This campground is well-situated for exploring the eastern part of the park and is very clean. She will speak to the League of Women Voters on Grand Lake Entrance. Estes Park, Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Youll want to select Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry. If you plan on visiting for more than one day, pick up On the day Trail Ridge Road closed for the winter, Rocky Mountain National Park announced a major renovation of one of its two main entrance stations. There are no sit-down restaurants inside of the park, but the neighboring towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake have numerous options. There is also a bookstore with items for purchase. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and This page was last edited on 9 March 2022, at 07:45. Trail Ridge Road is not plowed between 4 pm and 7 am. The west side of the Park at Grand Lake (8,300 feet) has more snow, but less wind. Learn all about what to expect visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March (Written by Erin McCarthy). These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires. WebHow to Make a Rocky Mountain National Park Reservation Timed entry permit reservation tickets are available online at recreation.gov or by : Reservation Line: 877-444-6777 Reservation International: 606-515-6777 Reservation Line (TDD) 877-833-6777 Recreation.gov mobile app ( iOS / Android ). For wildlife seekers, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some fantastic opportunities to view the variety of animals that live inside its borders. Difficulty levels range from the half mile wheelchair accessable jaunt around Bear Lake to the backbreaking 'Mummy Kill', recommended only for those with years of mountaineering experience or a death wish. Our goal is for people to be inspired, and The small sites fit 10 - 15 people, medium sites 16 - 25 people, and large sites 26 - 40 people. Displays include a topographical relief map of the park and exhibits about the Colorado River and its people. 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. Think about your safety when recreating in Rocky Mountain National Park, Help protect Rocky - Learn About How to Leave No Trace, Take the Rocky Pledge and help protect the park and its resources, Learn more about ideas and strategies for RMNP's long-range visitor day use access planning, The Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is going to be under construction, Learn about the upcoming Moraine Park Campground and Headquarters East Utility Rehabilitation Project, 1000 US Hwy 36 WebYou could take Peak to Peak Hwy from I70 to Estes Park - that one is open year round. Best-kept secret (#4 on map) To feel like you are really Using lower gears while going downhill is strongly advised. Valid for date of purchase. Temporary road closures may be put in place at any time for motorist safety, based on weather and road conditions. Passes cover entrance fees at National Park Service and US Fish and Wildlife sites, as well as Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers sites. There are two routes along this corridor. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. So, if you want to visit in July, youll want to purchase your permit when they go on sale on June 1st. The Federal lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) funds projects in Rocky Mountain National Park that will help improve visitor experience and protect resources for future generations. WebAll visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. 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. If you drive in early in the morning or late at night, the fee booths will probably be unmanned. Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. Also note that high elevation increases the chance of dehydration, severe sunburn, and the aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions. A portion of the park pass fees collected by the government is returned to the parks through The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. 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 The program will be held at the American Legion Hall, 850 N. St. Vrain Ave. Sidles and Patterson will discuss the timed entry program, construction projects around the Park especially at the Fall River entrance and on the West Side for ranger housing, and other summer plans. Some percentage of each days allotted permits are saved and made available at 5pm the evening before the date of entry. Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road. The 13,000-foot Mummy Range rests on the northern side of Rocky Mountain National Park with two roads skirting long its southern edges: a one-way, dirt road that winds up the Fall River called the Old Fall River Road; and a section of Highway 34 famously known as the Trail Ridge Road. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. This climb is certainly worth it to reach the stunning views of the quiet, frozen Gem Lake. 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. Located at 8,200 ft elevation, with 54 sites. Hallett is a 12,712 feet peak on the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are no electric, water or sewer hookups at any campsites. 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. One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. 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Then there is another class of passes that also work. 80517. 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. The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. It is important to take all speed limits seriously and obey them with care. There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 40 feet. 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. 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. Choose snacks that are high in calories as your body will be burning calories to keep you warm in the cold weather. In the winter, it will be much less crowded and all the more breathtaking. But, you can be much closer using one of the other 4 entrances. As well as a timed-entry permit you must also show a national park (or interagency) pass to gain entry. The projects completed in 2013 include the following: 1000 US Hwy 36 So, if you want to enjoy watching animals or enjoy the view, dont stop in the middle of the road and block traffic. This means the total seating capacity, not the actual number of people. 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. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Once it is in your cart, no one else can purchase it and you can select other dates. GOGO Charters makes group transportation easy. Beverages may be purchased at the snack bar next to the Fall River Visitor Center or at the Alpine Visitor Center. Colorado Traction Control Law may be implemented as conditions require. WebYour Rocky Mountain Hideout! You will however need a park pass which can be purchased at any of the park entrance stations. Site by. You can also call the Recorded Trail Ridge Road Status Line at (970) 586-1222. Getting there: From Denver, follow I-25 North to Exit 243. 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. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. This bus will take you from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride Transit Hub in Rocky Mountain National Park where you can connect with the park shuttle system that runs in the Bear Lake Corridor, as described above. Turn left here and follow CO 66 west for 16 miles to the town of Lyons. On Wildland trips, 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. 80517. WebYou can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206. 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 Free shipping for many products! 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. Located East of Trail Ridge Road near Grand Lake, Colorado, located on U.S. Highway 34 just west of the Fall River Entrance Station. Most areas of the park sit well above 9,000 feet with mountains along the Continental Divide topping off at above 12,000 feet. 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. Continue straight along the ponderosa pines and open meadows for the first mile, keeping an eye out for deer and elk. Bear Lake - Latitude: 40.31197, Longitude: -105.64542. If youre new to snowshoeing, this is a perfect short hike to get you started. 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. Note that snow conditions should be considered before hiking as higher elevations will be snow-covered later into the year. one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on U.S. Route 34 at the entrance to the park. You can pick one up at the Headquarters Backcountry Office or at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. The permits are always for the following month. Located at 8,160 ft elevation, this campground is open year-round and has 245 sites. The greatest danger to most park visitors is due to altitude. Trail Ridge Road is an actual highway connecting Estes Park and Grand Lake. This is a one-way dirt road with many very tight twists and hairpin turns. $20 per night during the reservation period and when water is on; $14 per night the rest of the year. One of the things you should keep in mind when driving in Rocky Mountain National Park is that it is the home of thousands of wild creatures. There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit of 30 feet. (Note: You will need a timed-entry permit with Bear Lake access to use the shuttle system.) 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. Several different entrance fee and pass options are available. In addition, be aware of the weather. Less common animal sightings include black bears and the rare mountain lions, although the former will manage to hang out if human food is accessible. 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. 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 WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. WebThese include: The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. Summer are the high season with warm temperatures ranging in from mid 70s-80F during the day, but dropping into the low 40sF to near freezing. 22. Estes Park, Other park campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and fill on most summer days. It also leads high up into the tundra. From meadows found in the montane life Early mornings or late evening rides may minimize conflict with other vehicles. SR-66/US-36 run from Denver through Longmont up the Big Thompson River canyon. 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 Bear Lake Road area is the busiest place in the park and so has its own permitting system which runs from 5am until 6pm. 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. This road is normally well-graded and so any normal car should not have any trouble driving it. (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road corridor). This group campground is tent-only. Road conditions can vary greatly during the winter season. Below are five recommendations for lower elevation winter hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park: On this short but sweet hike, normally one of the most popular hikes in the summer, youll travel through the subalpine forest filled with spruce, fir, lodgepole pine, and aspen. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky Mountain National Park. The Continental Divide cuts almost directly through the center of the park, creating two areas with very different landscapes - a drier and heavily glaciated eastern side, and a wetter, more forested western side. Youll trek across frozen mountain lakes and through alpine meadows. Another alternative for getting to Rocky Mountain National Park is to take a new bus service offered from Boulder, Colorado. Access to Moraine Park and Bear Lake via the Bear Lake Road, which is plowed, are open year-round. This is one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park with good reason. The park offers 359 miles of trail to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders. A large percentage of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park fly to Denver International Airport (DIA). Fees are good for the same group for seven days. Trail Ridge Road runs from the east side of the park near Estes Park to the west side of the park near Grand Lake. 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. When Erin isnt writing, she is exploring the mountains and rivers of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Camping space is extremely limited. 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 Trails from the campground connect to numerous other trails, and shuttle bus access is available. 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 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. As you begin your hike, youll cross the Big Thompson River and travel along the western edge of Moraine Park. If you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between late May and mid-October, a timed-entry permit is required between 9am and 3pm for most of the park and from 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road. Weather and temperatures can vary greatly in Rocky Mountain National Park. WebThe majority of visitors use the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. Technically, there is no lodging within the park, but the nearby towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake have numerous options. 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. The park's borders lie within three counties, Larimer, Boulder, and Grand, and it is surrounded by Roosevelt, Arapaho, and Routt National Forests. WebTimed Entry Permit Reservations are required, along with a park pass or entrance fee, to enter Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 to October 22, 2023. Chartering an appropriately sized vehicle will make keeping your group together during travel easy. Click here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. 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). Ice Skating: There is a dedicated ice skating rink at Trout Haven, in Estes Park. Below are our recommendations for things to do in March: Sledding: Hidden Valley, near Estes Park is a popular sledding spot. 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. 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. A visitor may prove their status as a veteran or a gold star dependent by presenting one of the following: Additional guidance regarding veterans and Gold Star dependents will be forthcoming. Drive around them slowly and carefully. CO Simply follow highway 36 through downtown Estes 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. You always need a park pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Located at 8900 ft elevation with 98 sites. Looking for an epic spring break trip? Download the official NPS app before your next visit. If you plan to stay in a crosscountry area, indicate the area(s) and elevation where you wish to camp. Additionally, rain, snow, ice, or fog can appear any moment without warning, making it even more treacherous. You can only get the timed-entry permit by purchasing them online in advance.