Check out the video below. Nick does a great job of quickly explaining the timed entry system and times to get around it. 

To get a pass (ticket) into Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) during normal hours, you’ll need to get that at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910 or go to Visit Estes Park: https://www.visitestespark.com/rocky-mountain-national-park/timed-entry-permit-reservation/ . While you’re on this site, check out Things to Do. 

RMNP makes the passes available only on the 1st of the month (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, and Sept). If you want a pass, get on that site as early as you can on the 1st. Otherwise, you might miss out. 

You can get into the park before 9am or after 2pm without a ticket. To access Bear Lake, you need to go in before 5am or after 6pm. In any case, you still need to pay for a park pass at the gate. This early (no timed entry required) method is very popular for early Slingshot Rentals. It’s also popular for Jeep Rentals on Old Fall River Road.

If you have questions about any hiking trail in Rocky Mountain National Park or the surrounding National Forest, stop in at our shop and we can give you some great tips. Our staff hikes all the trails. They can provide awesome suggestions, directions, and details. We don’t charge for this service. We just like to help people experience the best vacation or visit to Estes Park, Colorado. 

Most people don’t know that Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park is surrounded by millions of acres of National Forest that do not require passes. This is your public land, and you should check it out. 
There are areas just as beautiful as RMNP and packed with wildlife. The difference is, your National Forest can be experienced in multiple ways. You can hike, camp, fish, climb, mountain bike, dirt bike, ATV, and Jeep thousands of miles of trails 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Stop in at our shop and we can provide suggestions and maps free of charge. 

Key takeaways: 

• No pass required if you enter before 9am or after 2pm.

• If you want a pass, go to https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910 early on the 1st of the month/ Otherwise, you might miss out.

• Check out your National Forest. There will be far fewer people. Consider an ATV Rental. This is one of the most popular and exciting things to do in Estes Park.