Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) officials say they are not planning to employ the former reservation system for this year. Last year, the unpopular timed-entry reservation system was created by the pandemic, and limited vehicles to 50% of the park’s maximum capacity. RMNP officials have also been managing congestion by restricting vehicles in certain areas and indicated those procedures will continue this year as needed.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Vehicle restrictions during the congested periods occurred in certain areas such as Bear Lake, Wild Basin area, and the Alpine Visitor Center. In past years, these restrictions occurred mainly during the mid-summer and early fall.
Due to the COVID restrictions and the two wildfires surrounding RMNP in 2020, RMNP visitors decreased 31% in 2020. RMNP achieved nearly 4.7 million visitors in 2019, which has increased substantially since the last decade. RMNP officials have indicated in the past they would not consider a permanent reservation system without obtaining public opinion, however they have been reviewing the congestion issues for the last 10 years. Other popular national parks face the same congestion dilemma.
RMNP has become one of the favorite parks in the U.S. due to its many features, abundant wildlife, and activities, with easy access from two popular resorts: Estes Park (two entrances) and Grand Lake. Additionally, veterans and Gold Star families will now have free access to national parks forever. Seniors over 62 years can obtain the popular Senior Pass for $20 annually or $80 Lifetime. Visit the RMNP website for more details.
Courtesy National Park News.