass that day but a timed ticket and on site it did say 13 june is the outdoors day.

[@CattailChronicles]

That would be great but I can't find any references to it being a free day. Would love to share the info, where did you find it?

[@danielmalmros8532]

Free Entrance Days Fees are waived at Rocky Mountain National Park - Entrance on the following days: Jan 17, 2022: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Feb 21, 2022: President's Day Jun 13, 2022: National Get Outdoors Day Sep 26, 2022: National Public Lands Day Nov 11, 2022: Veterans Day If you go to buy a pass for rocky mountain and scroll down there the free dates are

[@CattailChronicles]

Hmm at this site it has an April free day but not a June one? www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm

[@frozenpea6638]

18:30 Steve has a time 2 talk

[@CattailChronicles]

He's a super quiet guy, he's come a long ways here on KZbin though :)

[@frozenpea6638]

Such a Silent dude?

[@CattailChronicles]

Right? In our wedding vows he promised to speak more words. This was him talkative!

[@dockins]

Most annoying post ever.

[@CattailChronicles]

Thanks I try :)