# Rocky Mountain National Park

> A high-altitude park in Colorado crossed by Trail Ridge Road. In summer, entry in the middle of the day requires a timed entry reservation, and campgrounds ne

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/rocky-mountain/

A high-altitude park in Colorado crossed by Trail Ridge Road. In summer, entry in the middle of the day requires a timed entry reservation, and campgrounds need advance booking.

- **State:** Colorado
- **Established:** 1915
- **Best season:** Late May–mid-Oct (Trail Ridge Road)
- **Road:** Trail Ridge Road, 48 mi
- **Top elevation:** 12,183 ft (road)

## Before you go

- The timed entry system runs from late May to mid-October, with reservations required between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Entering before or after is possible without one.
- Five frontcountry campgrounds exist. Most need advance reservations in summer. Only Longs Peak is first-come, first-served and tents only.
- Old Fall River Road bans vehicles over 25 ft (about 7.6 m) and any vehicle pulling a trailer or tow vehicle.

## Planning

The basic timed entry reservation covers most of the park, including Trail Ridge Road, the Alpine Visitor Center, the west side and Wild Basin. The Bear Lake Road corridor needs a separate Timed Entry+ option with a two-hour window. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov. The park entrance fee applies separately. Dates and rules change from year to year, so check the National Park Service page for the current season.

## Camping

The five frontcountry campgrounds are Moraine Park, Timber Creek, Aspenglen, Glacier Basin and Longs Peak. They operate seasonally. In summer advance reservations are required at most of them. Longs Peak is tent-only and first-come, first-served. Moraine Park is the only campground open in winter, also first-come, first-served. The sources checked say nothing about RV length limits, so ask the park before you go.

## Getting around

Trail Ridge Road (US 34) is 48 miles (about 77 km) long and reaches 12,183 feet (about 3,713 m), the highest continuous paved road in the United States according to the park. It is open to through travel only in the warm season. Old Fall River Road is a 9.4-mile (about 15 km) gravel one-way route in summer. When the Colorado Traction Law is active, all vehicles need suitable tires or traction devices.

## FAQs

**Do I need a reservation to drive Trail Ridge Road?**
In the timed entry season, yes, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The basic timed entry reservation is enough for Trail Ridge Road. The Bear Lake add-on is not needed for it.

**Can I take a trailer on Old Fall River Road?**
No. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers or tow vehicles are prohibited. The road is unpaved, narrow and winding, with steep grades and sharp switchbacks.

**Can I camp in the park without a booking?**
Only at Longs Peak (tents only) in summer, and at Moraine Park in winter, both first-come, first-served. Other campgrounds need advance reservations in summer.

## Places to see

- [Trail Ridge Road](https://camping-spirit.com/places/trail-ridge/)
- [Adams Falls](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-adams-falls/)
- [Holzwarth Historic Site](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-holzwarth/)
- [Rabbit Ears Pass](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-rabbit-ears-pass/)
- [Loveland Pass](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-loveland-pass/)
- [Echo Lake Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-echo-lake/)
- [Mount Blue Sky](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b18-mount-blue-sky/)