Rocky Mountain National Park Ends Timed-Entry Reservation System

Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado may be pleased to learn that it has decided to discontinue its timed-entry reservation system.

Background on the Reservation System

This system was initially implemented to facilitate social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The park, welcoming approximately 4.67 million visitors in 2019, was closed from March 21 through May 26 during the pandemic, leading to a 31% decrease in visitor numbers for 2020 compared to the prior year. Upon reopening, a timed-entry system was introduced, along with a cap of 60% on vehicle entries to mitigate congestion issues.

Visitor Management Strategies

In prior years, park officials have tackled congestion issues by implementing vehicle restrictions in popular areas such as Bear Lake Road, Alpine Visitor Center, and the Wild Basin Area. While visitors are no longer required to register online in advance for a time slot, officials will implement restrictions as needed should congestion arise, along with other pilot visitor management techniques.

Exploring the Park

Spanning 265,000 acres, the park boasts over 300 miles of trails, snow-capped granite peaks, and a diverse array of wildlife. With 67 species of mammals, including elk, bighorn sheep, coyotes, mountain lions, and mule deer, wildlife viewing is a prominent attraction. Moreover, over 270 bird species have been recorded in the park over the past century, many of which are unique to mountainous habitats.

Current Information

For the latest updates regarding restrictions and other park conditions related to COVID-19, detailed information can be found on the National Park Service website here.