The trail then flattens out and drops a bit before reaching the summit trail junction. If youve never been hiking or skiing in deep snow, beware that avalanche conditions could exist. To help address the bottleneck of people driving around and around looking for parking, the Town has implemented a paid parking system in the downtown area. Keep in mind youll be at alpine tundra elevation, so be prepared for changing weather and potentially high winds. Timed-entry permits are NOT required from October 11th 2022 through mid-May 2023. Using lower gears while going downhill is strongly advised. 80517. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. Drive around them slowly and carefully. at Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, Open daily May 28 - October 11 (2010 season). Due to weather and adverse conditions, roads in Rocky Mountain National Park may close at any time. 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. All sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations taken). To address these problems, the National Park Service created a timed-entry permit system that limits the number of people who can enter the park each day and spreads out the time of visitor arrivals to limit congestion. 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. their lives enriched, by the wonders of our amazing planet. 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. Free shipping for many products! These are the interagency passes which are part of the America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. Estes Park, This group campground is tent-only. Trail Ridge Road runs from the east side of the park near Estes Park to the west side of the park near Grand Lake. Parking lot sizes vary. located along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley on U.S. Highway 34 approximately 10 miles north of Grand Lake. The next mile climbs up the western slopes of Deer Mountain along switchbacks. A portion of the park pass fees collected by the government is returned to the parks through The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. The fee goes to recreation.gov to pay for their administration of this system. One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. Rocky Mountain National Park sits on the Continental Divide, which separates the park into two distinct regions. It is multi-story and often has space. Entrance Stations and Visitor Centers - Rocky Mountain National Then there is another class of passes that also work. Chartering an appropriately sized vehicle will make keeping your group together during travel easy. This campground is well-situated for exploring the eastern part of the park and is very clean. Road conditions in the Colorado rockies may change quickly due to blowing snow and incoming storms. 970 586-1206 WebRocky Mountain National Park has two entrances: Beaver Meadow Grand Lake The nearest airport to the Beaver Meadow entrance is in Denver, Colorado. 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. 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. You can also call the Recorded Trail Ridge Road Status Line at (970) 586-1222. From meadows found in the montane life WebYou could take Peak to Peak Hwy from I70 to Estes Park - that one is open year round. includes access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States. WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. For all reservations: During the busy summer months, if you have a permit reservation, you must pick up the permit by 10 AM on the first day of your planned backcountry/wilderness stay, otherwise, the permit will be cancelled in its entirety, and given to other backpackers. Specify the number of people that will be in your party. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. Below are our recommendations for things to do in March: Sledding: Hidden Valley, near Estes Park is a popular sledding spot. 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. 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. Take US34 ( Big Thompson Canyon) from Estes Park to Loveland. WebBe advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. Rangers can also provide information on what to do in the park. WebYour Rocky Mountain Hideout! Youll likely pay the $25 daily fee if youre traveling with children. There are five drive-in campgrounds and two group camping areas in the park (one group campground is winter only, one is summer only). In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. There are no shoulders and few guardrails. all-inclusive trip styles, award-winning guides, exceptional food, and The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. Winter cyclists will have access to Upper Beaver Meadows Road, Moraine Park Campground, Endovalley Road, Aspenglen Campground and High Drive. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road. WebHalf-Day Rocky Mountain National Park "Mountains to Sky Tour" - RMNPhotographer. On average, the month of March sees about 156,000 visitors more than double the number in February. If you begin to feel sick or experience any physical problems descend to lower elevations. For the most current information on Trail Ridge Road. 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. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet. You will however need a park pass which can be purchased at any of the park entrance stations. The recreation.gov website is run by an external contractor, not the National Park Service. 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. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. On the east side of the Park, elk descend down to the montane meadows and even into the town of Estes Park. The small sites fit 10 - 15 people, medium sites 16 - 25 people, and large sites 26 - 40 people. Web- Campers will be able to enter the park beginning at 1 p.m. on the first day of their camping reservation Timed Entry Reservations at Rocky Mountain National Park Campsite Limits. Arches National Park Utah. 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. Drink several quarts of water per day to ward off dehydration. Monthly or Longer Rental (720) 780-9845 Details Visit Site Riverside Retreat The Moving can be an exciting experience. 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. All are welcome. Continue west alongside Cub Creek and Beaver Ponds. Valid for date of purchase. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and incredible wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing roads. 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. After a small mining rush on the western side of the park in the early 1880s, a 14 year old boy by the name of Enos Mills moved to the area and began to extensively document the region's geography and ecology through essays and books. The mountains also contain the headwaters for the Colorado River. Black Lake Full Day Snowshoe Tour this 7-8 hour tour includes snowshoes, lunch, snacks, hot drinks, local transportation and a professional Colorado mountain guide. There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 40 feet. The trailhead to Longs Peak and other destinations is a short distance away. Yes, it's winter, but: it's never too late to start planning for summer, Rocky's busiest season. Trail Ridge Road normally opens the last week in May, weather permitting. All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. Old Fall River Road was built over 7 years, beginning in July 1913 and dedicated on September 14, 1920. Elevations range from 8,000 feet to 12,183 feet (2,400 to 3,700 m). Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Timed-entry permits are required from late May through mid-October during peak hours (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for the Bear Lake Road area), unless you have a camping permit, are part of a guided tour, or are entering via the Hiker Shuttle. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, http://www.qgis.org), 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, All material copyright by Morning Light Photography, Inc. All rights reserved. If you are not driving, the Estes Park Shuttle [2] offers reasonable one-way and round-trip rates from DEN to downtown Estes Park. Located at 8900 ft elevation with 98 sites. The western side of the park is wetter, is heavily forested, and is less developed, but still contains excellent trekking and backcountry opportunities. 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 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. When you complete this, youll be sent a confirmation via email. Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, here to learn more about National Park Service Fee Free Days. For wildlife seekers, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some fantastic opportunities to view the variety of animals that live inside its borders. The nice thing about using the app is that you can put more time on your parking place wherever you are right from your phone, if you plan to stay longer than you paid for. 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. RMNP is one of the few national parks that offers a one-day vehicle entrance pass. A bright, sunny day can turn windy and wet within a matter of minutes with high winds and driving rain or snow. Elevation: 12,712 (Flattop Mtn - 12,324) Range: Rocky If caught in a lightning storm above treeline get away from summits and isolated trees and rocks and find shelter (but avoid small cave entrances and overhangs) and crouch down on your heels. (Limit of 7 per party for individual campsites and crosscountry areas. Best-kept secret (#4 on map) To feel like you are really You can also call the backcountry office at (970) 586-1242 to reserve a permit. There is almost always space here and a free town shuttle comes by regularly to take you the short distance into town. Fees and passes can also be purchased online through Recreation.gov. You have at least 5 minutes of inactivity before your selections are removed from your cart and made available to others. 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. This is a one-way dirt road with many very tight twists and hairpin turns. Looking for an epic spring break trip? The day pass was implemented in October 2015. March in Rocky Mountain National Park is cold and snowy, but milder than January and February. Learn how to be prepared for winter conditions. The 1930s brought a building boom to the park during the Great Depression, during which time the Trail Ridge Road was constructed through the park, which remains the highest continuous stretch of highway in the United States. Colorado Traction Control Law may be implemented as conditions require. EXPLORE ROCKY MOUNTAINS WITH AWARD WINNING GUIDES Explore Rocky This climb is certainly worth it to reach the stunning views of the quiet, frozen Gem Lake. It is imperative to check the current road conditions before you head out. During the busy season, the town of Estes Park operates a free shuttle service that serves the center of town and some of the main hotels. 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. Park passes however are required all year long, but they can be purchased at the park entrance. Located at 8,500 ft elevation with 150 sites. 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. From May 25 through Oct. 22, and youll pay a reservation fee on top of the standard park entrance charge. Read more about park pass options below. However, you will always need a park pass. Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round on both the east and west side of the 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. 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. You can still get dehydrated even when its cold out! However, due to spring break for school-aged kids and college students alike the numbers start to creep up when the calendar page turns to March. It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear 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: These park passes can be purchased at the entry station or online. Park streams may contain Giardia and other water borne diseases, so always purify water before drinking. From late May through mid-October there is a shuttle system for the very busy Bear Lake corridor. Another alternative for getting to Rocky Mountain National Park is to take a new bus service offered from Boulder, Colorado. 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 Snacks are available for purchase at the Alpine Visitor Center, and there is a snack shop located next door to the Fall River Visitor Center. The Information Office is open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 am - 12:00 pm It also leads high up into the tundra. WebTimed Entry Permit Reservations to enter the park will be available through www.recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on Monday, May 1. 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. Valid for date of purchase. Visitors line up at Rocky Mountain National Parks Fall River Entrance Station, near Estes Park, on July 21, 2021. On May 1, Timed Entry 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. A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. 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 in 2017. 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. 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 March is the snowiest month in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it milder than January and February temperature-wise. GOGO Charters makes group transportation easy. Skate rentals are available. Turn right at the trail junction a half mile in marked Cub Lake Trail. Include your name, address, zip code and telephone number. The roads winding through the park are filled with numerous dangers, including dozens of hairpin turns and edges with steep drops and no guard rail. 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. 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. located on Bear Lake Road approximately six miles south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. The day pass was implemented back in October of 2015. Youll want to select Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry. A large percentage of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park fly to Denver International Airport (DIA). You can either print this out to show at the park entrance station or you can show them the confirmation email on your phone. 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. Ice climbing:Rocky Mountain National Park is a world-class destination for ice climbing. Many of the trails in the Eastern Part of the Park can be reached via shuttle buses. Annual and Lifetime passes purchased online take 24 weeks to arrive by mail. 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. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Learn about getting to Rocky, the shuttle system, driving in the park, and parking in Estes Park. Sled rentals are available throughout the town of Estes Park. Displays include a topographical relief map of the park and exhibits about the Colorado River and its people. Estes Park, In 2022, the National Park Service in conjunction with the Town of Estes Park are re-implementing the Hiker Shuttle. 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. 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. Sidles will be retiring in June. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Located at 8,160 ft elevation, this campground is open year-round and has 245 sites. The timed-entry permits are per-vehicle, not per person. Site by. You can only get the timed-entry permit by purchasing them online in advance. 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. 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 Considering the park's high altitude, the weather trends closer toward moderate four-season climate than edging on the extremes. 80517. If youre new to snowshoeing, this is a perfect short hike to get you started. Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. Park your vehicle in one of these spaces and then find either a pay station or a sign which lists the various ways you can pay. Whether movers in Fort Collins are helping you RMNP Superintendent Darla Sidles retiring, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Frozen Dead Guy Days live music and entertainment lineup announced, Estes Womens Monument given prestigious history award, Perspectives: Watched by Howard P. Hanson, Estes Park Health Board of Directors approves May 2 ballot measure, EP Health Board discusses upcoming election, Update: Follow up on hoax report of active shooter, Fire breaks out above McGraw Ranch road from burn pile, PHOTOS GALLERY The Stanleys first annual Westerns & Whiskey Weekend, Brought to you by Prairie Mountain Publishing, Aurora borealis in the rockies 2-27-23 - in time lapse, Mistaken identity leads to heavy police response on DUI arrest, Duck Race heralds arrival of spring to Estes Park, EVSTRA reacts to proposed STR regulations and rumors, Trail Gazette Editorial - Workforce staffing in the Estes Valley requires flexibility and open minds, Wrestling coach addressed Board of Ed about firing, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. A few of the most memorable hikes are listed below. Cross country skiing:Since Trail Ridge Road is closed up to Many Parks Curve, it is a perfect place to ski and see snow-capped peaks and views from some of the highest points in the Park. Animals are unpredictable, particularly if they feel threatened, and even a deer is capable of killing a human. Ice Skating: There is a dedicated ice skating rink at Trout Haven, in Estes 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. Winter wildlife watching: The quiet winter months are a spectacular time to spot wildlife. Valid for date of purchase. This system is used during the busy season, late May through mid-October. Department of Defense Identification Card; Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC); Veterans designation on a state-issued drivers license or identification card. WebThese include: The pilot Timed Entry Permit System will be extended through October 22, 2023. Be aware that these last-minute permits are in high demand and tend to sell out within a minute or even less.