Trails from the campground connect to numerous other trails, and shuttle bus access is available. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Handicapped accessible and family restrooms are available. With a large selection of charterbus and minibus rentals, they'll match you with the perfect vehicle for your trip. Slopes & Flattop Mtn, Rocky Mountain National Park Difficulty levels range from the half mile wheelchair accessable jaunt around Bear Lake to the backbreaking 'Mummy Kill', recommended only for those with years of mountaineering experience or a death wish. Arches National Park Utah. Winter conditions of drifting snow, high winds and below- freezing temperatures occur above 10,000 feet. 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. Route: Flattop Mountain Trail & Hallett Peak, West Slopes 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. 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. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a $20 administrative fee for permits during peak season periods (non-refundable). The next mile climbs up the western slopes of Deer Mountain along switchbacks. Several different entrance fee and pass options are available. More posts you may like r/NationalPark Join 2 yr. ago You can also call the Recorded Trail Ridge Road Status Line at (970) 586-1222. You can either print this out to show at the park entrance station or you can show them the confirmation email on your phone. 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. Technically, there is no lodging within the park, but the nearby towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake have numerous options. Web7-Day Motorcycle Entrance Pass - $30.00 Rocky Entrance Fee - motorcycle entrance pass valid for 7 consecutive days Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass - $70.00 If you were not able to obtain a permit, you are not completely out of luck. 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. off the Bear Lake Road, 1 1/2 miles from the Beaver Meadows Entrance, Open May 1 through October 11 (2010 season). 7 day While it is possible to take a shuttle, Uber, or other service to Rocky Mountain National Park, it is strongly recommended that you rent a car, as public transportation in and around the national park is very limited. Off-road mountain biking is prohibited inside the park. When the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law is active in RMNP, this means that all vehicles (including 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, and 2-Wheel Drive) must have properly rated tires (Mud and Snow, Mountain and Snow or All-Weather Tires) with a minimum of 3/16" tread. Any standard car will do, though we encourage you to consider renting an electric vehicle to help cut down on noise and pollution in the park. It is about 1.5 hours to the park. If you are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between late May and mid-October, a timed-entry permit is required between 9am and 3pm for most of the park and from 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road. Rocky Mountain National Park is open year-round on both the east and west side of the park. 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. US-34 also intersects US-36 in Estes Park via Loveland and continues on into the park toward the Fall River Visitor Center. WebThe guide will familiarize you with the mountain and help you on your climb. Park One of the biggest drawbacks of a March visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is road closures. On the right youll have views of Moraine Park, Longs Peak, Hallett Peak, and the Continental Divide. On Wildland trips, 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. A bookstore offers items for purchase, and there are handicapped accessible restrooms available. (Limit of 7 per party for individual campsites and crosscountry areas. These buses run every 30 minutes. Continue west alongside Cub Creek and Beaver Ponds. Simply follow highway 36 through downtown Estes This visitor center offers ranger-led walks in the Land Above the Trees and exhibits on the alpine tundra. If you drive in early in the morning or late at night, the fee booths will probably be unmanned. Estes Park 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. on U.S. Route 36, three miles from the town of Estes Park. Lastly, youll go through the checkout process and pay for the permits. Old Fall River Road was built over 7 years, beginning in July 1913 and dedicated on September 14, 1920. The recreation.gov website is run by an external contractor, not the National Park Service. 22. This is one of the most popular trails in Rocky Mountain National Park with good reason. List an itinerary with dates corresponding to campsites or crosscountry area where you plan to stay. Be aware that these last-minute permits are in high demand and tend to sell out within a minute or even less. Park Roads - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park A large percentage of those who visit Rocky Mountain National Park fly to Denver International Airport (DIA). Keep your eyes peeled as you may spot an elk or a bighorn sheep! Sidles will be retiring in June. You just have to arrive before the permitting time begins in the morning or after the permitting time ends in the afternoon or evening. Learn all about what to expect visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in March (Written by Erin McCarthy). Marmots seem to be ubiquitous above the tree line, especially on well-hiked trails around Longs Peak. 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. (Map created using: QGIS.org, 2021. Our For wildlife seekers, Rocky Mountain National Park offers some fantastic opportunities to view the variety of animals that live inside its borders. There are no shoulders and few guardrails. One of the most spectacular sights in the mid to late fall is to walk through a grove of Aspen trees as their leaves change from green to gold. Weekend hours vary based on the season. Conditions at 5,000 feet are dramatically different from conditions above 8,000 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado. The Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary When you return to the lodge after a day of winter exploration, cozy up with a home-cooked meal and enjoy a good nights sleep in a luxurious bed. If you are not driving, the Estes Park Shuttle [2] offers reasonable one-way and round-trip rates from DEN to downtown Estes Park. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Use Trail Ridge Road to return. There are 60 miles (97 km) of hard-surfaced road with a five to seven percent grade. WebThe main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located on highway 36 just four miles west of downtown Estes Park. Best-kept secret (#4 on map) To feel like you are really Discover what different park entrance fee and pass options are available. A bookstore offers items for purchase. Beverages may be purchased at the snack bar next to the Fall River Visitor Center or at the Alpine Visitor Center. WebYou could take Peak to Peak Hwy from I70 to Estes Park - that one is open year round. 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. Experience an incredible 9-mile scenic drive on Old Fall River Road, beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area and ending at the summit of Fall River Pass and the parking area for the Alpine Visitor Center at an elevation of 11,796 feet. They specify which day and what time you are allowed to enter. To be sure, it is still winter, but the temperatures are much more mild than December, January, and February. He began to lobby Congress to establish a national park in the area surrounding Longs Peak, a mountain he had climbed over 40 times by himself. 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. The park's borders lie within three counties, Larimer, Boulder, and Grand, and it is surrounded by Roosevelt, Arapaho, and Routt National Forests. Covers single, non-commercial vehicle with capacity of less than 16 passengers. 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. Here are the many options for national park entrance fees. Due to weather and adverse conditions, roads in Rocky Mountain National Park may close at any time. If you already have an Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or other valid entrance Find out all you need to know about transportation in and around Rocky Mountain National Park. Next youll select the date and time you want to enter and add it to your cart. There are a couple of exceptions to this. Trail Ridge Road is only open for seven miles (up to Many Parks Curve) and Old Fall River Road is completely closed to vehicular traffic. NOTE: While the park is open year-round, the Trail Ridge Road closes in the winter and may not open until the late spring or early summer, depending on the snowpack. Reservations accepted and recommended. You can still get dehydrated even when its cold out! Sled rentals are available throughout the town of Estes Park. The Federal lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) funds projects in Rocky Mountain National Park that will help improve visitor experience and protect resources for future generations. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Roads may be snowpacked and icy. WebYour Rocky Mountain Hideout! It also leads high up into the tundra. Rangers can also provide information on what to do in the park. The trailhead to Longs Peak and other destinations is a short distance away. If you missed this opportunity, you still have a chance to get a permit. The Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Roads are closed during the winter and usually do not re-open util late spring at the earliest. Annual and Lifetime passes purchased online take 24 weeks to arrive by mail. Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Stations The rest of the park falls under the permitting system from 9am-3pm and this permit is often easier to obtain. Chartering an appropriately sized vehicle will make keeping your group together during travel easy. WebAll visitors at Rocky Mountain National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. From late May through October 2nd there is a bus that leaves from Table Mesa Park-N-Ride on weekends and holidays. WebCurrent entry fee details: 1 day pass: $30/automobile (can purchase online) 7 day pass: $35/automobile (can purchase online) Pedestrians: 1 day pass, $15 per person. If youd like to avoid paying for parking, there are alternatives. 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. Rental cars are available at the Denver International Airport. This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet. 970 586-1206 Winters bring heavy snowfall, and although there is rarely a deep-freeze the park gets significantly less visitors. It begins and ends at the Park & Ride Transit Hub, approximately five miles (8 km) south of the Beaver Meadows Entrance to the park. 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. From May 25 through Oct. 22, and youll pay a reservation fee on top of the standard park entrance charge. This is a new requirement for visiting the national park during the busy summer and autumn season. A fee will be assessed commercial tour vehicles based on passenger capacity. WebA valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These buses run every 10 to 15 minutes. The greatest danger to most park visitors is due to altitude. The stone steps in the trail can be 15-20 inches high. Here's a map for the 2022 summer shuttle service in Estes Park. Slopes & Flattop Mtn, Rocky Mountain National Park The timed-entry permits are per-vehicle, not per person. It is about a 90-minute drive to the eastern edge of the park from the airport. Rocky Mountain National Park CO There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit of 30 feet. If you plan to stay in a crosscountry area, indicate the area(s) and elevation where you wish to camp. The Grand Lake entrance is about 2.5 hours away from the airport. Brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout abound. Evidence of Native American peoples visiting the area date back almost 10,000 years, mainly from the Ute and Arapaho communities. At this point its a good idea to take a quick water and snack break, as the trail soon becomes very steep. Holders of the National Park Pass ($80, allows entry to all national park areas for one year) do not need to pay an entrance fee. There are five drive-in campgrounds and two group camping areas in the park (one group campground is winter only, one is summer only). The large meadow valleys and gentle slopes of the montane ecosystem in Rocky Mountain National Park are the most accessible and arguably the most approachable for winter hiking. Learn about getting to Rocky, the shuttle system, driving in the park, and parking in Estes Park. You may make reservations by phone from March 1 to May 15 and anytime after October 1 for a permit for that calendar year. As well as the pay station, there is app for your phone called Park Mobile which is very easy to use. Text is available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/Copyleft Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0] images are available under [http://wikitravel.org/shared/How_to_re-use_Wikitravel_guides various licenses], see each image for details. WebPre-Climb Comments . The other exception to the rule of easy driving is Old Fall River Road. Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Rocky Mountain National Park Winter cyclists will have access to Upper Beaver Meadows Road, Moraine Park Campground, Endovalley Road, Aspenglen Campground and High Drive. Darla Sidles, Superintendent of Rocky Mountain National Park, will be retiring in June. In addition, there is a $50 pass available that allows entry into Rocky Mountain National Park for one year. You are just minutes from Greenwood & Myers Mortuary is the first choice for many families when they are seeking funeral services in Boulder. Early mornings or late evening rides may minimize conflict with other vehicles. This recorded phone line has the most up-to-date information on the status of Trail Ridge Road. Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between January and May? WebWildlife bill moose sighting on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park from the Estes Park, Colorado Fall River Entrance. 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. These buses run every 30 minutes from 6:30am until 7:30pm. Along the way explore over 300 miles of hiking trails and It includes Bear Lake Road and the hikes that start here (Bear This includes, but is not exclusive to, Lumpy Ridge, Entrance Fee in advance Pass Discounts for Camping. The first is to park in the large parking garage behind the town visitor center. As you begin your hike, youll cross the Big Thompson River and travel along the western edge of Moraine Park. - 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. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups. Many of the trails in the Eastern Part of the Park can be reached via shuttle buses. Include your name, address, zip code and telephone number. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing roads. (9am-3pm for most of the park, 5am-6pm for Bear Lake Road corridor). Click here to learn more about driving on Trail Ridge Road. It is important to take all speed limits seriously and obey them with care. Emerald Lake Half Day Snowshoe Tour this tour is 4-5 hours and includes snowshoes, ski poles, snacks, hot drinks, local transportation and a professional Colorado mountain guide. This means the total seating capacity, not the actual number of people. Reservations accepted and recommended from May 26 to October 4, 2010, and it is first-come, first-served the remainder of the year. SR-66/US-36 run from Denver through Longmont up the Big Thompson River canyon. Directions & Transportation - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S Considering the park's high altitude, the weather trends closer toward moderate four-season climate than edging on the extremes. Your bus ticket includes a timed-entry permit, but you must already have a park pass. 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. Trail Ridge Road is a high-alpine mountain road. Located East of Trail Ridge Road near Grand Lake, Colorado, located on U.S. Highway 34 just west of the Fall River Entrance Station. Water is available at the entrance stations, visitor centers, and during summer months, the campgrounds. 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 Rocky Mountain National Park 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. This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Another alternative for getting to Rocky Mountain National Park is to take a new bus service offered from Boulder, Colorado. The projects completed in 2013 include the following: 1000 US Hwy 36 The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. Photos from: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013. 22. You can only get the timed-entry permit by purchasing them online in advance. Estes Park, EXPLORE ROCKY MOUNTAINS WITH AWARD WINNING GUIDES Explore Rocky Rocky Mountain National Park will implement another pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system from May 26 through October 22, 2023. 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. 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. Fees & Passes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National 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. Wildland Trekking offers luxurious lodge-based tours as well as winter day hikes to Emerald Lake and Black Lake. Road conditions in the Colorado rockies may change quickly due to blowing snow and incoming storms. Turn left here and follow CO 66 west for 16 miles to the town of Lyons. 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. Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed permit entry system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a $30 vehicle entrance pass. Below are our recommendations for things to do in March: Sledding: Hidden Valley, near Estes Park is a popular sledding spot. Free shipping for many products! The small sites (#1 & 13) fit 9 - 15 people and a maximum of three vehicles. 80517. Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation for road conditions outside the park. Also note that high elevation increases the chance of dehydration, severe sunburn, and the aggravation of pre-existing medical conditions. The park is dominated by Longs Peak, one of Colorado's 54 "Fourteeners" at 14,259 feet and dubbed the "Monarch of the Front Range". Rocky Mountain National Park Beginning at the Endovalley Picnic Area, Old Fall River Road is a one-way road only. Rocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in 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. WebBe advised that visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter months takes proper prior planning. It is first-come, first-served, with no reservations taken. You can go a bit into RMNP on the east side, currently up to Many Parks Curve lookout (there's a phone number at the link for up-to-date info). There is a recreational vehicle and trailer length limit is 40 feet. This is a one-way dirt road with many very tight twists and hairpin turns. You have at least 5 minutes of inactivity before your selections are removed from your cart and made available to others. From the west: The Kawuneeche Visitor Center is one mile north of the town of Grand Lake on US-34. The biggest benefit of visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in the winter is that there are significantly less visitors during the winter months. Finally, theGrand Lake Nordic Centerhas twenty-one miles of groomed cross country ski trails with stunning views of the Continental Divide. This campground is well-situated for exploring the eastern part of the park and is very clean. Be prepared for deer, elk, turkey, or other animals to step out into the road at any time. From the popular Bear Lake Trailhead, a good trail leads to Flattop Mountain and then a short 400 foot climb leads to the summit of Hallett. The two main entrances on either side of the park Grand Lake and Estes Park are quite different. national These passes are available for purchase in-person at park entrance stations or via the USGS Online Store. WebThe majority of visitors use the Beaver Meadows and Fall River entrances. You can also call the backcountry office at (970) 586-1242 to reserve a permit. There is a book store and snack shop as well as accessible restrooms and vault toilets. March in Rocky Mountain National Park is cold and snowy, but milder than January and February. Fees are good for the same group for seven days. Make sure to pack more food than you think you need. WebRocky Mountain National Park's 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments. 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. Less common animal sightings include black bears and the rare mountain lions, although the former will manage to hang out if human food is accessible. GOGO Charters makes group transportation easy. Photos from: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013. From late May through mid-October there is a shuttle system for the very busy Bear Lake corridor. The west side of the Park at Grand Lake (8,300 feet) has more snow, but less wind. For the safety of all motorists driving in Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter season, the Colorado Vehicle Traction Law may become active at any time, based on weather and road conditions. Because the wildlife is concentrated to a smaller area, there is a great chance to view them with a spectacular winter backdrop.