LIST: Reservations now required at many iconic destinations in Colorado
Thanks to new restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, along with general overcrowding, several popular destinations in Colorado now require visitors to have reservations. Here’s a glimpse at some of the iconic destinations where reservations are required, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Hanging Lake, Mount Evans, and more.
Author’s Note: This is not a complete list as other places in Colorado might require reservations. Always check with an official source before traveling to planned destinations. Some spots included on this list require an entry fee or permit in addition to the reservation, which may require a separate transaction. Based on public health regulations, weather, and other unpredictable factors, details in this list are subject to change.
Rocky Mountain National Park Entrance Sign (Photo) Credit: kkay (iStock)
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Perhaps one of the most extensive reservation systems put in place in Colorado is at Rocky Mountain National Park. Between May 28 and October 11, 2021, visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park will need a timed-entry permit reservation. Two types of reservations are available to visitors: One permit for Bear Lake Road Corridor, which gives visitors access to this area, as well as the rest of the park, and the second permit for areas of Rocky Mountain National Park aside from the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
Photo Credit: kkay (iStock)
Estes Park, Rocky Mountains National Park, Colorado. Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock)
1. Rocky Mountain National Park (cont.)
The Bear Lake Road Corridor is a highly trafficked area on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The entrance to this area is from Estes Park. This corridor provides access to highly desired hiking trails such as the Bear Lake Trailhead where Bear, Emerald, Dream, and Nymph lakes can all be reached.
Photo Credit: MargaretW (iStock).
Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo) Credit Christian Murdock
1. Rocky Mountain National Park (cont.)
The Bear Lake Corridor reservation applies to all areas of the park from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The second reservation, which excludes the Bear Lake Corridor, is required from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Visitors have a two-hour window to enter the park respective to their reservation time slot. The timed entry reservations are not the same as the entrance pass. Click here for information on entry fees.
Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette.
Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs (Photo) Credit Stephen Martin
2. Hanging Lake
A permit to hike Hanging Lake, one of Colorado’s most beloved treasures, has been required since 2019 after the trail became too overcrowded for the environment to handle it. Located in Glenwood Canyon, Hanging Lake is found at the end of a steep, 1.2-mile trail. Two types of permits are available – a permit for those who self-park at the trailhead and a permit for cyclists who ride to the trailhead. Each hiker requires their own permit, which costs $12, from May 1 to October 31.
Author’s Note: Dogs are not allowed on the trail to Hanging Lake, drones are prohibited, and going off-trail and cutting switchbacks are not allowed.
Photo Credit: Stephen Martin, OutThere Colorado.
Mount Evans summit sign (Photo) Credit John Morrison (iStock)
3. Mount Evans
One of the more recent destinations in Colorado to announce a reservation system is the road up Mount Evans, a popular fourteener (a mountain with an elevation higher than 14,000 feet). Mount Evans Highway is a 28-mile long, out-and-back road known for its scenic views and as the highest paved road in North America. A timed entry reservation is needed, along with the entry fee, for each vehicle (including motorcycles). Bicyclists and hikers do not need a timed entry reservation, but keep in mind that the entry gates are about 15 miles from the 14,265-foot summit via the road. Visitors have two hours after their entry time to reach the gates but cannot enter prior.
Photo Credit: John Morrison (iStock).
Maroon Bells, Aspen (Photo) Credit Stacie Scott
4. Maroon Bells
One of the most well-known and iconic Colorado scenes is that of the Maroon Bells – two towering peaks with a reddish color above a forested lake. It’s no surprise that this destination is a highly-trafficked spot. The Maroon Bells have long required visitors to shuttle from Aspen with limited parking available at the Maroon Bells Scenic Area.
Photo Credit: Stacie Scott, The Gazette
Classic Maroon Bells Fall landscape scene (Photo) Credit RondaKimbrow (iStock)
4. Maroon Bells (cont.)
Two types of reservations are available – one for parking at $10 per vehicle and the other for the shuttle at $16 per adult, $10 per adult over 65 years, and $10 per child under 12 years. When the shuttle is not running, vehicle reservations are still required for the Maroon Bells Scenic Area.
Photo Credit: RondaKimbrow (iStock).
Manitou Incline (Photo) Credit Christian Murdock
5. Manitou Incline
If you're looking to hike the 2,768 steps with around 2,000 feet of elevation gain up the Manitou Incline, expect to book an online reservation. The reservation is free to book and is required daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Up to 35 reservations are available for each 30-minute timeslot. Parking is available at the Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot, a 1.3-mile walk or shuttle ride to the base of the incline. Parking for the Manitou Incline is also permitted at Iron Springs Chateau, 444 Ruxton Ave., where parking reservations are recommended. There is very limited parking at the Manitou Incline trailhead, which requires a fee.
Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area (Photo) Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service
6. Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is the most popular destination of the Boulder Ranger District, set within a glacier-carved valley and offering panoramic views of a lake, surrounding forest, and the high peaks of the Continental Divide. Brainard Lake Recreation Area operates a timed-entry reservation system to protect it from excessive human impacts and facilitate a positive recreation experience. Click here to book a timed-entry permit.
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service.
Quandary Peak (Photo) Credit Breanna Sneeringer
7. Quandary Peak Trailhead – Breckenridge
Parking reservations or a free shuttle ride is required to gain access to Quandary Peak and the McCullough Gulch Trail Areas beginning July 30 through October 31, 2021. Those who do make a reservation to park and use the parking lot are subject to a $100 fine or have their vehicle towed, according to a release from Summit County officials. The shuttle will be offered from Breckenridge's Airport Road and will bring hikers to the parking lot of each trail. Click here for reservations and more information.
Author's Note: This destination was added to this list August 11, 2021 of where reservations are needed in Colorado.
Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado.
Camping Mueller State Park (Photo) Credit Christian Murdock
8. Camping at State Parks in Colorado
Looking to book a campsite in a state park in Colorado? Make sure to reserve a spot ahead of time. As of January 2020, all 42 of the state parks in Colorado require reservations for camping. To book, call 1-800-244-5613 any time or book online here. To learn more about the reservation system, click here.
Photo Credit: Christian Murdock, The Gazette.
Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo) Credit: lightstalker (iStock)
9. Camping in National Parks in Colorado
Colorado is home to four national parks: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Most campgrounds within the parks require reservations to be made ahead of time. Check with their respective links (earlier in this paragraph) for information on each park’s campgrounds.
Photo Credit: lightstalker (iStock)
Aspen Campground (Photo) Credit Tony Webster (flickr)
10. Camping in Colorado
Some campgrounds will require reservations to be made, especially during the peak season of Memorial Day to Labor Day. Some campgrounds may also require reservations only on the weekend, such as Amphitheatre Campground in Ouray. Check with an official source when planning a camping trip in Colorado.
Photo Credit: Tony Webster (flickr).
Mount Princeton Hot Springs winter (Photo) Credit Haji Mahmood
11. Hot Springs in Colorado
Colorado is renowned for its cozy mountain hot springs. Some destinations such as Strawberry Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs and Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs require pool reservations. However, some hot springs destinations do not take reservations, like Mt. Princeton in Nathrop and Glenwood Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs. Be sure to check the website, social media, or call before arriving to ensure soaking is available at your desired time.
Author's Note: Glenwood Hot Springs suspended online ticket sales and admission is on a first-come, first-serve basis at time of publishing.
Photo Credit: Haji Mahmood, courtesy Mount Princeton Hot Springs.
On the Mountaintop Express at Vail Photo Credit: gladassfanny (iStock)
12. Ski Mountains and Resorts in Colorado
Throughout the 2020/2021 ski season in Colorado, several ski resorts required reservations to be made as a response the COVID-19 pandemic. The five Vail Resorts in Colorado – Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Crested Butte – as well as Winter Park Resort required skiers and snowboards to reserve days for skiing and riding. There’s not much word on whether or not the reservation system will be kept in place for the 2021/2022 ski season, but keep this possibility in mind for winter planning.
Photo Credit: gladassfanny (iStock).
Cog Railway (Photo) Courtesy Cog Railway
13. Tourist Attractions in Colorado
Tourist attractions like the new Cog Railway to the summit of Pikes Peak and the Royal Gorge Route Railroad do not mandate reservations, but highly encourage guests to book tickets in advance to ensure their rides aboard. It’s best practice during Colorado’s peak season, whether in the summer or winter, to book ahead for careful planning.
Photo Courtesy: Cog Railway.
Mount Elbert (Photo) Credit Leslie James
14. Wilderness and Backcountry Areas of Colorado
Many backcountry areas require permits for overnight use or day use, including Conundrum Hot Springs, National Parks, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and more.
Photo Credit: Leslie James, OutThere Colorado.
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