But, you can be much closer using one of the other 4 entrances. Arches National Park Utah. 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 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. 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. From late May through mid-October there is a shuttle system for the very busy Bear Lake corridor. Route: Flattop Mountain Trail & Hallett Peak, West Slopes Estes Park is more of a year-round town with facilities open in the off-season. This road climbs over 4,000 feet (1219 m) of elevation before steeply descending the other side. Department of Defense Identification Card; Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC); Veterans designation on a state-issued drivers license or identification card. A bookstore offers items for purchase and handicapped accessible restrooms are available. 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. This group campground is tent-only. includes access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas across the United States. There are no showers at the campground you have to go in to Estes Park - find them at laundromat in the same shopping centre as the Safeways. For wildlife seekers, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some fantastic opportunities to view the variety of animals that live inside its borders. Valid for date of purchase. 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. There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 40 feet. From the Bear Lake trailhead, youll branch off to the left to join Dream Lake trail. Photos from: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013. The small sites fit 10 - 15 people, medium sites 16 - 25 people, and large sites 26 - 40 people. - 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. The timed-entry permits are per-vehicle, not per person. Hawks and eagles are often seen soaring above the glacier gorges in search of critters that hide among the rocks and colorful tree birds such as blue jays and cardinals fly in the lower altitudes. 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. SR-66/US-36 run from Denver through Longmont up the Big Thompson River canyon. Sled rentals are available throughout the town of Estes Park. One of the most dominating features in the southeast area of the park is Longs Peak at 14,259 feet, which is surrounded on all sides by several peaks well about 13,000 feet, including Mount Meeker, Mount Lady Washington, and Storm Peak. There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit of 30 feet. As well as the pay station, there is app for your phone called Park Mobile which is very easy to use. As well as a timed-entry permit you must also show a national park (or interagency) pass to gain entry. These are put towards park improvements such as trail and road repairs, campsites, hazard tree mitigation, etc. A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. There are five drive-in campgrounds and two group camping areas in the park (one group campground is winter only, one is summer only). It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. The National Park does not receive any income for this permitting system. A portion of the park pass fees collected by the government is returned to the parks through The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. In addition, be aware of the weather. The eastern and more developed side of the park is dominated by striking valleys and cirques that were formed through heavy glaciation and is a good starting point for first-time visitors. Erin McCarthy is a freelance writer and former Colgate University Outdoor Education Leader. Trail Ridge Road is not plowed between 4 pm and 7 am. Elk, deer, chipmunks, ground squirrels, beavers, porcupines, foxes, and coyotes are all commonly seen in meadows and in and around lakes and streams. No prior experience is needed. Be prepared for changing conditions by dressing in layers and always carrying gear appropriate for both cold, wet weather and bright, sunny conditions. It is multi-story and often has space. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com. It is important to take all speed limits seriously and obey them with care. Synthetic (non-cotton) socks are essential for keeping your feet warm even if they get wet. 80517. However, you can snowshoe or cross country ski on Old Fall River Road in the winter. If youd like to avoid paying for parking, there are alternatives. 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. You may make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year. October 25, 2022 | Fall River Entrance Construction will begin the week of October 31, 2022 for a new and improved entrance station at the Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Shuttle buses run between many trailheads, Moraine Park Visitor Center, and Moraine Park and Glacier Basin Campgrounds. Trails from the campground connect to numerous other trails, and shuttle bus access is available. Youll likely pay the $25 daily fee if youre traveling with children. 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. You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970 586-1206. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. Whether you are coming from Atlanta or Zurich, youll have no trouble reaching DIA. Remember to slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles. Offers natural history exhibits and a half-mile nature trail. Offers exhibits about park wildlife, children's exhibits, and rangers can provide tips about what to do in the park. 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. To learn about the weather in Rocky Mountain National Park, click this link to visit the park's. 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. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. It is imperative to check the current road conditions before you head out. $20 per night when water is on; $14 per night when water is off, Rocky Mountains (United States of America), https://wikitravel.org/wiki/en/index.php?title=Rocky_Mountain_National_Park&oldid=2711354, Pages linked to a data item for a disambiguation, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Longs Peak Ranger Station road (dead ends at the Longs Peak Ranger Station and trailhead), McGraw Ranch road (dead ends at McGraw Ranch and Cow Creek trailhead), Lily Lake Visitors Center parking lot (on the right side of SR-7 heading south from Estes Park, McGregor Ranch Gem Lake entrance (parking lots near Lumpy Ridge trailhead). On January 26, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill that established the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park. What do I need to know for camping this winter? You can call Rocky Mountain National Park's Information Office at 970- 586-1206. A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. 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. This is one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park with good reason. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Monthly or Longer Rental (720) 780-9845 Details Visit Site Riverside Retreat Youll trek across frozen mountain lakes and through alpine meadows. WebYour Rocky Mountain Hideout! 7 day Beverages may be purchased at the snack bar next to the Fall River Visitor Center or at the Alpine Visitor Center. 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. 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. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. 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. The last bus of the day leaves Bear Lake and Fern Lake trailheads at 7:30 p.m. The fee goes to recreation.gov to pay for their administration of this system. This road is very narrow and steep, with sharp turns. In the west, moose can be found in Kawuneeche Valley. After the third mile, youll arrive at the summit trail junction. If youre short on time or lacking the desire to plan, it is a better idea to aim for a visit in the warmer months when weather is pleasant and the full scope of facilities are open. The cost for timed-entry permits is just $2 per day and is non-refundable. In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. If you choose the second option, you can visit everywhere else in the park except for the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Entrance Stations and Visitor Centers - Rocky Mountain National Trail Ridge Road closed Monday after being open since May 27, according a park news release. WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. If you plan to stay in a crosscountry area, indicate the area(s) and elevation where you wish to camp. List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or crosscountry area where you plan to stay. If you drive in early in the morning or late at night, the fee booths will probably be unmanned. March is the snowiest month in Rocky Mountain National Park, but it milder than January and February temperature-wise. WebAll visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. Large vehicles or trailers should avoid this road. The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations Even driving at high elevation can affect sensitive individuals. 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. This meeting is free and open to the public. There is no limit on number of tents, but no more than five vehicles per site are allowed. 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. 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. There are many windy turns on this road and there are some areas where the road clings to the side of the mountain with steep drops. Sidles will be retiring in June. Near the beginning of the trail, near the eastern shore of Bear Lake, is a fantastic view of Hallett Peak. Weekend hours vary based on the season. guests discover new landscapes, ecosystems, knowledge and ways to The large sites (7, 8 & 9) fit 26- 40 people and a maximum of five vehicles. eight (8) persons and one camping unit Parking Check in is at 1:00 p.m. Eleven miles of the paved road through the heart of the park is above 11,500 feet and Be prepared for varying conditions when driving on Trail Ridge Road. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Trail Ridge Road Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado CO Postcard c.1960 at the best online prices at eBay! From late May through October 2nd there is a bus that leaves from Table Mesa Park-N-Ride on weekends and holidays. The projects completed in 2013 include the following: 1000 US Hwy 36 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. A few of the most memorable hikes are listed below. Keep in mind there is no machinery allowedonly hand augers are permitted to cut the ice. These may include snow chains, cables, tire/snow socks, or studded tires. Bonus: on the weekends there is a warming hut nearby. Located at 8900 ft elevation with 98 sites. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you peak at grazing elk and snow-capped peaks. 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. Both routes are based at the Park & Ride shuttle bus parking area across from the Glacier Basin Campground. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The trail then flattens out and drops a bit before reaching the summit trail junction. Be prepared for cooler temperatures as you climb in elevation and keep an eye out for afternoon thunderstorms, especially as you climb above treeline. She will speak to the League of Women Voters on Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Take the time to know the upcoming forecast for the park. QGIS Geographic Information System. At this point its a good idea to take a quick water and snack break, as the trail soon becomes very steep. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, $20 per night during the reservation period and when water is on; $14 per night the rest of the year. Soaking in 200,000 gallons of naturally steamy spring water will ease your every ache and pain. You will however need a park pass which can be purchased at any of the park entrance stations. 80517. A week pass entrance fee is $30 for a private vehicle. 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. The park's borders lie within three counties, Larimer, Boulder, and Grand, and it is surrounded by Roosevelt, Arapaho, and Routt National Forests. - 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. Click here for information on Rocky's Shuttle System and Public Transportation, 1000 US Hwy 36 Youll hit a trail junction about a tenth of a mile in. If you are visiting during the winter, we recommend renting an all-wheel-drive vehicle (not 4-wheel drive) as they are more suitable for snowy conditions. Colorado Traction Control Law may be implemented as conditions require. If you plan on visiting for more than one day, pick up Fees are not to be sent when requesting reservations, but are payable (by cash or check only) when the permit is issued. Though there are no hot springs within the national park boundary, 20 miles southwest of the Grand Lake entrance sits Hot Sulphur Springs. 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. Marmots seem to be ubiquitous above the tree line, especially on well-hiked trails around Longs Peak. 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. Visitors line up at Rocky Mountain National Parks Fall River Entrance Station, near Estes Park, on July 21, 2021.