Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park From Boulder

Timed Entry Reservations &
Entrance Passes

First off, a valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can buy your RMNP pass online or at staffed park entrance stations. The cost per vehicle is $30 for a one-day pass.

What are timed entry reservations? When are they needed? 

Timed entry reservations are required late May to mid-October. In 2025, a timed entry reservation will be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park beginning on May 23, 2025, between 9am-2pm daily through October 13, 2025. A timed entry reservation allows visitors to enter RMNP within a designated 2-hour window. Once you enter the park, you can stay as long as you like.

You can choose from two types of timed entry reservations:

• Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road — Provides access to the popular Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance, as well as access to all other areas of RMNP. Please note: A reservation is needed to enter Bear Lake Road Corridor between 5am-6pm daily from May 23 through October 19, 2025.
• Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road) — Includes access to most of the park but not Bear Lake Road Corridor.

You can enter the rest of the park (not including Bear Lake Road) before 9am or after 2pm without a timed entry reservation.

How do I make a timed entry reservation?

Timed entry reservations are released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov or the Recreation.gov mobile app based on the following schedule:

If you've missed any of these release dates, don't worry! Additional timed entry reservations are released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov at 7pm MDT the night before each day. These spots sell out quickly. Here are some tips for nabbing a reservation:

• Use the Recreation.gov mobile app. You can also make a reservation on Recreation.gov, but folks report the app functions more efficiently and increases your chances of getting a reservation.
• Log on exactly at 7pm — set an alarm!

Reservations cost a non-refundable $2 Recreation.gov processing fee. Only one timed entry reservation is required per vehicle, per day (not per person). You may only reserve one timed entry per day.

Park Entrances

Park Entrances

There are four entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park:

Beaver Meadows Entrance (east side) — The most direct entrance from Estes Park and just an hour's drive from Boulder. The most popular entrance. 
From Boulder: 1 hour

Fall River Entrance (east side) — Just a short drive outside of Estes, this entrance is less crowded than Beaver Meadows. Ideal for those who want to drive and explore Trail Ridge Road.
From Boulder: 1 hour

Wild Basin Entrance (southeast side) — A 30-minute drive south of Estes Park on the park’s east side, Wild Basin is considered one of the hidden gems of RMNP. A great option if you’re looking for fewer crowds yet still want to hike to multiple lakes and waterfalls.
From Boulder: 55 minutes

Grand Lake Entrance and Kawuneeche Visitor Center (west side) The Park’s only west entrance, Grand Lake is a bit of a haul from Boulder (approximately 2.5 hours), but from here you can experience all the magic of RMNP with fewer crowds.
From Boulder: 2 hours 25 minutes

Getting to Rocky Mountain National Park from Boulder

Driving

Boulder is just an hour from Rocky Mountain National Park. Follow Hwy. 36 north toward the town of Lyons, worth a stop for its cute cafes and shops. Continue on to Estes Park, a charming tourist destination with a bustling downtown lined with fudge and ice cream parlors, souvenir shops and spectacular views. You’re now just minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park.

A tip for visiting Bear Lake Corridor via car: Parking at the Estes Park Visitor Center is free, and a free shuttle to Bear Lake runs Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Learn more about Estes' free shuttle services here.

Bustang Shuttle

On weekends and holidays, May 24 through September 28, 2025, you can ride the Bustang from Boulder Junction at Depot Square Station straight into RMNP. You must purchase a RMNP pass to ride the shuttle into the national park — but bus riders do not need a timed-entry reservation!

On-board bus amenities include restrooms, WiFi, USB/power outlets, wheelchair accessibility, luggage bays and bike racks. The price from Boulder is $7.50 each way, with discounts available for children, seniors, individuals with disabilities and students. Learn more here, including bus fare discount codes for select dates.

Top Things to See & Do

TOP WATERFALLS AND LAKES

Alberta Falls Somewhat strenuous and popular hike from Bear Lake Trailhead through Aspen groves and pine forest
Ouzel Falls Lesser-known moderate hike from Wild Basin Trailhead with views of Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades along the way
Chasm Falls One of the park's most stunning falls with the option to drive or hike in Bear Lake Easier approach and one of the most popular hikes in the park close to Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes
Sprague Lake Very easy gravel-packed loop with panoramic views of the Continental Divide
Fern Lake Quieter (but just as gorgeous) lake that requires moderately difficult hiking

MOST POPULAR TRAILS

Emerald Lake Trail
Length: 3.6 miles round-trip
Trail type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 771 feet
Starting from Bear Lake Trailhead, you will walk through dense forests, past stunning alpine lakes including Nymph Lake and Dream Lake, and be rewarded by beautiful vistas of rocky peaks.

Sky Pond via Glacier Gorge Trail
Length: 8.6 miles round-trip
Trail type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 1,774 feet
A favorite hike of many, Sky Pond is strenuous given the length, elevation gain and scramble at Timberline Falls, but worth doing if you are willing to wake up early and put in the effort.

Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes via Nymph Lake Trail
Length: 5 miles round-trip
Trail type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: 1,085 feet
If alpine lakes are your thing, you won’t want to miss this trail that passes multiple of them and where you can see trout, wildflowers and epic mountain peaks.

Find more hiking suggestions from RMNP's website here.

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Drive Trail Ridge Road

Covering 48 miles between Estes Park and Grand Lake, this heavily traveled "highway to the sky," Trail Ridge Road, climbs up to 12,183 feet in elevation and offers sweeping views, wildlife sightings and alpine wildflower displays, all from the comfort of the car. Please note that Trail Ridge Road is only open seasonally.

Observe Wildlife (From a Distance)

A variety of wildlife, from 60+ species of mammals to hundreds of species of birds to many species of fish, insects, reptiles and amphibians call Rocky Mountain National Park home. It is also a haven for various threatened and endangered species, including the North American Wolverine and the Mexican Spotted Owl. Although these creatures are stunning to observe, please keep your distance. Never approach, pet, follow or feed wildlife, and drive carefully, as animals frequently cross roads throughout the park.

Go Horseback Riding

Glacier Creek Stables is located inside Rocky Mountain National Park and is the most convenient way to book a trail riding experience. All rides include park entrance fees and timed entry reservations.

Find Your Favorite Activity

Fishing, snowshoeing, bicycling, climbing and more are all possible within the park. Visit the Things to Do page on the RMNP website for more information.

Camping at Rocky Mountain National Park

There are five campgrounds in the park:

Aspenglen Campground
Glacier Basin Campground
Longs Peak Campground
Moraine Park Campground
Timber Creek Campground

During the summer season, Aspenglen, Glacier Basin and Timber Creek Campgrounds are open and campsites are available by reservation only. Camping reservations can be made on Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Campground reservations cannot be made in person at the campground or at any of the park's visitor centers. Some campsites become available when a cancellation occurs and will be reflected on each campground's page on Recreation.gov.

Learn more about camping at Rocky Mountain National Park here.

How to Prepare for Your Trip

• Water, water, water. (And more water.) You lose more fluids at high altitudes, increasing risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. Start hydrating before you go and bring more water than you think you'll need.
• Pack protective sun gear like hats, breathable long-sleeved shirts, UVA/UVB sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. Bring layers, as weather changes rapidly in the alpine.
• Check the local weather forecast, park alerts and current conditions. During summer months, be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms, which are common. It's best to start your hike earlier in the day (before noon).
• Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Rocky Mountain National Park Tours
From Boulder