Leashed pets and bicycles are only allowed on the road, not on side trails. Because the wildlife is concentrated to a smaller area, there is a great chance to view them with a spectacular winter backdrop. When Erin isnt writing, she is exploring the mountains and rivers of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. If you are looking for reliable group transportation around the Centennial State, Denver Charter Bus Company is the way to go. 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. In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. There are two routes: The Bear Lake Route and the Moraine Park Route. Rocky Mountain National Park Be prepared for varying conditions when driving on Trail Ridge Road. 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. 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. Old Fall River Road is closed to vehicles for the season. located approximately nine miles south of the town of Estes Park on Route 7. 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. on U.S. Route 36, three miles from the town of Estes Park. WebThe majority of visitors use the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. CATHY ALPER/LWV. Show receipt for reentry. Estes Park The National Park does not receive any income for this permitting system. 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. According to U.S. National Park Service statistics, \( 46.7 \% \) of visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2018 entered through the Beaver Meadows park entrance, \( 24.3 \% \) of visitors entered through the Fall River park entrance, 6.3\% of Youll have views of Little Horseshoe Park and the Mummy Range on your left as you travel east. Choose snacks that are high in calories as your body will be burning calories to keep you warm in the cold weather. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. Youll travel along switchbacks amongst ponderosa, aspen, and fir trees. Park Access +: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park. The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. Rocky Mountain National Park 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. 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. Displays include a topographical relief map of the park and exhibits about the Colorado River and its people. Sightsee on a Bus Tour: Ifyoud rather stay warm and dry to see the sights, there is an option to book a winter bus tour with Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Timed entry permits (separate from an entrance fee) are no longer required. 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. Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the 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. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, 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. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round on both the east and west side of the park. Everyone who was behind you will be grateful. Slopes & Flattop Mtn, Rocky Mountain National Park 970 586-1206 WebYou could take Peak to Peak Hwy from I70 to Estes Park - that one is open year round. Located at 8,500 ft elevation with 150 sites. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. 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. Entrance fees are $20 per private vehicle or $10 for individuals on foot or on bicycle, valid for one day. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. It is about 1.5 hours to the 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. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. The timed-entry permits are per-vehicle, not per person. The trail then flattens out and drops a bit before reaching the summit trail junction. Erin McCarthy is a freelance writer and former Colgate University Outdoor Education Leader. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. located along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on U.S. Highway 34 approximately 10 miles north of Grand Lake. For the most current information on Trail Ridge Road. WebYour Rocky Mountain Hideout! Click here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. The timed-entry permits need to be purchased in advance online. Rocky Mountain National Park sits on the Continental Divide, which separates the park into two distinct regions. 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. At Grand Lake in March, there is a high of 43F (1C) and 9F (-16C) and an average snowfall of 13.4 inches. Click here to learn more about driving on Trail Ridge Road. Reservations available and recommended for Loops C & D; A & B Loops will be first-come, first-served. WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. If you plan on visiting for more than one day, pick up The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. All visitors driving in the park between mid-October and early June should be prepared for winter driving conditions. One of the most spectacular sights in the mid to late fall is to walk through a grove of Aspen trees as their leaves change from green to gold. This road is normally well-graded and so any normal car should not have any trouble driving it. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. 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. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable 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. Passes that are part of the America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series are not available for purchase via Recreation.gov. The Fall River Entrance is one of two major entrance stations on the east side of the park and is located on U Read more Old Fall River Most of the visitor centers offer books and other items for purchase, and there is a gift shop located next door to the Fall River Visitor Center. Winter cyclists will have access to Upper Beaver Meadows Road, Moraine Park Campground, Endovalley Road, Aspenglen Campground and High Drive. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Road conditions in the Colorado rockies may change quickly due to blowing snow and incoming storms. Estes Park Mountain Shophas rentals and many of the lodges in town provide free snowshoes for their guests. Grand Lake is a better option for the summer months (June September) but there is still plenty to see and do on the west side of the Park. There are 60 miles (97 km) of hard-surfaced road with a five to seven percent grade. 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. Near the beginning of the trail, near the eastern shore of Bear Lake, is a fantastic view of Hallett Peak. To learn about the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park, click this link to visit the park's. These passes are available for purchase in-person at park entrance stations or via the USGS Online Store. Estes Park is more of a year-round town with facilities open in the off-season. 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. This visitor center offers ranger-led walks in the Land Above the Trees and exhibits on the alpine tundra. March in Rocky Mountain National Park is cold and snowy, but milder than January and February. It is a perfect time to explore trails on snowshoes, dance on ice skates, or hit the sledding hills. SR-7 runs from Boulder via Lyons and Allenspark along the east side of the park, passing the Longs Peak Ranger Station and intersects US-36 in Estes Park. Valid for date of purchase. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit Reservations The park now has a timed entry system that requires reserving your time online prior to your visit from late May through mid-October. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you peak at grazing elk and snow-capped peaks. 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. A second option is Sprague Lake, a 3.3 mile loop that is perfect for the beginner skier since it is mostly flat. The first bus departs from the Park & Ride at 7 a.m., and the last bus leaves at 7 p.m. Driving in Estes Park can be a little challenging as it is a small town with a lot of visitors. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. Offers daily ranger walks and illustrated programs on Saturday night. From there you can walk on the paved riverwalk and be in town in just a couple of minutes. Cycling through the park offers riders a chance to take in some of the scenery and striking vistas at a casual pace; however, some may be daunted by the high altitudes and steep climbs on the main roads. Valid for date of purchase. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and Site by. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups. The Beaver Meadows and Moraine Park visitor centers are popular destinations for getting oriented with the park's layout, the former having been designed by students of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. QGIS Geographic Information System. WebThe main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, and Kyle Patterson, Management Specialist and Public Affairs Officer for the Park will be the featured speakers at the League of Women Voters of Estes Park Learn with the League program Wednesday, March 15 at 10 a.m. There are two routes along this corridor. Estes Park 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. The trail begins to climb up to Nymph Lake with views of Longs Peak. So, if you want to visit in July, youll want to purchase your permit when they go on sale on June 1st. On the right youll have views of Moraine Park, Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and the Continental Divide. From meadows found in the montane life It begins and ends at the Park & Ride Transit Hub, approximately five miles (8 km) south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the park. These are the interagency passes which are part of the America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. Highway 34 connects Grand Lake and Estes Park across the Continental Divide, giving you awesome views of the western and eastern sides of the park. Before you can purchase a permit, youll need to setup an account with www.Recreation.gov. When the traction law is in place in RMNP, if a vehicle is involved in a motor vehicle crash, to include sliding off the road due to icy conditions, motorists will be cited if their vehicle does not meet Colorado Traction Control Law requirements. 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. Marmots seem to be ubiquitous above the tree line, especially on well-hiked trails around Longs Peak. This page was last edited on 9 March 2022, at 07:45. These park passes can be purchased at the entry station or online. You are required to have one of these park passes to enter the park day or night. Whether you're planning a single visit or coming back multiple times a year, enjoy the convenience of purchasing a Rocky Mountain National Park site-specific digital pass online before you arrive. Make sure to pack more food than you think you need. $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. Looking for an epic spring break trip? There are no sit-down restaurants inside of the park, but the neighboring towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake have numerous options. Just past 4th Street, veer right onto U.S. 36 and follow it for 20 miles to Estes Park. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups at any campsites. CATHY ALPER/LWV. at Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, Open daily May 28 - October 11 (2010 season). Large vehicles or trailers should avoid this road. Free shipping for many products! You always need a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. There is also a bookstore with items for purchase. The campground is seasonal, opening (in 2010) on May 26 and closing on September. Turn left here and follow CO 66 west for 16 miles to the town of Lyons. You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206. Rocky Mountain National Park Conditions can change quickly and visitors should be prepared for wind, snow, ice, rain, and freezing temperatures to occur at any time. Web25 Likes, TikTok video from JaimeeKat (@jaimeekat): "#CapCut photo dump: Rocky Mountain National Park, Fall River Entrance Station Replacement Project, Estes Park, Soak in Hot Springs: After a long winters day, there is nothing better than defrosting in a natural hot spring. Rocky Mountain National Park The cost for timed-entry permits is just $2 per day and is non-refundable. Its a challenging activity that requires patience and the right conditions. Entrance Offers a 20-minute film on the park (show times on the hour and half-hour throughout the day). Stunning views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain can be seen from the east shore of Dream Lake. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. The greatest danger to most park visitors is due to altitude. In the winter, it will be much less crowded and all the more breathtaking. Monthly or Longer Rental (720) 780-9845 Details Visit Site Riverside Retreat Rocky Mountain National Park 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. There is no limit on number of tents, but no more than five vehicles per site are allowed. 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. SR-66/US-36 run from Denver through Longmont up the Big Thompson River canyon. Entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park There are a number of different national park passes available that can be purchased at the park entrance stations or online. About two miles in, the trail begins to climb through aspen groves and rocky terrain and eventually to the pine-covered shores of Cub Lake. 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: It is first-come, first-served, with no reservations taken. Recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 35 feet and shuttle bus access is available. - 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. Lastly, youll go through the checkout process and pay for the permits. Whether you are coming from Atlanta or Zurich, youll have no trouble reaching DIA. CO Site by, Learn all about the Estes Park Hiker Shuttle, 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. Continue straight along the ponderosa pines and open meadows for the first mile, keeping an eye out for deer and elk. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, The A Loop is for tents only, including walk-ins, the B Loop does not allow generators allowed, and the C Loop allows generators. You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry Office or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Limit of 12 per party for group campsites.). 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. Find all the details here. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What do I need to know for camping this 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. CO Take US34 ( Big Thompson Canyon) from Estes Park to Loveland. This means the total seating capacity, not the actual number of people. Roads may be snowpacked and icy. Be careful on snowfields, particularly on steep slopes where avalanche dangers may be high. List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or crosscountry area where you plan to stay. Entrance Stations and Visitor Centers - Rocky Mountain National The Bear Lake Road area is the busiest place in the park and so has its own permitting system which runs from 5am until 6pm. Always check NPS.gov for RMNP entry details, timed-entry reservations, and park regulations. You can still get dehydrated even when its cold out! To protect against larger predators like bears and mountain lions make noise while hiking to avoid startling an animal, and use bear-proof containers to store anything with a scent; this includes food, toothpaste, deodorant, empty food wrappers, or anything else that might attract a bear's interest. Turn right at the trail junction a half mile in marked Cub Lake Trail. In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. This is a new requirement for visiting the national park during the busy summer and autumn season. Our 10 Rocky Mountain National Park Boondocking Spots are all within 20 min. A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. In addition, be aware of the weather. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Winter wildlife watching: The quiet winter months are a spectacular time to spot wildlife. As you begin your hike, youll cross the Big Thompson River and travel along the western edge of Moraine Park. Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way road only. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. Continue along the trail or across Nymph Lake if its frozen. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park You have at least 5 minutes of inactivity before your selections are removed from your cart and made available to others. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. 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. located on Bear Lake Road approximately six miles south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Both routes are based at the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from the Glacier Basin Campground. Skate rentals are available. Department of Defense Identification Card; Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC); Veterans designation on a state-issued drivers license or identification card. Here are primary park passes for Rocky Mountain National Park. The west side of the Park at Grand Lake (8,300 feet) has more snow, but less wind. Many of the trails in the Eastern Part of the Park can be reached via shuttle buses. 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 day pass was implemented in October 2015. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, only credit and debit cardsnot cashare being accepted at park entrance stations. Trail Ridge Road is not plowed between 4 pm and 7 am. The other exception to the rule of easy driving is Old Fall River Road. Rocky Mountain National Park Guide 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. You will not need a 4-wheel drive vehicle or any off-road capabilities to drive any of the park roads during the summer season. She will speak to the League of Women Voters on Eleven miles of the paved road through the heart of the park is above 11,500 feet and Visit the national park's shuttle page for more details. Rocky Mountain National Park With Kids WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. From late May through mid-October there is a shuttle system for the very busy Bear Lake corridor. - 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.
