The timed entry and overcrowding of the Parks area;;y bums me out. I lived in Estes Park in the mid to late 90's for 5 years and went into RMNP whenever I wanted to. It was easy to get around, the trails weren't crazy and it was really enjoyable. I really miss those days.
Just wondering how early should I get to the park prior to my alloted entry time of 8-10am? Just fearful if I arrive in line at say 7:15, get to the gate at 7:50 they'll tell me to turn around because I'm early 🤯. On another note, if you try to get a pass the night before and you think you missed out, fear not! Apparently, passes stay in your cart for 15 minutes, if they aren't confirmed in that amount of time they are made available again after the cart expires. That happened tonite, 7:15 they were completely sold out and at 7:17 a bunch reappeared, I got one for 8-10 entrance with Bear Lake access. I thought I was done, I refreshed and magically about 15 available popped up with various entry times. So don't give up!
Great tip about the permit system. I didn't realize that would happen. Cool! As for when to get to the park, it really depends on the day of the week. It's also getting a bit quieter every day now that the autumn colors are past. I would say that over the next days, just come around 8am and you should be fine. Sorry for the delay in responding. I was out camping.
Another very helpful video for everyone visiting the park Erik. I hope you can get some of your videos on the local channel in Estes that helps inform the public of all things Estes and RMNP.
I apologize if you mentioned this in the video. Can you buy/select multiple days at one time ? We're planning to be in the area for a week and hoping to visit the park on 4 of those days.
If you buy your permit a month in advance, such as on May 1 for June, you can buy multiple days at a time. If you buy the night before you need it, then you can only buy the next day. Hope that helps.
No. By then you will not need a timed-entry permit, only a park pass which can be purchased at the entry station. They only use the timed-entry system during the very busy season of late May through late October.
Shelby, I assume you mean the Estes Park Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center. You need to make a reservation to get this shuttle and that reservation serves as your timed-entry reservation. Here's a link to more info on this: www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088647
Its BS. Good luck getting in between Spring and Fall. That is unless you are rich and can buy permits months in advance and afford to use them or not. They know its a problem but they refuse to fix this.
Don't forget that you can purchase a permit the night before at 7pm at www.recreation.gov. You don't need to be rich or even plan ahead if you do that.
@ErikStensland if you are flying from out of state, you don't want to risk permit a day before. Maybe if garbage is overflowing park should hire more staff?
The timed entry and overcrowding of the Parks area;;y bums me out. I lived in Estes Park in the mid to late 90's for 5 years and went into RMNP whenever I wanted to. It was easy to get around, the trails weren't crazy and it was really enjoyable. I really miss those days.
Things have certainly changed. Unfortunately, there’s no way to go backwards, only forward.
Just wondering how early should I get to the park prior to my alloted entry time of 8-10am? Just fearful if I arrive in line at say 7:15, get to the gate at 7:50 they'll tell me to turn around because I'm early 🤯. On another note, if you try to get a pass the night before and you think you missed out, fear not! Apparently, passes stay in your cart for 15 minutes, if they aren't confirmed in that amount of time they are made available again after the cart expires. That happened tonite, 7:15 they were completely sold out and at 7:17 a bunch reappeared, I got one for 8-10 entrance with Bear Lake access. I thought I was done, I refreshed and magically about 15 available popped up with various entry times. So don't give up!
Great tip about the permit system. I didn't realize that would happen. Cool! As for when to get to the park, it really depends on the day of the week. It's also getting a bit quieter every day now that the autumn colors are past. I would say that over the next days, just come around 8am and you should be fine.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I was out camping.
I'm so glad you made this. I didn't know any of this before this week, and we're going on the weekend. now I know.
I'm glad you found it, as knowing this will make your vacation so much easier.
Thank you for your timely info about RMNP's timed entry. I now more info to tell friends and family that are heading that way this summer and fall.
Glad it was helpful Sherry!
Thank you for this information. We’ve visited in the winter in the past, but are considering a trip in late August so we can see more of the park.
So glad you are going to get to see another aspect of the park. Late August can be a little quieter time to visit, so that's a good choice. :)
Another very helpful video for everyone visiting the park Erik. I hope you can get some of your videos on the local channel in Estes that helps inform the public of all things Estes and RMNP.
Thanks Hilary! I’m glad you thought it was helpful.
Very informative, it clarified what exactly I need to do next month! Thank you!
Glad to hear it Andrew!
I just bought your RMNP hiking guide, thanks for the info
Hope you enjoy it!
Thank you, this was very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
I apologize if you mentioned this in the video. Can you buy/select multiple days at one time ? We're planning to be in the area for a week and hoping to visit the park on 4 of those days.
If you buy your permit a month in advance, such as on May 1 for June, you can buy multiple days at a time. If you buy the night before you need it, then you can only buy the next day. Hope that helps.
Just get up early and get in the park before 5 am.
That's a great way to do it.
If i'm planning on going first week of November do i need a permit to explore the park?
No. By then you will not need a timed-entry permit, only a park pass which can be purchased at the entry station. They only use the timed-entry system during the very busy season of late May through late October.
so if want to enter the park through another entrace (other than bear lake) , before 9am i dont need a permit? i can just pay when i arrive?
That is correct.
So after permit hours like after 2pm for the rest of the park, no need to obtain permit to enter, correct?
Lucy, that is correct. The only exception to this is Bear Lake Road as it requires a permit until 6pm.
Question: Do you need timed entry for bear lake road if you plan to use the park and ride shuttle?
Shelby, I assume you mean the Estes Park Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center. You need to make a reservation to get this shuttle and that reservation serves as your timed-entry reservation. Here's a link to more info on this: www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088647
@@ErikStensland thank you!
Its BS. Good luck getting in between Spring and Fall. That is unless you are rich and can buy permits months in advance and afford to use them or not.
They know its a problem but they refuse to fix this.
Don't forget that you can purchase a permit the night before at 7pm at www.recreation.gov. You don't need to be rich or even plan ahead if you do that.
@ErikStensland if you are flying from out of state, you don't want to risk permit a day before. Maybe if garbage is overflowing park should hire more staff?