Rocky Mountain National Park
National park · Larimer County
Colorado
Highlights
Vast mountain park with hiking, wildlife, and scenic drives
Vast mountain park with hiking, wildlife, and scenic drives
"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'
"The Colorado park will implement a timed entry reservation system starting on May 23, 2025, with different permits for the Bear Lake Road Corridor and the rest of the park." - 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 slope
"Come autumn, Rocky Mountain National Park shines its brightest and most beautiful. The days may be shorter, but they’re filled with the sounds of bugling elk, comfortably cool temperatures, and some of the most awe-inspiring foliage you’ll find out West. In higher elevations, the alpine tundra turns purple and deep red; throughout the park, aspen and cottonwood trees don their golds and oranges ahead of winter." - Travel + Leisure Editors
