Exterior Exploration |
Rocky Mountain National Park Resumes Normal Operations Amid National Staffing Concerns
Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park were pleasantly surprised to find the park functioning normally on Friday, despite countrywide apprehensions over national park staffing and Washington, D.C. budget issues. The Memorial Day weekend heralded the beginning of the park's peak season, and with it, the mandatory timed-entry reservations.
With the recent implementation of the timed-entry reservation system, which is operational from May 23 through October 14 this year, the park's peak season is set to be managed more efficiently. The system is in place to balance day-use visitor access, protect park resources, and ensure a positive visitor experience [1].
Visitors to the park have the choice between two types of timed-entry reservations. The first option does not include access to Bear Lake Road, while the other provides entry to Bear Lake Road and other areas such as Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, and Glacier Gorge Trailhead [2]. The reservations are necessary for visitors to enter the park between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily from May 23 to October 13. Entry without a reservation is possible before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m [3]. The booking process for these reservations commences on May 1, and a non-refundable $2 fee is associated with each reservation [1]. New reservations can be made on Recreation.gov or through the Recreation.gov Mobile App [2].
While staffing concerns are not explicit in the park's current situation, the timed-entry reservation system, along with other park management strategies, is aimed at supporting operations, ensuring visitor safety, and maintaining a positive visitor experience while safeguarding park resources [1].
References:
[1] National Park Service. (n.d.). Rocky Mountain National Park Shares Update on 2025 Timed-Entry Reservation System. https://www.nps.gov/romo/blogs/rocky_mountain_national_park_shares_update_on_2025_timed-entry_reservation_system.htm
[2] Recreation.gov. (n.d.). Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Reservation System. https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/222590
[3] National Park Service. (n.d.). Rocky Mountain National Park | Timed Entry Reservation FAQs. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservation-faqs.htm
[4] National Park Service. (2025, May 1). Timed Entry Information. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservation-system.htm
[5] National Park Service. (2025, May 1). Rocky Mountain National Park | 2025 Timed Entry Reservation System. https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/2025-timed-entry-reservation-system.htm
Visitors planning their lifestyle during the peak season of Rocky Mountain National Park may consider the new timed-entry reservation system, which includes options for travel routes such as Bear Lake Road and various lakes like Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, and Glacier Gorge Trailhead. To maintain a positive visitor experience and protect park resources, sports enthusiasts might find it essential to book their reservations in advance for specific time slots between May 23 and October 13.
