In A Nutshell

Park Entrances

You can enter Rocky Mountain National Park from the west via U.S. 34 from Grand Lake (the largest glacial lake in the state), or from the east via either U.S. 34 or U.S. 36 from Estes Park, one of the most accessible mountain communities.

Park Newspaper

The park newspaper, High Country Headlines, provides seasonal information about park activities. You can pick up a free copy at any entrance station or visitor center in the park.

Entrance Fees

Rocky Mountain National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Both the Beaver Meadows/Park Headquarters and Kawuneeche visitor centers are closed on Christmas Day.

Weekly entrance fees are $20 per vehicle and $10 per hiker, motorcyclist and bicyclist. An annual Rocky Mountain Pass is $35 and is available at any park entrance.

The America the Beautiful— National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is available to the general public for $80 and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder +3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. (children under 16 are admitted free) The pass can be obtained in person at the park, by calling (888) ASK USGS, Ext. 1, or via the Internet at http://store.usgs.gov/pass. U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over can purchase a lifetime Senior Pass for $10, available only at the park. U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities can obtain a free lifetime pass with the necessary documentation. Volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis can obtain a free Volunteer pass. Contact the local park VIP coordinator to learn about volunteer opportunities in the park. An Access Pass is available free of charge to U.S. residents with permanent lifetime disabilities. A combined Rocky Mountain National Park Pass and Arapahoe National Recreation Area Combined Pass is $50 annually. Visit online at http://store.usgs.gov/pass for more detailed information about the passes.

Road and Weather Information

You can drive through the park along Trail Ridge Road, either from Grand Lake in the west, or from the Beaver Meadows or Fall River entrance stations in the east. The road, which crosses the Continental Divide, is being repaired this summer (see page 16 for more information). After the first heavy snowfall (usually between the end of September and late October), the upper reaches of Trail Ridge Road are closed. It normally reopens by Memorial Day weekend. Park roads that are open year-round are Trail Ridge Road to Many Parks Curve (eight miles) on the east side and to the Colorado River Trailhead (10 miles) on the west side; and Bear Lake Road on the east side, which takes you well into the park. These roads may close briefly due to heavy snowfall. The weather can change quickly at any time of year in the park. As the saying goes,"If you don't like the weather in the Rockies, wait five minutes." The hike you begin on a cloudless morning may end in a downpour. Plan to return to below the tree line level before predictable afternoon thunderstorms. Snow is possible at any time of year. Be prepared by taking extra clothing and rain gear when hiking.

Getting to the Park

There is no air, rail or bus service directly to the park. Amtrak serves Granby, Colorado where, rental cars are available at Larry's Motors. Advance reservations are recommended; call (970) 887-3908 for more information. Estes Park Shuttle at (970) 586-5151 provides transit from Denver to Estes Park. In Estes Park, rental cars are available at Dollar Rent-A-Car.

Getting Around the Park

Bear Lake Road construction has been completed. The shuttle buses are now optional as cars can drive all the way to Bear Lake. For 2007, the buses will run seven days a week every 10—15 minutes.

The Moraine Campground shuttle will run daily in 2007 from late June through mid-October. The buses will run every 30 minutes.

Specific dates and times are subject to change, depending on weather and construction delays. For more information, contact the park at (970) 586-1206 or visit online at www.nps.gov/romo.

Visitor Centers

The park's five visitor centers are staffed by NPS rangers and volunteers who protect the park and ensure that your visit is a pleasant one. They are available to address any questions. Entering the park on U.S. 36 from the east by way of Estes Park, stop at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center/Park Headquarters. View an excellent orientation film and a relief model of the park to help you plan your stay. In the summer, the center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. In the fall, winter and spring it is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The center is only closed on Christmas Day.

Located in the east part of the park, the Fall River Visitor Center on U.S. 34 has wildlife displays and viewing guidelines. You can also obtain program schedules as well as fishing, hiking, camping and backcountry information.

The Moraine Park Museum (open spring through fall) is in Moraine Park about 2.5 miles southwest of Park Headquarters. This historic museum has a veritable bonanza of exhibits designed by the Denver Museum of Natural History and funded by Rocky Mountain National Park Associates.

Accessible from the west by way of Grand Lake, is Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Exhibits and multimedia programs offer ideas on planning your visit. Backcountry permits are issued here as well. The center is closed on Christmas Day.

Accessible from either west or east entrances (in summer only) is the Alpine Visitor Center, located atop the Fall River Pass. Here you'll find a bookstore and exhibits about the natural history of the alpine tundra. A separate gift shop and snack bar are located next door.

Park Information

An information packet can be obtained by calling (970) 586-1206 or writing to: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517; or e-mail your request to: romo_information@nps.gov.

Visitor Services

Park entrances in the well- developed towns of Estes Park (east) and Grand Lake (west) offer many services. Full-service banks (and ATMs), film processing, gas stations, medical/dental services, religious services, public showers and laundry facilities are all available in these nearby communities. Internet access is available in Grand Lake at the Juniper Library; please call (970) 627-8353 for more information.

Dining and Lodging

You can find a great selection of restaurants and comfortable accommodations in Estes Park and Grand Lake.

Backcountry Permits

Permits are not required for day use in the backcountry, however they are required for overnight stays (violators will be fined). Permits are $20 from May through October. Make your permit reservation in advance by phone (November through May), by mail or in person. Call (970) 586-1242 or write the Backcountry Office, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517. Obtain permits in person at any of these four backcountry office locations: Eastside Backcountry Office or Kawuneeche Visitor Center, or (in the summer) Longs Peak or Wild Basin ranger stations.

Gift Shops

Atop Trail Ridge Road is Trail Ridge Store, a unique place to enjoy a bite to eat, shop for distinctive collections of regional and handmade gifts and American Indian crafts, and find the perfect souvenir from your Rocky Mountain National Park visit. Visit online at www.xanterra.com. There are many gift shops in Estes Park and Grand Lake. Park Service visitor centers also have bookstores in which helpful informational literature, books and other specialty items are available to enhance your visit.

Lost and Found

Lost and found claims can be made at the backcountry office. Please call (970) 586-1242 for more information.

Postal Services

Post offices are located in Estes Park and Grand Lake.

Stores and Supplies

The Trail Ridge Store by the Alpine Visitor Center has the only snack bar in the park. Ice and firewood are sold at all the campgrounds (no ice at Timber Creek Campground) during the summer months only. Grocery stores, pharmacies, sporting goods shops and other stores are located in Estes Park and Grand Lake.

Special Services -

Designated parking spaces for visitors with disabilities, including ramps where necessary, are at all visitor centers. Most restrooms in the park are wheelchair accessible. All campgrounds have fully accessible restrooms. The park's orientation film is captioned. To use a Tele-communications Device for the Deaf (TDD), call (970) 586-1319. Inquire at any visitor center about accessible services.

The Sprague Lake Accessible Camp is a group campsite designed to accommodate all visitors with disabilities. The 0.5-mile Sprague Lake Nature Trail is level and wheelchair-accessible. Camp parking is located seven miles from Park Headquarters at the Sprague Lake picnic area. From there, the trail leads to the campsite which is about a 0.5-mile from the parking lot. Use of this camp is by reservation only. There is a three night camping limit. To make reservations, contact Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517; call (970) 586-1242.

The accessible Coyote Valley Trail is located 5.4 miles north of the park's west entrance. The 0.5-mile trail follows the Colorado River through meadows with insightful interpretive signs along the way. Accessible rest-rooms and parking are available. The trail was made possible in part by donations from the Rocky Mountain National Park Associates. The Bear Lake and Lily Lake nature trails are also accessible.