Misty Morning Bear Lake Reflection

Every summer, the call of the mountains draws thousands from Boulder to the rugged beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. But if you’re planning a trip this season, you’ll need more than hiking boots and trail snacks—you’ll need a timed entry permit.

Starting May 24 and running through mid-October, RMNP is once again requiring timed entry reservations to manage congestion and preserve the fragile alpine environment. Whether you’re heading out for a spontaneous afternoon hike or a weekend camping trip, this system changes how Boulderites experience one of Colorado’s most iconic parks.

The Two-Pass System: What It Means for Boulder Visitors

There are two permit options:

• Option 1 allows access to the entire park, including Bear Lake Road, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Option 2 covers all other areas of the park, excluding Bear Lake Road, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Timed entry permits are available through Recreation.gov, and reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance, with a rolling release system that opens new dates daily at 8 a.m.

If you’re coming from Boulder, timing is everything. Hitting the road early—ideally before 6 a.m.—can often mean getting in before the time restrictions begin. Otherwise, be sure to have your timed entry reservation in hand, along with your park pass or entrance fee.

Boulder Locals’ Favorite RMNP Hacks

Boulder locals have adapted well to the timed system. Here are a few ways they’ve kept their adventures spontaneous and stress-free:

• Wild Basin Entrance: This southern access point to the park is less crowded and offers incredible hikes like Calypso Cascades and Ouzel Falls. It’s a favorite for Boulder hikers looking for quiet beauty with a shorter drive time.

• Sunrise Start: Heading out before 5 a.m. means you can beat the permit window altogether—ideal for trail runners, sunrise photographers, and those who love early morning peace.

• Alternative Escapes: If RMNP is full or plans fall through, Boulder has no shortage of epic alternatives. Trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake, and even nearby Chautauqua Park offer that mountain magic without the entry restrictions.

For a full breakdown of Boulder’s best trail alternatives, you can explore a local perspective from a recent hiking piece that taps into the city’s trail-savvy community.

The Boulder-to-Estes Experience

The drive from Boulder to RMNP takes about 90 minutes, winding through the scenic towns of Lyons and Estes Park. Make the most of your day by planning stops along the way:

• Morning Fuel: Start at a Boulder favorite like Boxcar Coffee Roasters or Santo for a New Mexican-inspired brunch.

• Trail Pick: Use your permit window for classic hikes like Bear Lake, Alberta Falls, or Emerald Lake.

• Dinner in Estes: Wind down with a meal at Bird & Jim, one of Estes Park’s top-rated modern mountain restaurants.

Lyons, Colorado – USA

Why It Matters

The timed entry system may seem like a hurdle, but it’s helping preserve the natural beauty that draws us back year after year. For Boulderites who consider the park a backyard getaway, adapting to this new normal ensures future generations get to enjoy the same untouched wilderness.

So plan ahead, rise early, and take a deep breath—because whether it’s Bear Lake at dawn or the trail to Ouzel Falls, the views are worth every extra step of planning.

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