April 30, 2026, 5:02 a.m. MT
- Rocky Mountain National Park will implement a reservation system from May 22 through mid-October, offering two distinct reservation choices.
- Eldorado Canyon State Park mandates reservations for weekend and holiday visits between May 1 and Oct. 1.
- Permits will also be necessary for accessing Mount Blue Sky and Brainard Lake Recreation Area during the 2026 season.
Timed-entry permits for Rocky Mountain National Park and Eldora Canyon State Park become available on May 1, with booking for other popular Colorado outdoor destinations to follow.
Here’s a guide to securing your reservations for 2026:
Rocky Mountain National Park
- Initial reservation availability: Starting at 8 a.m. MT on May 1 for visits from May 22 to June 30. For subsequent months, reservations open on the first day of that month for any remaining slots, plus the entire following month.
- Mandatory reservation period: Reservations are required from May 22 through Oct. 13 for most areas of the park. For the Bear Lake Road Corridor specifically, reservations are necessary through Oct. 18.
- Reservation categories: One option covers the Bear Lake Road Corridor and the rest of the park, valid for entries between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. A second option includes all park areas except the Bear Lake Corridor, with entry permitted between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Entry without a reservation: Visitors can enter the park without a timed-entry reservation if their entry occurs outside the designated restricted hours for either the Bear Lake Road Corridor or the general park area. However, standard entrance fees still apply.
- Further details: Comprehensive information regarding the timed-entry system can be found on Rocky Mountain National Park’s official website. To make a reservation, visit recreation.gov.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
- Required reservation period: May 1 through Oct. 1.
- Booking window: Reservations can be secured up to 30 days in advance via cpwshop.com. A limited number of additional slots may become available 24 hours prior to the visit date.
- Reservation days: Reservations are only mandatory on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. On-site reservations at the park entrance or visitor center are not permitted.
- More information: Please consult the park’s dedicated page on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
Mount Blue Sky
Previously known as Mount Evans, Mount Blue Sky features the highest paved road in the United States. This road ascends 7,000 feet over 28 miles, leading to just below its 14,130-foot summit.
The road has been closed since Labor Day 2024 for construction. It is anticipated to reopen Memorial Day weekend in 2026, subject to weather conditions.
Management of the Mount Blue Sky Recreation Area has been transferred from the Arapaho National Forest to Denver Mountain Parks.
Reservations are expected to become active in early to mid-May, with the first available dates set for May 22, 2026. Bookings can be made through recreation.gov.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
This area is situated within the Indian Peaks Wilderness, part of the Arapaho National Forest.