enjoy the natural world. Hallett Peak - West Slopes & Flattop Mtn, Rocky Mountain Turn right at the trail junction a half mile in marked Cub Lake Trail. Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. It also leads high up into the tundra. WebThe majority of visitors use the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Estes Park is more of a year-round town with facilities open in the off-season. The other exception to the rule of easy driving is Old Fall River Road. Weekend hours vary based on the season. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. After the third mile, youll arrive at the summit trail junction. You must have a backcountry/wilderness permit to camp overnight in the park's backcountry/wilderness. Entrance Youll trek across frozen mountain lakes and through alpine meadows. There are no shoulders and few guardrails. QGIS Association. Parking lot sizes vary. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Rocky Mountain National Park 1-Day Pass: $25/vehicle 7-Day Pass: $35/vehicle Annual Pass: $70 Mesa Verde National Park 7-Day Pass Jan-April: $15/vehicle 7-Day Pass May-Oct: There is almost always space here and a free town shuttle comes by regularly to take you the short distance into town. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Next you will have two choices: Park Access +" (Includes Bear Lake Corridor) or Park Access" (Excludes Bear Lake Rd Corridor). 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. http://www.qgis.org), 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. 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. Lastly, youll go through the checkout process and pay for the permits. You are required to have one of these park passes to enter the park day or night. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. There is a book store and snack shop as well as accessible restrooms and vault toilets. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. With a large selection of charterbus and minibus rentals, they'll match you with the perfect vehicle for your trip. WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. Thunderstorms are constantly looming in the early to mid afternoon during the summer, but clear off quickly by evening, bringing crisp and cool weather. Hawks and eagles are often seen soaring above the glacier gorges in search of critters that hide among the rocks and colorful tree birds such as blue jays and cardinals fly in the lower altitudes. From the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, a good trail leads to Flattop Mountain and then a short 400 foot climb leads to the summit of Hallett. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. Entrance fees are $20 per private vehicle or $10 for individuals on foot or on bicycle, valid for one day. If you are not driving, the Estes Park Shuttle [2] offers reasonable one-way and round-trip rates from DEN to downtown Estes Park. The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Sundays during the summer. The following fees are valid for 2019. The Gem Lake trail is a steep climb up to a picturesque alpine lake at the top of a ridge. It begins and ends at the Park & Ride Transit Hub, approximately five miles (8 km) south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the park. Many visitors use Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge as their starting point into the park, both of which can be accessed via the Bear Lake Road. Bonus: on the weekends there is a warming hut nearby. It is important to take all speed limits seriously and obey them with care. The hikes below are all at a relatively high elevation where the snow will be reflecting back at you, so make sure to put sunscreen on to protect your skin. 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. If youd like to avoid paying for parking, there are alternatives. Open winter only, this tent-only group site is first-come, first-served. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. The roads winding through the park are filled with numerous dangers, including dozens of hairpin turns and edges with steep drops and no guard rail. It may still seem busy when you visit, but it was much busier before this system was implemented. Also note that high elevation increases the chance of dehydration, severe sunburn, and the aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions. Rocky Mountain National Park Rocky Mountain National Park $20 per night during the reservation period and when water is on; $14 per night the rest of the year. 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. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Reservations accepted and recommended. From the Bear Lake trailhead, youll branch off to the left to join Dream Lake trail. EXPLORE ROCKY MOUNTAINS WITH AWARD WINNING GUIDES Explore Rocky Feds sue Fort Collins water company for a Grand River Ditch Old Fall River Road is open to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers through November 30. 970 586-1206 Difficulty levels range from the half mile wheelchair accessable jaunt around Bear Lake to the backbreaking 'Mummy Kill', recommended only for those with years of mountaineering experience or a death wish. Be advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. Annual and lifetime passes may not be used to pay for commercial tours. Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). The greatest danger to most park visitors is due to altitude. WebBe advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206. Another alternative for getting to Rocky Mountain National Park is to take a new bus service offered from Boulder, Colorado. 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. Learn about getting to Rocky, the shuttle system, driving in the park, and parking in Estes Park. The first is to park in the large parking garage behind the town visitor center. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. The National Park does not receive any income for this permitting system. Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking This bus will take you from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride Transit Hub in Rocky Mountain National Park where you can connect with the park shuttle system that runs in the Bear Lake Corridor, as described above. All are welcome. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and The state of Colorado has a fantastic resource to check the currentavalanche conditions. You may make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year. If youre short on time or lacking the desire to plan, it is a better idea to aim for a visit in the warmer months when weather is pleasant and the full scope of facilities are open. These national parks require reservations in 2023 Visitors line up at Rocky Mountain National Parks Fall River Entrance Station, near Estes Park, on July 21, 2021. Youll travel along switchbacks amongst ponderosa, aspen, and fir trees. In the winter, it will be much less crowded and all the more breathtaking. Roads may be snowpacked and icy. There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit of 30 feet. 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. SR-66/US-36 run from Denver through Longmont up the Big Thompson River canyon. 4025 East Huntington, Suite 150 Wildflowers seem to be everywhere throughout the park, including the popular Indian Paintbrush and Columbine, Colorado's state flower. Trail Ridge Road is an actual highway connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake. The rest of the park falls under the permitting system from 9am-3pm and this permit is often easier to obtain. 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. Here's a map for the 2022 summer shuttle service in Estes 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. 80517. What do I need to know for camping this winter? 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. Due to weather and adverse conditions, roads in Rocky Mountain National Park may close at any time. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. On Wildland trips, There is no limit on number of tents, but no more than five vehicles per site are allowed. The cost for timed-entry permits is just $2 per day and is non-refundable. She has been with superintendent for seven years. 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. If you were not able to obtain a permit, you are not completely out of luck. It is about 1.5 hours to the park. Soak in Hot Springs: After a long winters day, there is nothing better than defrosting in a natural hot spring. March in Rocky Mountain National Park is cold and snowy, but milder than January and February. Always check NPS.gov for RMNP entry details, timed-entry reservations, and park regulations. WebAll visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. Copyright 2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. From the west: The Kawuneeche Visitor Center is one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on US-34. It is multi-story and often has space. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road corridor). Winters bring heavy snowfall, and although there is rarely a deep-freeze the park gets significantly less visitors. Rocky Mountain National Park sits on the Continental Divide, which separates the park into two distinct regions. Rocky Entrance Fee - vehicle entrance pass valid for 7 consecutive days, Rocky Entrance Fee - motorcycle entrance pass valid for 7 consecutive days, America The Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass - $80.00, Annual park pass valid at all U.S. National Park and federal lands, No prior experience is needed. Other park dangers include wildlife - never feed wild animals, and always give them their space. A large percentage of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park fly to Denver International Airport (DIA). Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations On the right youll have views of Moraine Park, Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and the Continental Divide. 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. Trail Ridge Road is only open for seven miles (up to Many Parks Curve) and Old Fall River Road is completely closed to vehicular traffic. A bright, sunny day can turn windy and wet within a matter of minutes with high winds and driving rain or snow. 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. Brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout abound. Fees are not to be sent when requesting reservations, but are payable (by cash or check only) when the permit is issued. Obtaining Permits and Passes for Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit System - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. You will however need a park pass which can be purchased at any of the park entrance stations. The permits are always for the following month. This information is available 24 hours a day. Park passes however are required all year long, but they can be purchased at the park entrance. They cannot be purchased at the entrance stations to the national 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. 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. Many of the trails in the Eastern Part of the Park can be reached via shuttle buses. WebPre-Climb Comments . Alternatively, there is a number that you can text to pay for your parking place. Whether you are coming from Atlanta or Zurich, youll have no trouble reaching DIA. This group campground is tent-only. There is also a bookstore with items for purchase. WebRocky Mountain National Park has two entrances: Beaver Meadow Grand Lake The nearest airport to the Beaver Meadow entrance is in Denver, Colorado. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 35 feet and shuttle bus access is available. Rocky Mountain National Park 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. The first route, known as the Bear Lake Route, runs from Park & Ride Transit Hub to Bear Lake with stops at the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead and the Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Department of Defense Identification Card; Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC); Veterans designation on a state-issued drivers license or identification card. Trail Ridge Road closed Monday after being open since May 27, according a park news release. The small sites fit 10 - 15 people, medium sites 16 - 25 people, and large sites 26 - 40 people. Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) 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. Old Fall River Road is closed to vehicles for the season. When you complete this, youll be sent a confirmation via email. The fee goes to recreation.gov to pay for their administration of this system. Since 1997, over $60 million of entrance and camping fees has been spent on various improvements and projects in Rocky. 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. 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. Turn right where a steep climb to the summit and stunning 360 views await you. During the winter season, motorists cannot drive over the top of Trail Ridge Road. Technically, there is no lodging within the park, but the nearby towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake have numerous options. 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. Here are primary park passes for Rocky Mountain National Park. These park passes can be purchased at the entry station or online. The Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Roads are closed during the winter and usually do not re-open util late spring at the earliest. To minimize impacts on the park's resources, the number of permits issued is limited. This campground is open year-round starting on May 28, 2010. The large meadow valleys and gentle slopes of the montane ecosystem in Rocky Mountain National Park are the most accessible and arguably the most approachable for winter hiking. WebThe main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. 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. 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. Wildlife bull moose sighting in Rocky Mountain National Park $20 per night when water is on (late May-mid thru September) and $14 per night when water is off, located in a ponderosa pine forest above the meadows of Moraine Park on Bear Lake Road approximately two and a half miles south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. This page was last edited on 9 March 2022, at 07:45. Those who are nervous around heights may want to leave the driving to someone else for the higher portions of this road. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you peak at grazing elk and snow-capped peaks. There are 60 miles (97 km) of hard-surfaced road with a five to seven percent grade. Cross country skiing:Since Trail Ridge Road is closed up to Many Parks Curve, it is a perfect place to ski and see snow-capped peaks and views from some of the highest points in the Park. Free shipping for many products! Take US34 ( Big Thompson Canyon) from Estes Park to Loveland. Youll likely pay the $25 daily fee if youre traveling with children. on U.S. Route 36, three miles from the town of Estes Park. You have at least 5 minutes of inactivity before your selections are removed from your cart and made available to others. You always need a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. On December 1, the road will revert to trail status and bicycles and leashed pets will not be allowed on Old Fall River Road. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. On May 1, Timed Entry Grand Lake Entrance. Keep in mind there is no machinery allowedonly hand augers are permitted to cut the ice. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Most of the roads in the park have little to no shoulder, with the added challenge of dealing with heavy summer traffic. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to Rocky Mountain National Park The projects completed in 2013 include the following: 1000 US Hwy 36 Snowshoeing:a visit in March will almost guarantee that you need snowshoes for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Keep your eyes peeled as you may spot an elk or a bighorn sheep! A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. Estes Park, This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, 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. The next mile climbs up the western slopes of Deer Mountain along switchbacks. A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Site by. In the west, moose can be found in Kawuneeche Valley. The timed-entry permit system could change as the national park refines the system. When the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law is active in RMNP, this means that all vehicles (including 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and 2-Wheel Drive) must have properly rated tires (Mud and Snow, Mountain and Snow or All-Weather Tires) with a minimum of 3/16" tread. 970 586-1206 Rocky Mountain National Park In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit Reservations Specify the number of people that will be in your party. Rocky Mountain National Park WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb.