This article describes which Colorado hikes and national parks require reservations for visiting in 2024, as well as how and when to make those reservations, and what to do if you forgot to make a reservation.
Colorado is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse outdoor activities, but what you might not realize is that over the past few years, the state has implemented reservation systems for several of its popular hikes and national parks.
Although these systems help manage the influx of visitors and preserve the natural beauty of these locations, visitors who didn’t realize they needed reservations often leave disappointed because they could not do the activities they hoped to. The reservations often fill up far in advance.
But don’t worry, that is not going to be you! In this guide, I’ll explain exactly which hikes and national parks require reservations, including Rocky Mountain National Park’s timed entry, Bear Lake, Hanging Lake, and Maroon Bells. No need to look elsewhere, this guide to which Colorado hikes and national parks require reservations is comprehensive! At the bottom of the article, I’ve also included a helpful FAQ section to address common questions. I’ve visited all of these locations with reservations and recommend them highly.
By the way, while you’re in Colorado you need to try this coffee shop I wrote about here! It was some of the best cold brew, espresso, and pour-over I’ve ever had!
Short on time? Here’s the main takeaway:
Several hikes and national parks in Colorado, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake, Hanging Lake, and Maroon Bells, require reservations to manage visitor influx and preserve natural beauty. Read below for how to reserve your spot.
Table of Contents
Quick Guide Infographic
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Rocky Mountain National Park (Timed Entry)
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado’s most iconic destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. To manage the high number of visitors and ensure a quality experience, the park has implemented a timed entry reservation system during peak seasons. Full information on the reservation system is provided here, and general information on the park is provided here. For the sake of simplicity, here is what you need to know:
- Reservation Period: The timed entry system is in effect from May 24 to October 14 during the hours of 9 am through 2 pm.
- Time Slots: Visitors must reserve a specific time slot for entry. Time slots are in two-hour increments, and you must enter the park within your reserved time window, or else you will be denied entry.
- Types of Permits: There are two types of permits – one for timed entry alone, and another for timed entry plus Bear Lake Road Corridor (more information on that in the next section).
- Cost: The cost to reserve a 2-hour time slot is $2.00. You also need to pay the park’s entry fee of $30 for a one-day private vehicle. Full details on entry fees and options are provided here. Alternatively, you can bring your America the Beautiful National Park Pass ($80) to get in without paying the entry fee. I highly recommend buying a National Park Pass if you intend to visit more than two national parks over the course of the year. There are multiple purchase options provided here.
Forgot to make a reservation in time: You can still enter the park without a reservation if and only if you enter before 9 am or after 2 pm, or any time outside of the May 24 to October 14 time entry window.
Bonus tip: Enter at Grand Lake entry to avoid the long lines at the Estes Park entry. This allows you to do the park in the reverse direction as everyone else. I recommend packing a lunch too. I bought lunch at the Trail Ridge Store inside the park and was disappointed by the food.
How to Reserve
Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website. I recommend booking well in advance, as slots fill up quickly, especially for popular times, holidays, and weekends.
Reservations are released on a first-come, first-served basis following the below schedule. Additional slots open at 7 pm MT on the night before each day.
| Release Date | Reservation Dates |
| May 1 at 8 am MT | May 24 – June 30 |
| June 1 at 8 am MT | July 1 – July 31 |
| July 1 at 8 am MT | August 1 – August 31 |
| August 1 at 8 am MT | September 1 – September 30 |
| September 1 at 8 am MT | October 1 – October 20 |
Where to Stay Nearby
If you need a place to stay near the park, I recommend staying in Estes Park. It is extremely close to the park and a charming little town with lots of food and hotel options. For a luxury stay, I highly recommend The Estes Park Resort! It is a beautiful lakefront property with great views. Book it here.
For a more affordable stay or one more fitting for families, I recommend the YMCA of the Rockies! They have a bunch of cool cabins and lodges in the mountains that make for a really fun (and spacious) family trip. Book it here.
Another cool option is the Stanley Hotel, the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining. It is beautiful and spooky! I would recommend just taking a tour or grabbing a drink here rather than booking a stay. It is also a very quick drive to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is located within Rocky Mountain National Park and is one of the park’s most visited sites. It actually requires an additional reservation than just the timed entry alone. I know what you’re thinking- how many reservations do I need for one national park? I get it and I agree. Luckily you can add the Bear Lake reservation to your timed entry at the same time as purchasing your timed entry. The cost is also the same ($2).
Bear Lake offers stunning scenery, and numerous trails, and is a starting point for several popular hikes. The Bear Lake hike is one of the most recommended hikes in the park, so if you want to do it you need a reservation.
Forgot to make a reservation in time: You can still enter Bear Lake Road Corridor without a reservation outside of the hours of 5 am to 6 pm. More information on Bear Lake is provided here.
How to Reserve
Follow the exact same procedure described for the Rocky Mountain National Park (reservations can be made through the Recreation.gov website), but instead, select the option titled “Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road”.
Where to Stay Nearby
See above for my hotel recommendations near Rocky Mountain National Park and Bear Lake.
Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake is a unique and picturesque destination located in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. It is an incredible spot about a mile hike up into the mountains where a lake hangs over a cliff with multiple waterfalls. It is like being in a fairy tale! My expectations on this one were far exceeded. It’s the kind of place where you immediately feel how special it is upon arriving.
The Hanging Lake does have a fragile ecosystem though that requires strict preservation measures, leading to the implementation of a reservation system. The trail is about 1.2 miles long with about 1,200 feet in elevation gain. It found it to be a moderate hike that most can do with enough breaks and water.
You can read more about the Hanging Bells here, but I’ve included the important info as follows:
- Reservation Period: Reservations are required year-round at all times of the day.
- Time Slots: Reservations are available on the hour, every hour, from 7 am to 5 pm. You have a 15-minute buffer before and after for arrival. The reservation allows you 3 hours to complete the hike.
- Types of Permits: Each hiker must have an entry permit, and group sizes are limited to reduce environmental impact.
- Cost: The cost is $12 per person during the summer and $10 per person in the winter.
Forgot to make a reservation in time: Unfortunately, there is no way to enter the park without a reservation. It is required even for bikers and hikers who do not park a vehicle.
How to Reserve
Reservations to Hanging Lake are released weekly every Tuesday at 8:00 am MT on the official Hanging Lake website. It’s important to book early, especially during peak hiking seasons. The direct link to summer reservations is provided here. Mark it in your calendar so you don’t forget!
Where to Stay Nearby
If you need a place to stay near Hanging Lake, then you will probably want to stay in Glenwood Springs. I recommend the Hotel Colorado! It’s a beautiful property and historic landmark that combines old-world charm with modern amenities. Book it here.
For a more affordable or spacious option for families, I recommend the Residence Inn Glenwood Springs. Book it here.
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado, are among the most photographed peaks in North America. To manage the high visitor volume and preserve the area’s natural beauty, a reservation system is in place.
The Maroon Bells are two iconic, photogenic peaks located near Aspen, Colorado, renowned for their stunning reflection in Maroon Lake and popular hiking trails. There is a lot of hiking available, but the money shot can be seen from the base of Maroon Lake, which is only about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot.
More information on the Maroon Bells and the reservation options is provided here; however, I’ve included the important information here:
- Reservation Period: Reservations are required from May 15 through October 31. Starting November 1st, no reservations are required and trailhead parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. The road to Maroon Bells typically closes for the winter season around November 15th.
- Time Slots: The time slots vary by the type of permit. Day Parking is from 12 am (midnight) to 4:30 pm, with arrival before 8 am. Evening Parking is from 5 pm to 12 am (midnight), with arrival after 5 pm.
- Types of Permits: There are 5 main permits to enter: Shuttle Bus Reservations, Day Parking Reservations, Evening Parking Reservations, Midnight to Midnight Parking Reservations, and Overnight Parking Reservations. You likely will want to purchase one of the first three options listed, unless you plan on camping.
- Cost: Price varies based on the permit you select. But the cost is generally $10 per vehicle parked.
- Shuttle Option: The RFTA shuttle service runs from Aspen Highlands to the park from May 24 through October 20, 2024, for $16/round trip or $10/one-way. This is a great option if you are staying in Aspen or do not have a car or parking reservation. Tickets should be purchased in advance. There will be a limited amount of same-day tickets each day for a higher cost depending on cancellations and no-shows.
Forgot to make a reservation in time: You can still enter the park without a reservation by getting dropped off or taking the shuttle. Drop-off from private vehicles (no ride-share) is allowed between 6 am and 8 am without a parking reservation; however, visitors who are dropped off during this time will need a one-way ticket to ride the shuttle back down to Aspen Highlands. If you don’t have a friend to drive you, there is a service that will do it linked here. Alternatively, you can bike up the road into the park without a reservation.
Note that sunrise is when you can see the iconic maroon color on the mountains. But any time of day is beautiful. I went a couple of hours before sunset and loved it.
How to Reserve
Reservations can be made through the Aspen Chamber website, where you can choose between the shuttle service and parking permits. The direct link to purchase the day-pass parking is provided here.
Reservations seem to open up for the entire season in advance, not on a rolling basis. This means you need to book early because the spaces fill up fast! For Day Visit, Evening Visit, and Midnight to Midnight parking reservations, 10 additional spaces each are released 3 days in advance at 8 am MT daily.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you need a place to stay near the Maroon Bells, Aspen is the closest. Aspen is known to be quite a luxury town, and the accommodations reflect that. You will have a difficult time finding cheap accommodation here. If you can swing it, I recommend both The Little Nell and the St. Regis Aspen Resort. They are unbelievable properties in the heart of Aspen.
If you are looking for something more affordable, I recommend staying in Glenwood Springs according to the recommendations above. Alternatively, I recommend checking out some Vrbo options!
Any Other Colorado Reservations Needed?
These are the four main Colorado hikes and national parks that require reservations. It is my opinion that these destinations should not be missed. Making the reservations is frustrating, but I found all four of these spots to be well worth it and they actually exceeded my expectations!
You might be wondering if there are other parks that need reservations. Luckily, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the Colorado National Monument do not require reservations.
There are four other trails in Colorado that require reservation, but they are slightly less popular/well-known. Check them out here:
- Pikes Peak: A 14,000-foot tall peak near Colorado Springs.
- Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formally Mount Evans): The highest paved road in North America; a 1.5-hour drive from Denver.
- Brainard Lake: A glacially carved valley with panoramic views of Brainard Lake and high peaks along the Continental Divide; a 45-minute drive from Boulder.
- Manitou Incline: A challenging hiking trail in Manitou Spring, known for its steep ascent of nearly 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile, with over 2,700 steps.
- Quandary Peak: A popular fourteener in Colorado, standing at 14,265 feet, known for its accessible yet challenging hiking trail that offers stunning panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.
- Eldorado Canyon State Park: An 8,000-foot peak on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Camping Reservations
Remember, you almost always need a reservation for camping or overnights. So make sure you look into camping permits separately as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why do these locations require reservations?
Reservations help manage the number of visitors, reduce environmental impact, and ensure a quality experience for everyone. Although frustrating at times, it is nice that these reservation-based hikes and parks have smaller crowds.
2. How far in advance should I make a reservation?
It’s best to make reservations as early as possible, especially during peak seasons. Some locations allow booking several months in advance. I included the time frame to make the relevant reservation within each section above.
3. What happens if I don’t have a reservation?
Without a reservation, you will likely be denied entry. It’s crucial to plan ahead and secure your permits or timed entry slots. I included caveats to the reservation system within each section above in case you forgot to make a reservation.
4. Can I cancel or modify my reservation?
Cancellation and modification policies vary by location. Check each specific reservation site for details on their policies.
5. Are there any fees for making reservations?
Yes, most reservation systems charge a fee, which helps support maintenance and conservation efforts. Each section above describes the cost.
6. What should I bring on these hikes?
Always bring essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, appropriate clothing, footwear, a map, and a first aid kit. Check specific guidelines for each location regarding any additional requirements.
Conclusion – what Hikes Need Reservations In Colorado
I absolutely love Colorado and all of its natural beauty. I try to visit these locations as often as possible because they are so incredible. To guarantee you don’t miss out on any of these experiences, make sure you book your reservations in advance for Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lake, Hanging Lake, and the Maroon Bells. Mark your calendars with the reservation times so you don’t forget!
Although frustrating at times, these reservation systems help preserve the landscapes for future generations and the wildlife. By planning ahead and securing the necessary permits, you will have a smooth and enjoyable adventure in some of the state’s most iconic locations. Remember to print out or download your reservations in case you come across bad cell service. Happy hiking!
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