Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)
Fees & Passes
Rocky Mountain National Park requires all visitors to have a valid entrance pass or permit to enter the park and offers various options for fees, passes, and permits.
ENTRANCE FEES
Private Vehicles
If you’re arriving by car, a 1-day pass is $30 per vehicle and covers everyone inside. For those planning to explore the park over a few days, the 7-day pass is $35 and is valid for 7 consecutive days, giving you unlimited re-entry during that week.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles are $25 for a 1-day pass and $30 for a 7-day motorcycle pass. Both passes covers one motorcycle and its riders.
Individuals
If you’re entering on foot, by bike, or on skis, it’s $15 per person for a 1-day pass and $20 for a 7-day pass. Kids that are 15 or under get in for free.
Where to Buy
The staffed entrance stations at Beaver Meadows, Fall River, and Grand Lake are the most common places to buy passes, just note they’re cashless. If you prefer to plan ahead, passes are also available online through Recreation.gov, you can simply show a printed or digital version when you arrive.
Please keep in mind that your entrance fee is separate from things like camping reservations or the summer timed-entry system, so be sure you’ve got both if you need them.
Accepted Passes
In addition to daily or weekly entrance fees, the park honors a variety of annual and lifetime passes through the America the Beautiful program.
RMNP Annual Pass - $70:
The $70 RMNP Annual Pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase at RMNP only. It covers the pass holder and everyone in their vehicle, or, if entering on foot, the pass holder and up to three people.
America the Beautiful Passes -
The America the Beautiful Passes cover entrance fees and standard amenity (day-use) fees at lands managed by the National Park Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army of Corps of Engineers.
Annual Pass - $80:
The $80 Interagency Annual Pass is a golden ticket. It’s available to anyone who is 16 or older and is valid for 12 months at all national parks and federal recreation lands that charge entrance fees. It covers entry for the holder and passengers in a single vehicle for a year. The Interagency Annual Pass can be bought in person at any national park site or ordered online (2 - 3 weeks for mail delivery).
Senior Pass -$20 Annual or $80 Lifetime:
US citizens or permanent residents who are 62 years old and above are eligible for a $20 Annual Senior Pass (valid for one year) or a $80 Lifetime Senior Pass. These aren’t just regular passes, both come with a 50% discount on certain amenity fees like campground fees. Please note that seniors must show proof of age and residency when buying the passes, also, if buying online, an additional processing fee may apply.
Military Annual Pass - Free:
Active-duty military members and their dependents are eligible for free annual passes. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force, as well as Active Reserve and National Guard members and cadets. The pass is issued for free at park entrances or other federal recreation sites. To get the pass, the military member needs to show a valid military ID.
Military Lifetime Pass - Free:
Veterans or Gold Star Family members (next of kins of U.S. armed forces members who died while serving in war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation overseas) are eligible for a free Lifetime pass. This pass has the same benefits as the Military Annual Pass with the addition that it never expires.
Access Pass - Free:
US citizens or permanent residents that have a permanent disability qualify for the free Access Pass for free. The pass is a lifetime pass that offers the same privileges as other entry passes, then, on top of that, comes with a 50% discount on many expanded amenity fees (such as camping) for the pass holder. To get the pass, one must provide documentation of a permanent disability, it can either be obtained in person or ordered online.
Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade Pass - Free:
Here’s something wonderful, every U.S. 4th grader (and 10-year-old home-school equivalents) is entitled to a free park pass that includes all family members in a vehicle through the Every Kid Outdoors program. To get the pass, the 4th grader should complete a brief activity at the Every Kid Outdoors website and get a voucher, the voucher can then be exchanged for a pass at any national park site. Once obtained, the 4th Grade Pass is valid until the end of the next summer (August 31 of the year the child finishes 4th grade).
Volunteer Pass - Free:
There a free Volunteer Pass for any person who volunteers 250 or more hours of service to federal land agencies. The Volunteer Pass is valid for one year from the issuance month, the federal agency where the hours were served usually issues this pass in recognition and as a way to say thank you.
Where to Buy
You can buy your annual pass here.
You can grab any of these passes at park entrance stations or visitor centers, which is the best bet if you’re visiting soon. If you’d rather order online, just plan ahead, it can take a couple of weeks to arrive, and you’ll need the physical pass in hand when you show up (email receipts or confirmations won’t work at the gate).
If you're planning to visit soon, the best move is to buy your pass in person at one of RMNP’s entrance stations or visitor centers. It’s quick, simple, and you’ll walk away with your physical pass in hand, ready to hit the trail.
If you prefer to plan ahead or you’re not near the park yet, you can also order most passes online through the official USGS Pass Store. Just keep in mind: passes are mailed, and it can take 2 to 4 weeks for delivery.
PERMITS REQUIRED
Timed Entry Permits
From late May through mid-October, RMNP gets so popular that the park uses a timed-entry system to help manage crowds. In 2025, the system will run from May 23 through mid-October (ending October 13 or 19 depending on the area), and it’s designed to make your visit smoother by reducing traffic and overcrowding during peak hours.
Types of Timed-Entry Permits
There are two types of timed-entry permits:
- Timed Entry (without Bear Lake Road) - This permit is needed if you’re entering between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and if you plan to visit anywhere except the Bear Lake Road Corridor. The Timed Entry permit runs from May 23 to Monday, October 13, 2025.
- Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road - This permit is needed if you’re entering Bear Lake Road between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. and covers everything in the park, including the very popular Bear Lake area. The Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road permit runs from May 23 to Sunday, October 19, 2025.
NOTE: If you have the timed entry without Bear Lake permit, you can’t go to Bear Lake during restricted hours without getting turned away.
Entry Window
Each timed entry permit reservation gives you a two-hour arrival window. For example, a 9 a.m. slot means you must enter between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. If you miss your window, and you may not get in. But once you’re inside, you can stay all day, there’s no checkout time.
If you have a Timed Entry with Bear Lake Road permit, you must enter the Bear Lake Road area within your two-hour window as well.
Vehicles
Only one reservation is needed per vehicle, no matter how many people are riding with you. But if you’re traveling in multiple cars, each one needs its own reservation.
Exempt Times (No Permit Needed)
If you’re an early bird or a sunset chaser, here’s some good news: you don’t need a reservation if you enter before 9:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. (non-Bear Lake areas), or before 5:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. (Bear Lake Road). Just make sure you’re past any checkpoints before those time cutoffs, or you’ll be turned around.
Booking a Timed Entry Permit
To book your permit, go to Recreation.gov/timed-entry (website, mobile app, or call 877-444-6777).
Permits aren’t sold at park gates or visitor centers, so you must reserve online in advance. There’s a $2 non-refundable fee per reservation, and it’s separate from the regular park entry fee or pass.
When to Book
Booking opens in monthly waves:
- May 1 at 8:00 am MDT for May 23rd - June 30th, 2025
- June 1 at 8:00 am MDT for July 1st - July 31st, 2025
- July 1 at 8:00 am MDT for August 1st - August 31st, 2025
- August 1 at 8:00 am MDT for September 1st - September 30th, 2025
- September 1 at 8:00 am MDT for October 1st - October 19th, 2025
Popular dates fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so be ready to click fast when those dates drop. And if you miss the first wave, a handful of next-day reservations are released each evening at 7:00 p.m. MDT.
Using Your Timed Entry Permit
Once you’ve booked, you’ll get an email with a QR code. Print it or save a full-screen version on your phone. Rangers will scan or check it when you arrive. If you’re heading to a trailhead without a ranger booth, just leave a printed copy on your dashboard.
If You Don’t Have a Timed Entry Permit
You can still visit without a permit by arriving early in the morning or later in the day, outside of the restricted hours. Another option? You can try your luck with the park’s next-day release, where a small batch of reservations opens online at 5 p.m. the evening before. They go fast, but it’s worth a shot if your plans are flexible.
But here’s the dealbreaker: if you’re trying to drive in during the restricted hours (especially between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. or 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Bear Lake Road), you must have a permit. Having a hotel in town, camping nearby, or just being in the area doesn’t exempt you. Park rangers will turn you around without it, no exceptions, unless you're part of a guided tour or have a campground reservation inside the park (and even those come with specific requirements).
Why Are Timed Entry Reservations in Place?
Over the last decade, Rocky’s visitor numbers have skyrocketed, up around 44%. The timed-entry system is there to make sure everyone can enjoy the park without bumper-to-bumper frustration or putting too much strain on the land. It’s about maintaining positive visitor experiences, promoting safety, protecting resources, and supporting the park’s ability to maintain daily operations.
Note: Timed Entry Permit System dates and policies may change each year, the above information is for 2025.
CAMPING IN THE PARK
Campground Reservations
Camping in RMNP is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Colorado wilderness. Before your visit, you will need to book your camping permit ahead of time.
- You can check out the different campsites and their details here.
- You can purchase your camping reservation here.
Wilderness Permits (Backcountry Camping)
- You can check out the different wilderness areas and regulations here.
- You can purchase your wilderness permits here.
If you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry (wilderness) of RMNP, you’ll need a Wilderness Permit. This special pass is required for any overnight camping outside of the developed campgrounds, and it helps protect the fragile alpine ecosystem by keeping usage within sustainable limits.
Wilderness permits are required year-round, and they’re tied to specific designated campsites and dates. You’ll need to carry a physical copy of your permit on the trail, and place a special dash tag in your vehicle while it’s parked overnight, rangers check for these, and cars without one may be ticketed or towed.
If you’re camping during the peak season, between May and October, you’ll need to reserve your permit online at Recreation.gov. Reservations open on March 1st at 8 a.m. MT, it’s first-come, first-served, and spots go fast, especially for the most scenic or popular zones.
If you’re camping in the winter (November through April), you don’t need to make a reservation in advance, instead, just stop by one of the park’s Wilderness Offices during their regular hours. It’s usually easy to get winter permits due to low demand.
Permit Pickup
Whether you’ve reserved online or are walking in, you must pick up your permit in person before your trip. Permits must be picked up in person at the Wilderness Offices at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center near Estes Park, CO or the Kawuneeche Visitor Center near Grand Lake, CO. Rangers at the Wilderness Office will go over important rules, and if you don’t show up by noon on your first day, your spot could be given away.
Wilderness Permit Fees
There’s a $36 fee for wilderness permits during the main season (May to October), and $10 for winter trips. This is a flat fee per trip (not per person or night), and it’s non-refundable, even if plans change.
Group Size and Stay Limits
Group sizes are capped to a maximum of 7 people at standard sites and up to 12 people at designated group sites. In summer (May to September), you can stay up to 7 nights total, with no more than 3 nights in one spot. Winter rules are a bit looser, allowing up to 14 nights, but everyone is limited to 21 nights per year in RMNP’s backcountry.