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Everyone who was behind you will be grateful. Snowshoeing:a visit in March will almost guarantee that you need snowshoes for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. located on Bear Lake Road approximately six miles south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. on U.S. Route 36, three miles from the town of Estes Park. Trail Ridge Road is an actual highway connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake. 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. Though there are no hot springs within the national park boundary, 20 miles southwest of the Grand Lake entrance sits Hot Sulphur Springs. Winter wildlife watching: The quiet winter months are a spectacular time to spot wildlife. Peep the cliffs in the Northern area at Many Parks Curve of the park to spot bighorn sheep. If youre new to the sport you can book a trip with a guide in Estes Park, the Colorado Mountain School or Kent Mountain Adventure Center. This is the highest continuously paved road in North America. Rental cars are available at the Denver International Airport. You can also call the Recorded Trail Ridge Road Status Line at (970) 586-1222. 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. 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. Even driving at high elevation can affect sensitive individuals. As well as the pay station, there is app for your phone called Park Mobile which is very easy to use. 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. 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. 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 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. Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation, 1000 US Hwy 36 Whether you are coming from Atlanta or Zurich, youll have no trouble reaching DIA. You can either print this out to show at the park entrance station or you can show them the confirmation email on your phone. Colorado Traction Control Law may be implemented as conditions require. A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in March requires a significant amount of planning. It is recommended that you travel in a counter clockwise direction along Bear Lake. QGIS Geographic Information System. The last bus of the day leaves Bear Lake and Fern Lake trailheads at 7:30 p.m. (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road corridor). All are welcome. 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. 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. Continue straight along the ponderosa pines and open meadows for the first mile, keeping an eye out for deer and elk. Our 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking Spots are all within 20 min. Hallett is a 12,712 feet peak on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Alternatively, there is a number that you can text to pay for your parking place. The park now has a timed entry system that requires reserving your time online prior to your visit from late May through mid-October. Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed permit entry system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a $30 vehicle entrance pass. In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. She has been with superintendent for seven years. Keep your eyes peeled as you may spot an elk or a bighorn sheep! 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). Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. Large vehicles or trailers should avoid this road. 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. It is first-come, first-served, with no reservations taken. The permits are always for the following month. If you know you will not be using your permit, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible. This meeting is free and open to the public. Keep in mind there is no machinery allowedonly hand augers are permitted to cut the ice. Located at 9,500 ft elevation and open year-round, this tent-only campground has 26 sites. Conditions at 5,000 feet are dramatically different from conditions above 8,000 feet. WebQuestion: Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular park for outdoor recreation activities in Colorado. Covers single, non-commercial vehicle with capacity of less than 16 passengers. If you missed this opportunity, you still have a chance to get a permit. Wear and reapply sunscreen often. Estes Park Specify the number of people that will be in your party. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 35 feet and shuttle bus access is available. Old Fall River Road is open to bicycles, leashed pets and walkers through November 30. 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. Take US34 ( Big Thompson Canyon) from Estes Park to Loveland. Road conditions can vary greatly during the winter season. 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 National Park does not receive any income for this permitting system. Animals are unpredictable, particularly if they feel threatened, and even a deer is capable of killing a human. There are two routes along this corridor. The Moraine Park Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and the Fern Lake trailhead bus stop. In the winter, it will be much less crowded and all the more breathtaking. Learn all about overnight backpacking camping permits, Learn about Timed Entry Permit Reservations. Grand Lake can be reached from I-70 via US-40 which runs through Empire and over the Berthoud Pass. Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. 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. Its a challenging activity that requires patience and the right conditions. 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. If you have improperly rated tires on your vehicle, then you must use an approved traction control device. 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. Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way road only. WebThese include: The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. CATHY ALPER/LWV. Soak in Hot Springs: After a long winters day, there is nothing better than defrosting in a natural hot spring. Of course, any of the roads in the Park present winter driving conditions slippery ice and blowing snow. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Read on for our complete guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. You may make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year. Reservations accepted and recommended from May 26 to October 4, 2010, and it is first-come, first-served the remainder of the year. 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. Hummingbirds have a tendency to fly close to where people - and their food - are sitting. Visit the national park's shuttle page for more details. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear The campground is seasonal, opening (in 2010) on May 26 and closing on September. There is no limit on number of tents, but no more than five vehicles per site are allowed. 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. The A Loop is for tents only, including walk-ins, the B Loop does not allow generators allowed, and the C Loop allows generators. If you have a large group to transport, consider chartering a vehicle. Other park campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and fill on most summer days. US-34 also intersects US-36 in Estes Park via Loveland and continues on into the park toward the Fall River Visitor Center. What do I need to know for camping this winter? Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). Also note that high elevation increases the chance of dehydration, severe sunburn, and the aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions. Ice Skating: There is a dedicated ice skating rink at Trout Haven, in Estes Park. This means the total seating capacity, not the actual number of people. The recreation.gov website is run by an external contractor, not the National Park Service. Turn right at the trail junction a half mile in marked Cub Lake Trail. enjoy the natural world. 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. Using lower gears while going downhill is strongly advised. Next you will have two choices: Park Access +" (Includes Bear Lake Corridor) or Park Access" (Excludes Bear Lake Rd Corridor). WebTimed Entry Permit Reservations to enter the park will be available through www.recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on Monday, May 1. 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. You must have a backcountry/wilderness permit to camp overnight in the park's backcountry/wilderness. 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. off the Bear Lake Road, 1 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, Open May 1 through October 11 (2010 season). If youre new to high elevations and alpine and sub-alpine exploration, consider booking aguided snowshoe tour. Youll travel along switchbacks amongst ponderosa, aspen, and fir trees. This climb is certainly worth it to reach the stunning views of the quiet, frozen Gem Lake. 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). Click here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. At Grand Lake in March, there is a high of 43F (1C) and 9F (-16C) and an average snowfall of 13.4 inches. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations Remember to slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles. Youll hit a trail junction about a tenth of a mile in. 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. Finally, theGrand Lake Nordic Centerhas twenty-one miles of groomed cross country ski trails with stunning views of the Continental Divide. The cost for timed-entry permits is just $2 per day and is non-refundable. 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. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. From meadows found in the montane life You may obtain day-of-trip permits in person year round. 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. The timed-entry permits need to be purchased in advance online. - 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. If you're planning to visit us in the next month, please wait and purchase your Annual or Lifetime pass in-person at the park. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. 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. A bookstore offers items for purchase. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. Getting there: From Denver, follow I-25 North to Exit 243. The Gem Lake trail is a steep climb up to a picturesque alpine lake at the top of a ridge. I suggest doing this in advance. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and 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. Find out all you need to know about transportation in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. While parking is relatively ample in the early mornings, many lots are full by mid-morning during the peak summer months. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups at any campsites. A bookstore offers items for purchase and handicapped accessible restrooms are available. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. 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 It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. WebThey can be seen all over the park, but most commonly are seen on Bear Lake Road, in Moraine Park and at the Fall River Entrance. From May 25 through Oct. 22, and youll pay a reservation fee on top of the standard park entrance charge. The park offers 359 miles of trail to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders. If youd like to avoid paying for parking, there are alternatives. Trail Ridge Road closed Monday after being open since May 27, according a park news release. Marmots seem to be ubiquitous above the tree line, especially on well-hiked trails around Longs Peak. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. These passes are available for purchase in-person at park entrance stations or via the USGS Online Store. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. more information on current conditions Closure points on the road may fluctuate this fall, however the road is closed to through travel for the season. This road is normally well-graded and so any normal car should not have any trouble driving it. This campground is well-situated for exploring the eastern part of the park and is very clean. When you complete this, youll be sent a confirmation via email. Denver International Airport is located about 20 miles (32 km) from downtown Denver and 60 miles (97 km) from Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Youll have views of Little Horseshoe Park and the Mummy Range on your left as you travel east. There are 60 miles (97 km) of hard-surfaced road with a five to seven percent grade. 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. Chartering an appropriately sized vehicle will make keeping your group together during travel easy. 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. EXPLORE ROCKY MOUNTAINS WITH AWARD WINNING GUIDES Explore Rocky The most challenging sections are found between Rainbow Curve and the Alpine Visitor Center. Winters bring heavy snowfall, and although there is rarely a deep-freeze the park gets significantly less visitors. Conditions can change quickly and visitors should be prepared for wind, snow, ice, rain, and freezing temperatures to occur at any time. WebYou could take Peak to Peak Hwy from I70 to Estes Park - that one is open year round. 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. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet. If you begin to feel sick or experience any physical problems descend to lower elevations. Reservations accepted and recommended. Estes Park is more of a year-round town with facilities open in the off-season. Visitation to Rocky Mountain National Park has grown so much over the years that it has begun to take a significant toll on the health of the park itself and on the visitor experience. one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on U.S. Route 34 at the entrance to the park. This campground is open year-round starting on May 28, 2010. the page for Rocky Mountain National Park, Learn all the details about the Hiker Shuttle here, 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, Lastly, if you have reserved a campsite at one of the, Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US students in fourth grade: Free, Annual Volunteer Pass: Free (250 hours of volunteer service at any of the six participating federal agencies is required). Before you take that trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, make sure you have secured a timed-entry permit for each day you want to enter the park. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. It may still seem busy when you visit, but it was much busier before this system was implemented. Lastly, youll go through the checkout process and pay for the permits. (Map created using: QGIS.org, 2021. CO From late May through October 2nd there is a bus that leaves from Table Mesa Park-N-Ride on weekends and holidays. Web7-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass - $30.00 Rocky Entrance Fee - motorcycle entrance pass valid for 7 consecutive days Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass - $70.00 These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires. 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. The medium sites (#2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 & 12) fit 16-25 people and a maximum of four vehicles. 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. 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. If you plan on visiting for more than one day, pick up A second option is Sprague Lake, a 3.3 mile loop that is perfect for the beginner skier since it is mostly flat. The greatest danger to most park visitors is due to altitude. This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Sidles will be retiring in June. The biggest benefit of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is that there are significantly less visitors during the winter months. At this point its a good idea to take a quick water and snack break, as the trail soon becomes very steep. On May 1, Timed Entry WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. It is served by numerous airlines and has direct flights to locations across the globe. They include access to 2,000 federal recreation areas throughout the United States, including Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive to the next pull-over and walk back to enjoy the view. Make sure to pack more food than you think you need. Access to Moraine Park and Bear Lake via the Bear Lake Road, which is plowed, are open year-round. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you peak at grazing elk and snow-capped peaks. There is a $20 administrative fee for permits during peak season periods (non-refundable). It is a perfect time to explore trails on snowshoes, dance on ice skates, or hit the sledding hills. A great stopping point along the road is the Alpine Visitor Center at the Fall River Pass, which sits at almost 11,800 feet. This road is a narrow dirt road that is one-way uphill only with sharp switch backs. 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. While it is possible to take a shuttle, Uber, or other service to Rocky Mountain National Park, it is strongly recommended that you rent a car, as public transportation in and around the national park is very limited. Grand Lake Entrance. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. The fee goes to recreation.gov to pay for their administration of this system. - 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. Trail Ridge Road runs from the east side of the park near Estes Park to the west side of the park near Grand Lake. List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or crosscountry area where you plan to stay. On Wildland trips, October 25, 2022 | Fall River Entrance Construction will begin the week of October 31, 2022 for a new and improved entrance station at the Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. There is a book store and snack shop as well as accessible restrooms and vault toilets. You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry Office or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. You may make reservations by mail or in person anytime after March 1 for a permit for that calendar year. 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. Entrance Fee in advance Pass Discounts for Camping. WebBe advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. As well as a timed-entry permit you must also show a national park (or interagency) pass to gain entry. Be vigilant for thunderstorms in the early to late afternoons, where lightning can create a serious hazard. 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. If you arrive before the start of the permit time or after the end of the permit time, then you will not need a permit.