Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is starting its timed-entry reservation system for 2026 on May 22.

According to a press release from (RMNP), the system allows for day use access to the park in a way that “creates opportunities for high-quality visitor experiences while protecting resources.” The reservation system also promotes safety and supports RMNP’s ability to maintain daily operations.

There will be two types of reservations available. One will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, including the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. The second permit will be for the rest of the park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. This reservation period will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Bear Lake Road Corridor timed entry reservation system will end on Monday, Oct. 19. The “rest of the park” reservation system will end on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Reservations to enter the park are available following this schedule from the National Park Service:

• Beginning at 8 a.m. MT on Friday, May 1, this round of reservations will be available to enter the park from May 22 through June 30
• The next release will occur on June 1, for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June
• On July 1, reservations will be available for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July
• On Aug. 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked
• On Sept. 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked

This system was established through the Day Use Visitor Access Plan that was finalized in May 2024. The only cost to make a reservation is a $2 recreation.gov processing fee.

Find more information about RMNP here.

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