How to navigate Rocky Mtn NP's timed-entry permit system

Planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park? Make sure to watch our detailed explanation of the Timed-Entry Permit System! Discover the best times to visit, how to secure your permit, and essential tips for a smoother park experience. Subscribe for more insider insights on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park!
0:00 Intro
0:30: Purpose of the system
1:16: Permit dates
2:03: Two permit options
4:00: Process for obtaining a permit
5:20: How to use the permit
6:30: How to visit without a permit
7:12: What's new in 2024
7:55: Closing
LEARN ABOUT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK:
🌲Learn everything you want to know about Rocky Mountain National Park at my website: www.RockyMount...
🥾Get a copy of my highly acclaimed hiking guide: "Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: The Essential Guide". www.rockytrail...
ABOUT ME:
📸 My photos of Rocky Mountain National Park can be found at: www.ImagesofRM...
📖 All of my books, calendars and notecards can be found at: www.RockyTrail...
🌐 My personal website is: www.ErikStensl...
🎨 My gallery in Estes Park is located at: 203 Park Lane. For times and details visit: www.imagesofrm...
📺 I have just launched a second KZbin channel. You can find it at: / @divebeneaththesurface
NOTES:
🎥 All filming in Rocky Mountain National Park was done with a commercial filming license obtained through the National Park Service.

[@tomnufer]

I'm so glad you made this. I didn't know any of this before this week, and we're going on the weekend. now I know.

[@ErikStensland]

I'm glad you found it, as knowing this will make your vacation so much easier.

[@iheartcolorado9311]

The timed entry and overcrowding of the Parks area;;y bums me out. I lived in Estes Park in the mid to late 90's for 5 years and went into RMNP whenever I wanted to. It was easy to get around, the trails weren't crazy and it was really enjoyable. I really miss those days.

[@ErikStensland]

Things have certainly changed. Unfortunately, there’s no way to go backwards, only forward.

[@sherryb4918]

Thank you for your timely info about RMNP's timed entry. I now more info to tell friends and family that are heading that way this summer and fall.

[@ErikStensland]

Glad it was helpful Sherry!

[@bryceacd]

Another very helpful video for everyone visiting the park Erik. I hope you can get some of your videos on the local channel in Estes that helps inform the public of all things Estes and RMNP.

[@ErikStensland]

Thanks Hilary! I’m glad you thought it was helpful.

[@andrewfuller7942]

Very informative, it clarified what exactly I need to do next month! Thank you!

[@ErikStensland]

Glad to hear it Andrew!

[@robiness6019]

Thank you for this information. We’ve visited in the winter in the past, but are considering a trip in late August so we can see more of the park.

[@ErikStensland]

So glad you are going to get to see another aspect of the park. Late August can be a little quieter time to visit, so that's a good choice. :)

[@arydze2]

Thank you, this was very helpful!

[@ErikStensland]

Glad it was helpful!

[@djdadbod]

I just bought your RMNP hiking guide, thanks for the info

[@ErikStensland]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@yotristox]

so if want to enter the park through another entrace (other than bear lake) , before 9am i dont need a permit? i can just pay when i arrive?

[@ErikStensland]

That is correct.

[@lucywong6086]

So after permit hours like after 2pm for the rest of the park, no need to obtain permit to enter, correct?

[@ErikStensland]

Lucy, that is correct. The only exception to this is Bear Lake Road as it requires a permit until 6pm.

[@shelbytrigs3119]

Question: Do you need timed entry for bear lake road if you plan to use the park and ride shuttle?

[@ErikStensland]

Shelby, I assume you mean the Estes Park Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center. You need to make a reservation to get this shuttle and that reservation serves as your timed-entry reservation. Here's a link to more info on this: www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088647

[@shelbytrigs3119]

@@ErikStensland thank you!

[@joeschmo2515]

Its BS. Good luck getting in between Spring and Fall. That is unless you are rich and can buy permits months in advance and afford to use them or not. They know its a problem but they refuse to fix this.

[@ErikStensland]

Don't forget that you can purchase a permit the night before at 7pm at www.recreation.gov. You don't need to be rich or even plan ahead if you do that.

[@jakubb9498]

​@ErikStensland if you are flying from out of state, you don't want to risk permit a day before. Maybe if garbage is overflowing park should hire more staff?