Rocky Mountain National Park
National park · Larimer County
Colorado
Highlights
Majestic mountain park with alpine lakes, trails, wildlife
Majestic mountain park with alpine lakes, trails, wildlife
"To manage heavy visitation, the park uses timed-entry reservations for peak periods, so planning ahead is important—slots may be released well in advance and can affect impromptu park-hopping. With reduced ranger and seasonal staff across parks, expect constrained visitor services and programing; research current hours and shuttle schedules, bring essentials, and aim for off-peak hours to avoid the worst congestion." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A timed-entry reservation is required for vehicle access during the high season from May 23 to Oct. 13, so visitors should secure timed-entry permits in advance." - Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"As the train leaves the Midwest, it climbs through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Utah, providing stunning mountain views." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'
"A high-elevation park offering alpine lakes, jagged peaks, summer wildflowers, and vibrant fall foliage—ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and mountain panoramas." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A timed entry reservation system will be implemented starting May 23, 2025. Two different timed permits will be offered: one that grants access to the entire park including the Bear Lake Road Corridor, and one that grants access to the rest of the park but excludes the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Reservations for access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor will be required from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 20, while reservations for the rest of the park will be required from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Oct. 14. Travelers will be able to enter within two-hour periods, with no set time for departure. Reservations are free except for a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee. The National Park Service wrote: “Some national parks use a timed entry system to manage vehicle traffic. Other parks use tour reservations to manage access to a building or natural feature,” and added, “If you need a reservation, we recommend making it well in advance.”" - Alison Fox Alison Fox Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slopes. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
