Keep in mind there is no machinery allowedonly hand augers are permitted to cut the ice. Denver International Airport is located about 20 miles (32 km) from downtown Denver and 60 miles (97 km) from Rocky Mountain National Park. Once it is in your cart, no one else can purchase it and you can select other dates. 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. The timed-entry permits need to be purchased in advance online. Rocky Mountain National Park has the highest paved roads in any national park in the United States, with Trail Ridge Road (Hwy 34) cresting at 12,183 feet above sea level. Erin McCarthy is a freelance writer and former Colgate University Outdoor Education Leader. All visitors driving in the park between mid-October and early June should be prepared for winter driving conditions. (Limit of 7 per party for individual campsites and crosscountry areas. Learn about getting to Rocky, the shuttle system, driving in the park, and parking in Estes Park. Many of the trails in the Eastern Part of the Park can be reached via shuttle buses. Brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout abound. Make sure to pack more food than you think you need. While parking is relatively ample in the early mornings, many lots are full by mid-morning during the peak summer months. 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. of the main entrance. If youre new to high elevations and alpine and sub-alpine exploration, consider booking aguided snowshoe tour. Most of the roads in the park can only be accessed by personal car as the shuttle only covers a very small portion of the park. Shuttle buses run between many trailheads, Moraine Park Visitor Center, and Moraine Park and Glacier Basin Campgrounds. Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way road only. Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. The park now has a timed entry system that requires reserving your time online prior to your visit from late May through mid-October. Located at 8,160 ft elevation, this campground is open year-round and has 245 sites. On that page youll see several different permit options such as campground permits, wilderness camping permits, etc. 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. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable If you are providing a multi-day road-based tour, please consider the National Park Service's guidance when it comes to providing such a service during the Covid-19 pandemic. The large sites (7, 8 & 9) fit 26- 40 people and a maximum of five vehicles. 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. This group campground is tent-only. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you peak at grazing elk and snow-capped peaks. Be prepared for cooler temperatures as you climb in elevation and keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms, especially as you climb above treeline. Its a challenging activity that requires patience and the right conditions. No prior experience is needed. The small sites fit 10 - 15 people, medium sites 16 - 25 people, and large sites 26 - 40 people. I suggest doing this in advance. If you are looking for reliable group transportation around the Centennial State, Denver Charter Bus Company is the way to go. There are two routes along this corridor. The next mile climbs up the western slopes of Deer Mountain along switchbacks. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 35 feet and shuttle bus access is available. The U.S. Department of the Interior filed a lawsuit against a Fort Collins water company over a ruptured culvert that damaged parts of Rocky Mountain National Park Peep the cliffs in the Northern area at Many Parks Curve of the park to spot bighorn sheep. and the America the Beautiful The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series - 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. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Trail Ridge Road is not plowed between 4 pm and 7 am. Snowshoeing:a visit in March will almost guarantee that you need snowshoes for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. Valid for date of purchase. In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. 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. They include access to 2,000 federal recreation areas throughout the United States, including Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. WebHalf-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Mountains to Sky Tour" - RMNPhotographer. Arches National Park Utah. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet. For a unique cycling experience, check with the park information office for specifics on the Old Fall River Road (gravel surface) and Trail Ridge Road (paved), which are open to bicycles early in the summer season, before they open to vehicles. It begins and ends at the Park & Ride Transit Hub, approximately five miles (8 km) south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the park. If you were not able to obtain a permit, you are not completely out of luck. There are a number of different national park passes available that can be purchased at the park entrance stations or online. A great stopping point along the road is the Alpine Visitor Center at the Fall River Pass, which sits at almost 11,800 feet. These buses run every 30 minutes. A trip to Rocky Mountain National Park is likely be a more stressful trip in the winter than in the summer as there is inherently more to prepare and more that could go wrong. For the safety of all motorists driving in Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter season, the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law may become active at any time, based on weather and road conditions. At the same time, you should remember that these roads are for getting places. Of course, any of the roads in the Park present winter driving conditions slippery ice and blowing snow. Be prepared for deer, elk, turkey, or other animals to step out into the road at any time. On May 1, Timed Entry Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. The Never Summer Mountains sit on the western side of the park and consist of 10 distinct peaks, all rising well over 12,000 feet. GOGO Charters makes group transportation easy. CATHY ALPER/LWV. These include: Vehicle or motorcycle entrance passes valid for 1-day only, Vehicle or motorcycle entrance passes valid for 7-consecutive days, The Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass. The first is to park in the large parking garage behind the town visitor center. The west side of the Park at Grand Lake (8,300 feet) has more snow, but less wind. The entire park is above 7,500 feet and ranges as high as 14,259 feet, so it is important to take time to acclimate before undertaking strenuous activities. 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". These are put towards park improvements such as trail and road repairs, campsites, hazard tree mitigation, etc. Ice climbing:Rocky Mountain National Park is a world-class destination for ice climbing. A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. Estes Park is more of a year-round town with facilities open in the off-season. The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. Be aware that these last-minute permits are in high demand and tend to sell out within a minute or even less. Chartering an appropriately sized vehicle will make keeping your group together during travel easy. You always need a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. eight (8) persons and one camping unit Parking Check in is at 1:00 p.m. The Bear Lake Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and Bear Lake. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. In Estes Park in March, you can expect a high of 44F (6C) and low of 23F (-5C) and an average snowfall of 8.6 inches. 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, Park passes however are required all year long, but they can be purchased at the park entrance. It is served by numerous airlines and has direct flights to locations across the globe. At Grand Lake in March, there is a high of 43F (1C) and 9F (-16C) and an average snowfall of 13.4 inches. Estes Park Mountain Shophas rentals and many of the lodges in town provide free snowshoes for their guests. 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. This road climbs over 4,000 feet (1219 m) of elevation before steeply descending the other side. The rest of the park falls under the permitting system from 9am-3pm and this permit is often easier to obtain. When Erin isnt writing, she is exploring the mountains and rivers of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Continue west alongside Cub Creek and Beaver Ponds. There is a $20 administrative fee for permits during peak season periods (non-refundable). Several expeditions visited the area in the early to mid 19th century, including one by Joel Estes in 1859 after which he and his family established a homestead that would soon become Estes Park, the resort town that currently sits on the east side of the park. If you know you will not be using your permit, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible. The Moraine Park Route shuttle makes the round trip between the Park & Ride and the Fern Lake trailhead bus stop. If youve never been hiking or skiing in deep snow, beware that avalanche conditions could exist. The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). Next you will have two choices: Park Access +" (Includes Bear Lake Corridor) or Park Access" (Excludes Bear Lake Rd Corridor). Other park dangers include wildlife - never feed wild animals, and always give them their space. Wear and reapply sunscreen often. Read more about park pass options below. 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. WebThe main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. 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. All sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations taken). 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). The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Sundays during the summer. This page was last edited on 9 March 2022, at 07:45. Covers single, non-commercial vehicle with capacity of less than 16 passengers. The 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. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. Youll want to select Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry. You can also call the backcountry office at (970) 586-1242 to reserve a permit. There is no alcohol for sale anywhere in the park. This campground is open year-round starting on May 28, 2010. This recorded phone line has the most up-to-date information on the status of Trail Ridge Road. Those who are nervous around heights may want to leave the driving to someone else for the higher portions of this road. They cannot be purchased at the entrance stations to the national park. Several different entrance fee and pass options are available. On the east side of the Park, elk descend down to the montane meadows and even into the town of Estes Park. Turn right at the trail junction a half mile in marked Cub Lake Trail. Learn all about the Estes Park Hiker Shuttle. Always check NPS.gov for RMNP entry details, timed-entry reservations, and park regulations. Continue straight along the ponderosa pines and open meadows for the first mile, keeping an eye out for deer and elk. Our (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road corridor). A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. They specify which day and what time you are allowed to enter. Take US34 ( Big Thompson Canyon) from Estes Park to Loveland. It is recommended that you travel in a counter clockwise direction along Bear Lake. WebPre-Climb Comments . Remember to slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles. You can only get the timed-entry permit by purchasing them online in advance. He began to lobby Congress to establish a national park in the area surrounding Longs Peak, a mountain he had climbed over 40 times by himself. Bonus: on the weekends there is a warming hut nearby. Specify the number of people that will be in your party. Annual and Lifetime passes purchased online take 24 weeks to arrive by mail. Wildland Trekking offers luxurious lodge-based tours as well as winter day hikes to Emerald Lake and Black Lake. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com. Elk, deer, chipmunks, ground squirrels, beavers, porcupines, foxes, and coyotes are all commonly seen in meadows and in and around lakes and streams. To this end, it is wise to have a reliable vehicle and always pack extra food, water, flares, and blankets in case of an emergency. On January 26, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill that established the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you drive in early in the morning or late at night, the fee booths will probably be unmanned. Large vehicles or trailers should avoid this road. Entrance Fee in advance Pass Discounts for Camping. Fees and passes can also be purchased online through Recreation.gov. Be advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. This information is available 24 hours a day. WebEntry Reservation Tickets are also available: by calling the Reservation Line: 877-444-6777 Reservation International: 606-515-6777 Reservation Line (TDD) 877-833-6777 or by Handicapped accessible and family restrooms are available. From late May through October 2nd there is a bus that leaves from Table Mesa Park-N-Ride on weekends and holidays. Roads may be snowpacked and icy. 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. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Old Fall River Road was built over 7 years, beginning in July 1913 and dedicated on September 14, 1920. Note that snow conditions should be considered before hiking as higher elevations will be snow-covered later into the year. There is no limit on number of tents, but no more than five vehicles per site are allowed. A bookstore offers items for purchase. From meadows found in the montane life This climb is certainly worth it to reach the stunning views of the quiet, frozen Gem Lake. 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. Getting there: From Denver, follow I-25 North to Exit 243. Looking for an epic spring break trip? Located at 9,500 ft elevation and open year-round, this tent-only campground has 26 sites. Be prepared for varying conditions when driving on Trail Ridge Road. A 20-minute film on the park is also shown on request. The small sites (#1 & 13) fit 9 - 15 people and a maximum of three vehicles. The biggest benefit of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is that there are significantly less visitors during the winter months. The second route, known as the Moraine Park Route, runs from Park and Ride to Moraine Park with stops at Sprague Lake, Hollowell Park, Tuxedo Park, Moraine Park Campground, Cub Lake Trailhead, and Fern Lake Bus Stop. Lastly, youll go through the checkout process and pay for the permits. QGIS Geographic Information System. Read on for our complete guide to visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March. The timed-entry permit system could change as the national park refines the system. The first bus departs from the Park & Ride at 7 a.m., and the last bus leaves at 7 p.m. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both areas offer excellent spots for high altitude alpine hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing, as well as ample opportunity for spotting wildlife. So, if you were visiting on July 10th and forgot to get your permit on June 1st, you could try at 5pm on July 9th. 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. What do I need to know for camping this winter? The campground is seasonal, opening (in 2010) on May 26 and closing on September 25.