estes park news

Rocky Mountain National Park Continues Pilot Timed Entry Permit Reservations May 27 Through October 10

Rocky Mountain National Park Continues Pilot Timed Entry Permit Reservations May 27 Through October 10

Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing a pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system beginning on May 27, 2022. The reservation permit system is similar to that used in 2021. Two types of reservations will be available. One permit will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor, as well as access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 am to 6 pm. The second permit will be for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. This reservation period will be from 9 am to 3 pm. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park.

Temporary Raptor Closures Feb 15 - July 31 On Lumpy Ridge & Loch Vale

Temporary Raptor Closures Feb 15 - July 31 On Lumpy Ridge & Loch Vale

Each year to protect raptor nesting sites, Rocky Mountain National Park officials initiate temporary closures in areas of the park. To ensure that these birds of prey can nest undisturbed, specific areas within the park are closed temporarily to public use during nesting season and monitored by wildlife managers. Due to high nesting activity last year closures will begin earlier this year on February 15 rather than March 1. These closures will continue through July 31, if appropriate. These closures may be extended longer or rescinded at an earlier date depending on nesting activity.

Major Road Work In Rocky Mountain National Park On 3 Mile Section Of Road 

Major Road Work In Rocky Mountain National Park On 3 Mile Section Of Road 

As temperatures begin to drop at night, road construction operations on a 3-mile section of US 36, just west of Bear Lake Road junction to east of Deer Ridge Junction, will expand into the day. This section of road will remain closed nightly from 9 pm to 7 am, Sunday nights through Friday mornings.

The contractor has begun paving operations. There will be a partial road closure during the paving work. When the road reopens each morning at 7 am, two-way traffic will be allowed until noon through this section.

Rocky Mountain National Park Announces Complete Fire Ban Effective Friday, August 14

Rocky Mountain National Park Announces Complete Fire Ban Effective Friday, August 14

Due to the continued extreme fire danger, extended weather forecast and current level of fire activity in the State of Colorado, park officials have announced a ban on all fires within Rocky Mountain National Park. This ban is effective beginning tomorrow, Friday, August 14, and will remain in effect until further notice.

Wild Basin Road Will Be Closed To All Uses - 08.26.2020

Wild Basin Road Will Be Closed To All Uses - 08.26.2020

From 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles and pedestrians. This closure will occur at the Wild Basin Entrance station and will include the entire two-mile section of the road to the Wild Basin Trailhead. Rocky Mountain National Park’s road crew will be spreading gravel and grading the road to eliminate ruts and potholes as well as improving drainage. Due to the road being closed to all uses, visitors should avoid this area of Rocky Mountain National Park on Wednesday, August 26.

Phase II of RMNP Reopening

Phase II of RMNP Reopening

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country. To increase park access while providing the public a reasonable opportunity to comply with health guidelines, the park will temporarily implement a timed entry system effective at the beginning of Phase Two on June 4. The park will cease using this system in later phases of the reopening.

News Release: Rocky Mountain National Park

News Release: Rocky Mountain National Park

In accordance with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Rocky Mountain National Park will begin a phased reopening on May 27, with limited services including basic park road and trail access. Visitor centers will remain closed. Many outlying areas will reopen, however the Wild Basin area will remain closed to all public access during this initial phase.

Rocky Mountain National Park Opening

Rocky Mountain National Park Opening

In accordance with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local public health authorities, Rocky Mountain National Park plans to increase recreational access and services on May 27. Rocky Mountain National Park continues to work with the State of Colorado to follow the “Safer at Home” guidance as well as with county and local officials as these changes are implemented. Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Larimer, Grand and Boulder counties.

Estes Park News: Short Term Accommodations Closed Through April 17th

Estes Park News: Short Term Accommodations Closed Through April 17th

Larimer County, CO --- Larimer County Department of Health and Environment and the Town of Estes Park have issued public health orders limiting visitors to Estes Park by closing short-term accommodations within the Estes Valley to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The orders were issued March 21 and take effect March 23 at 12 p.m. With the same goal in mind, many accommodations throughout the Estes Valley have already voluntarily closed, a commendable step.

News Release: Rocky Mountain National Park

News Release: Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is announcing modifications to operations at the request of the local health department. As of 7 pm today, Friday, March 20, 2020, Rocky Mountain National Park is closed to all park visitors until further notice. This closure will be in effect 24-hours a day/7-days a week and there will be no access permitted to Rocky Mountain National Park.