Editors note: This blog post has been updated with new information regarding the 2024 Timed Entry Permit Reservation System for Rocky Mountain National Park on April 25, 2024. It was originally published on April 8, 2021.
Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing another timed entry permit reservation “pilot” system for everyone visiting the park in the summer and fall of 2024. In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know to understand the new timed entry reservation system as well as what you need to get into the Rocky Mountain National Park.
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED MAY 24, 2024 THROUGH OCTOBER 20, 2024
Please note that we only share information that has been confirmed by employees of Rocky Mountain National Park, or information that has been shared on the Rocky Mountain National Park website. Explore Estes is not associated with reacreation.gov, if you have issues purchasing your timed entry permit, please call (877) 444-6777.
Watch our YouTube video for a summary of the 2024 Timed Entry Reservation System:
Here are some direct resources before we get into the details:
Timed Entry Permit Reservation System – Rocky Mountain National Park
Buy Your Timed Entry Permit for Rocky Mountain National Park – Recreation.gov (May 24 – October 20)
Buy Your Daily, Weekly, Annual, or Lifetime Park Passes – Recreation.gov
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• What is the Timed Entry Permit Reservation System?
• When am I required to purchase a Timed Entry Permit for the Rocky Mountain National Park?
• How Does the Timed Entry Permit Work?
• How much does the Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit cost?
• When Should I Purchase my Timed Entry Permit for Rocky Mountain National Park?
• What if I’m unable to purchase a timed entry permit for my preferred date and time?
• What does the Bear Lake Corridor include?
• Do I need to be in the Bear Lake Corridor during my 2-hour timed entry permit?
• Will my previously purchased entrance pass be honored?
• Is the timed entry permit priced per vehicle or per individual in the vehicle?
• Am I able to only purchase the timed entry permit online if I already have my entrance pass?
• I already have my entrance pass into the National Park, do I still need a timed entry permit?
• Do I need a timed entry permit if I have a campsite reservation?
What is the Timed Entry Permit Reservation System?
To manage the significant increase of visitors to the park, Rocky Mountain National Park is implementing a system which requires people visiting to reserve a time-slot when they will enter the park. This is in addition to the normal entry fee required to enter the national park.
Reservations will be based on approximately 90% of the park’s total parking capacity. 2021’s reservation system was based on approximately 75% to 85% of the park’s total parking capacity. This system spreads use throughout the park and throughout the day to better utilize all parking/trailhead areas.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the busiest national parks; 3rd in the country in 2019 with over 4.6 million visitors. This represents a 42% increase in visitation in seven years. Visitor crowding and congestion at the park have led to increased negative impacts to visitor and staff safety, resource protection, visitor experience and operational capacity.
There are several different reservation systems that are being implemented across the National Park Service. Other National Parks that have announced various types of reservation requirements this year include Arches National Park, Glacier National Park, Acadia National Park, Muir Woods National Monument, Shenandoah National Park, Haleakala National Park and Zion National Park.
When am I required to purchase a Timed Entry Permit for the Rocky Mountain National Park?
From May 24 until October 15 and October 20, 2024, there will be two types of timed entry permits:
1. The first permit will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which will include the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 AM to 6 PM from May 24th until October 20th. Click here to learn what is included in the Bear Lake Corridor.
2. The second permit will be for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. This reservation period will be from 9 AM to 2 PM from May 24th to October 15th.
The permits will be available to purchase in advance the 1st of each month for the following month. From the Rocky Mountain National Park website:
Reservations to enter the park will go on sale through www.recreation.gov at 8 a.m. Mountain Time on May 1st. Reservations will be available to enter the park from May 24 through June 30. The next release will be on June 1, for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June. On July 1, reservations will be available for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July. On August 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked. On September 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked. Initially, 40 percent of permits will be held and available for purchase the day prior at 7 p.m. through recreation.gov. These are expected to sell out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible.
Rocky Mountain National Park
How Does the Timed Entry Permit Work?
If you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park within the timeframe listed above (May 24 – October 20 from 5am – 6pm) you must:
- Reserve a time to enter Rocky Mountain National Park by purchasing a timed entry permit through www.recreation.gov. You are given a 2-hour window to enter the national park from the time you select. For example, if you choose a timed entry permit for 10am, you have from 10am until 12pm to enter the Rocky Mountain National Park through one of the entry kiosks.
- Once you reach the kiosk within your reserved entry time, you must show proof of your timed entry permit to the ranger attending. You can either show the PDF permit on your phone, or print the permit. Please be aware that cellphone reception is very limited in the park, so have your permit downloaded on your phone if you do not have a printer because you may not be able to load the web page at your time of entry.
- After showing the ranger your entry permit for the correct time, you will be required to pay your entry fee into the park. See the next section for entry fees.
If you have entered the park during your 2-hour window and have paid your entrance fee, you may leave the park at any time for that day.
How much does the Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit cost?
The timed entry permit for Rocky Mountain National Park cost $2. They are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Please remember that this is in addition to the cost to enter the park. You must reserve your timed entry permit to schedule a time to visit the park, and you must pay an entry fee to enter the park. If you have an annual Rocky Mountain National Park Pass or America the Beautiful National Park Pass, you do not have to pay the entrance fee, however you do still need to purchase your $2 timed entry permit ahead of time.
Here are the fees for entering Rocky Mountain National Park:
DAILY ENTRANCE PASSES
1-Day Pass – Automobile – $30.00
Valid for date of purchase. Covers single, non-commercial vehicle with capacity of less than 16 passengers.
1-Day Pass – Per Person – $15.00
Valid for date of purchase. Applies to walk-ins, bicycles, and non-commercial groups.
1-Day Pass – Motorcycle – $25.00
Valid for date of purchase. Covers one motorcycle.
WEEKLY ENTRANCE PASS
7-Day Pass – Automobile – $35.00
Valid for date of purchase plus the 6 days immediately following. Covers single, non-commercial vehicle with capacity of less than 16 passengers.
ANNUAL AND LIFETIME ENTRANCE PASSES
Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass – $70.00
America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes
Annual Pass: $80
Current U.S. Military Annual Pass: Free
4th Grade Pass for U.S. students in fourth grade: Free
Senior Pass: $80 (lifetime); $20 (annual)
When Should I Purchase my Timed Entry Permit for Rocky Mountain National Park?
If you know when you will be visiting the national park, you should purchase your timed entry permit as soon as they become available. Timed entry permits sell out more quickly the closer to the entry date. However, 40 percent of permits will be held and available for purchase the day prior at 7 p.m. MST through recreation.gov if you are uncertain of when you will be visiting Rocky Mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m unable to purchase a timed entry permit for my preferred date and time?
If the timed entry permits are sold out for your preferred date and time, don’t fret, you still have a few options!
- You may be able to purchase a timed entry reservation the day before your visit. 40% of permits will be held and available for purchase the day prior at 7 p.m. MT through recreation.gov.
- You can still enter the park without a timed entry permit before 5am or after 6pm to enter the Bear Lake Corridor. Or, you can enter the rest of the park minus the Bear Lake Corridor before 9am or after 2pm without a timed entry permit.
- You can make a reservation for the Hiker Shuttle that picks up at the Estes Park Visitor Center and drops guests off at the Park-and-Ride Area within the Rocky Mountain National Park. From there, you can catch another shuttle to your preferred hiking area. Tickets go on sale on a monthly basis, and on the same release schedule as the timed entry reservations. They are $2 per reservation and can have up to 4 passengers on a single reservation.
- Explore Estes also offers private tours into Rocky Mountain National Park which includes your entrance pass and your timed entry reservation to enter the park. But again, be sure to book your Summer Rocky Mountain Tour with plenty of time in advance as our services book up quickly in the summer!
Can I reserve timed entry permits for multiple days at once, or do I have to reserve them individually?
Once you add a timed entry reservation time to your cart, recreation.gov will take you straight to the checkout screen. However, you can go back to the booking page to add more timed entry reservations for different days to your cart. Once you’re done adding all of your days and times, you can click the cart icon at the top right to check out all at once. You will have 15-minutes to check out after the last timed entry reservation has been added to your cart to pay, otherwise, your reservations will be released.
What does the Bear Lake Corridor include?
The Bear Lake Corridor is a road (Bear Lake Road) that goes south-east of the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station and it includes these popular areas:
• Moraine Park (The Bear Lake Kiosk has been moved up, so you will need a Bear Lake Corridor timed entry permit to visit Moraine Park)
• Alberta Falls
• Bear Lake Loop
• Bierstadt Lake
• Cub Lake
• Fern Lake
• Dream Lake
• Emerald Lake
• Lake Haiyaha
• Lake Helene
• Mills Lake
• Nymph Lake
• Sky Pond
• Sprague Lake Loop
• The Loch
• The Pool
Do I need to be in the Bear Lake Corridor during my 2-hour timed entry permit?
If you have a timed entry permit for the Bear Lake Corridor and the rest of the Rocky Mountain National Park, you need to enter the park during your 2-hour window AND be in the Bear Lake Corridor during this window as well. Rangers will be signing visitors in at the Bear Lake Kiosk to make sure you are visiting within your window. For example, if you have a Bear Lake Corridor permit for 9am – 11am, you need to enter one of the Rocky Mountain National Park entrances from 9am – 11am AND sign-in at the Bear Lake Kiosk from 9am – 11am. You may stay in the Bear Lake Corridor for as long as you like once you are signed in. This information has been confirmed by multiple rangers.
Will my previously purchased entrance pass be honored?
All previously purchased entrance passes will be honored and will act as your entrance payment into the National Park. This includes:
• Day Pass
• Weekly Pass
• Annual Pass (for Rocky Mountain NP or all of the National Parks)
• Senior Pass
You will still need to purchase a timed entry permit for every day that you would like to enter the Rocky Mountain National Park in addition to your entrance pass.
Is the timed entry permit priced per vehicle or per individual in the vehicle?
The timed entry permit is priced per vehicle. It is $2 to reserve a time slot for your vehicle, then a $30 daily entrance fee for your vehicle to enter the park.
Am I able to only purchase the timed entry permit online if I already have my entrance pass?
Yes. If you have already purchased your entrance pass into the Rocky Mountain National Park, there should be an option online to allow you to only purchase your $2 timed entry permit for each day.
I’m visiting Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park for multiple days. Do I need to purchase a timed entry permit for each day I’m visiting the National Park?
Yes, you will need to purchase timed entry permits for every day that you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. You will be able to purchase multiple timed entry permits for the days you will be visiting the National Park online. If you’re visiting for multiple days, we highly recommend purchasing your timed entry permits as early as possible if you know the dates that you will be visiting Rocky Mountain National Park to make sure they don’t sell out.
I already have my entrance pass into the National Park, do I still need a timed entry permit?
Yes, you need both an entrance pass to get into the Rocky Mountain National Park and a timed entry permit to schedule a time slot when you will be entering the National Park.
Once I enter the park within my timed entry permit time slot, do I need to leave by a certain time?
Once you enter within your 2-hour time frame for your timed entry permit, you can stay as long as you want within the Rocky Mountain National Park for that day.
Do I need a timed entry permit if I plan to do a hike that’s part of Rocky Mountain National Park, but outside of the entrance kiosks?
Yes. If you plan to visit any part of the Rocky Mountain National Park, you will be required to have a timed entry permit. Areas that are not within the entrance kiosks like Gem Lake, Lumpy Ridge, Longs Peak, etc… will have Rangers posted in the areas and checking for permits.
Do I need to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during my 2-hour timed entry permit time, or can I enter anytime after?
In 2024, the Rangers will be checking timed entry permits so you will need to be in the National Park within your 2-hour timed entry permit window. If you arrive after, they may not let you in.
If I enter the Rocky Mountain National Park during my 2-hour window, can I leave and come back again the same day?
Yes, if you have already checked-in through the entrance kiosk during your timed entry permits 2-hour window, you can leave and re-enter the park at any time after during the same day. However, please note that if you leave the Bear Lake Road Corridor, you will not be able to re-enter the Corridor until after 2pm.
Do I need a timed entry permit if I have a campsite reservation?
If you have a campsite reservation, this will act as your timed entry permit for the approved area, except for Longs Peak Campground. Moraine Park, Glacier Basin and Aspenglen Campground reservations will have access to Bear Lake Road corridor and the rest of park. Timber Creek Campground reservations will have access to rest of park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. Longs Peak Campground will need to secure a timed entry permit to visit the rest of the Rocky Mountain National Park during timed entry hours.
Skip the timed entry and book a summer tour with Explore Estes!
We hope you find this information helpful for entering Rocky Mountain National Park this summer and fall! We’ll be updating this post when more information becomes available or if we missed any unanswered questions.
Do you have any other questions regarding the 2024 Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Permit Reservation System? Get directly in touch with the Rocky Mountain National Park or the Estes Park Visitor Center as we are not able to answer every question in a timely matter with our increasingly busy schedule. PLEASE NOTE: Explore Estes is not associated with reacreation.gov, if you have issues purchasing your timed entry permit, please call (877) 444-6777.
Will our senior passes be honored? And well we need a separate day pass to get into the park?
Great questions Marilee! Yes, your senior pass will be honored and it will cover your entrance fee into the National park. In addition, you will still be required to schedule a timed entry for a 2 hour window to get into the park. We’re hoping the cost stays the same as it was last year at $2 to reserve.
Hope that helps!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hi,
I am still a little confused about the timed entry ticket. Is Bear Lake Corridor requires a separate timed entry permit in addition to the timed entry ticket to the park?
Thanks.
Xiaoping Wang
The two hour timed entry is terrible. What would you consider a two hour window? For any educated person it would be an hour before or and hour after. Especially if you only require timed entry til 3 and you sell a 2pm pass. Needless to say at 115 when we finally got to the gate after waiting through traffic, we were told to come back at 2 or later…..really disappointing to make a trip here and have all the extra hassle.
This is absurd. My wife is an airline employee and we often fly standby. We were planning a last minute trip from NJ to RMNP for few days, but have cancelled after learning of these new regulations. What if we came all the way out, then found out we couldn’t get into the Park? What are the chances of getting a timed entry permit if calling the night before?
Is the timed permit priced per car load or for each individual in the car?
Great question Rita! The timed entry permit is priced per vehicle. So it is $2 to to reserve a time slot for your vehicle, then a $25 daily entrance fee for your vehicle to enter the park.
Hope that helps!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hi! Thanks for the information. I’m trying to decide which pass to get. We will be entering the west gate to RMNP, looks like it will take a 1 1/2 he drive to get to bear lake. We would probably need to go straight there to be in the two he entry window. We’ve never been to the park before, would we see the beauty & wildlife in the park if we exclude bear lake or is near lake a must see? Thanks!
So the day prior at 5pm means the day prior to them going on sale or day prior to when you want to enter the park? I need to get my tickets 7/1 for August
What if I am planning to visit in early Nov? Do I not need make a reservation online?
I have a senior pass, so I still have to pay the daily entry fee? If not, how do I reserve a time without paying?
You only need to purchase the timed entry permit on recreation.gov. You do not need to purchase an entrance pass.
Marriah
Explore Estes
Will a weekly pass work like an annual pass when purchasing a timed entry slot?
Yes. If you have already purchased your weekly pass, there should be an option online to allow you to only purchase your $2 timed entry permit for each day.
Let me know if that clears it up for you!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Do you have to print your times entry permit? We may not have access to a printer- would a screen shot of the permit suffice?
Thank you!! 🙂
Samantha, no you do not need to print your permit. I highly recommend downloading a copy of the PDF permit onto your phone and also saving a screenshot. Cell service is extremely limited in and near the Rocky Mountain National Park, but as long as you have a screenshot saved, that will work. 🙂
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Will we be able to get multiple timed entry permits for the Bear Lake area for the 3-4 days we are in Estes Park?
Yes, you will be able to purchase timed entry permits for multiple days to the Bear Lake Corridor. We highly recommend purchasing them as early as possible if you know the dates that you will be visiting Rocky Mountain National Park to make sure they don’t sell out. They become available for purchase the first of the month for the following month. For example, on June 1st, they will become available to purchase for the month of July.
Let us know if that makes sense or if you have any other questions Rosemarie!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
I believe one still needs the timed pass when leveraging the park and ride shuttle service?
That is correct. You need to enter the National Park entrance to get to the Park and Ride Shuttle area, so you will need a timed entry permit to hop on the shuttle.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
I purchase a day pass will that be honored for when I get my time pass?
Yes, your previously purchased day pass will be honored if your purchase a $2 timed entry permit for the same day.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Once we enter the park within the entry time purchased, is there a set time we have to exit or can we stay as long as we want?
Great question Jayne! Once you enter within your 2-hour time frame for your timed entry permit, you can stay as long as you want within the National Park.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
I read on the RMNP website that you should display your timed permit entry in your dashboard for the “non-main entrance trail heads” (like Lumpy Ridge). If you get there at 6am (well before the start of the timed entry requirement), how do you prove you are “legal” to a ranger who stops you, say at noon (or anytime when there is a timed-entry requirement), when you are coming back from the hike?
If you’re coming off a trail after the timed entry permits begin, I would say it’s safe for the Rangers to assume that you entered the park before the timed entry began. If they don’t believe you, they may ask you to leave, but I can’t imagine they would if you’re leaving a trail, and they won’t be hiking up trails to check permits. Best bet to avoid any hassles would be to just get the timed entry permit, and get in during your 2-hour timeframe. Then, you can leave and re-enter throughout the day without a problem.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Our party will be traveling in more than one vehicle- can I order multiple Timed Entry Permits for all the vehicles to make sure that we all have the same 2 hour entry time?
Hi Peter,
Yes. You will need to purchase a timed entry permit for each vehicle to enter the National Park. You should be able to add multiple time slots to your cart before checking out on recreation.gov
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
So it would allow me one car and one time slot per day on June 1 when I reserved.. and I had to do each day separately
That’s correct.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Is a timed entry permit “linked” to a specific entrance pass? For example, I have a senior pass and I believe last summer my entry permits had to be used with my senior pass. I have family coming with us this year that want to do some hikes my partner and I can’t do, so they will need to buy their own daily or weekly pass. Do they need to buy that pass before buying a timed entry pass, or can they buy timed entry permit for the days they think they will go to Bear Lake without me and then get the entry pass later or at the gate? I hope this question makes sense.
Peggy, if I’m understanding you correctly, you’re wondering if your family can purchase timed entry permits without purchasing an entry pass into the park? If so, the answer is, yes they can. Once the timed entry permits become available online, they will have the option to either purchase the $2 timed entry permit WITH their entrance pass ($25 daily) or they can purchase only the $2 timed entry permit WITHOUT the entrance fee and pay their entrance fee when they are entering the park. However, it’s recommended to purchase both online to allow for quick entry into the park.
If you were to purchase the timed entry permit for them, you would have the option to add your senior pass number to the timed entry permit, but then they would have to show your senior pass to the rangers at the entrance. So to reiterate, your family needs to purchase their timed entry permits separately and not add your senior pass information during checkout, otherwise they will need to show your senior pass when entering the park. When they buy their permit, they can pay for the $2 timed entry online, then pay for their entrance fee when they actually head to the park.
I hope that explanation helped, let me know if you need more clarification!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Is it true that the park permit passes ($2) are for if you want to enter the park between 9 am to 3 pm? So if you plan to enter the park before 9 am then you do not need a park permit pass?
Hi Skylar, this is partly true. There are two $2 timed entry permits this year. One for the Bear Lake Corridor including the entire Rocky Mountain National Park, and one for the entire Rocky Mountain National Park minus the Bear Lake Corridor. If you do not plan on visiting the Bear Lake Corridor, you can enter the park before 9am or after 3pm without a timed entry permit. If you DO want to visit the Bear Lake Corridor, you must be in the park before 5am or after 6pm.
We have information here on what the Bear Lake Corridor includes:
https://exploreestes.com/understanding-rocky-mountain-national-park-timed-entry-permit-system/#bearlake
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
I have a question. If I buy a “special use permit” for my wedding at Sprague Lake (which will be at 6 AM in September), will I also need to buy a “timed entry permit” ???
Your wedding permit will act as your timed entry permit. You just need to make sure you and each of your guests, photographers, and other wedding party has a copy of the permit to show at the entrance gate.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
What time do you suggest reaching out to the park entrance if we want to enter before the timed entry permit window? For both cases (9 am for non-bear and 5 am for bear)?
IF I AM IN LINE FOR A 9 AM OR BEFORE–AND THERE IS A LONG LINE THAT I AM IN, WILL I BE ALLOWED TO ENTER EVEN IF IT IS AFTER 9?
THANK YOU.
What about the other access points to RMNP? Are passes and timed entry permits required for Wild Basin and Longs Peak trailheads? Is the same pass and timed entry permitting requires when entering the park from the Grand Lake side? TIA
Hi Art, a timed entry permit is required for entering the Rocky Mountain National Park, no matter which trail you’re hiking or entry kiosk you enter through. Certain hiking trails are located outside of the entrance kiosks, however, if they are part of the National Park, you will need a timed entry permit and entrance pass as the rangers will be randomly checking and asking visitors to show proof of the permit.
Let us know if that clears it up for you!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hi! Great info here! If I purchase a timed ticket for 10:00am, I have 2 hours..until 12:00 to enter. Let’s say things happen, we’re running late, etc, I come at 11:15, but the traffic to get up to the kiosk booth to show my timed ticket delays us and we don’t reach it until 12:15 or so. Then what?
We’ve seen a lot of people say you can enter anytime after your timed entry, but we haven’t yet confirmed this information with the national park. For now, plan to be at the kiosk during your scheduled time to be safe. We’ll update when this information becomes available.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Do you know what time June timed entry permits go on sale on May 1? Thanks!
Hi Jill,
All timed entry permits go on sale at 8am MST.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
If I want to enter the park at say 8:00 to drive Trail Ridge Road. I don’t need a timed permit. However if we leave and go to lunch at Grand Lake then we would need one to get back in. So would it be best to get a pass for the Bear Creek entrance from 7-9 so that we can get back in whenever we want? Would we have to enter through a specific entrance? Also if we enter before 9:00 and stop at a lookout or something will they be looking to see permits there?(I read somewhere that they may.). Thanks for your help.
Hi Lanette, if you enter before the timed entry permit begins for the day, you’re good to stay in park for the entire day, if you leave and want to re-enter after the timed entry permit times begin, you will need to be able to show proof of a timed entry permit. You don’t need to use a specific entrance for the timed entry permits. The rangers will be posted at different trailheads around the park that are outside of the entrance kiosks at peak hours during the day. For the different types of things you’re describing, I would just go ahead and get a timed entry permit to avoid any issues.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
We will be coming for 4 days, August 2nd through August 6th of 2021, can we buy a one week park entrance pass instead of an Annual or daily pass? Trying to figure out what will be the most cost effective way to purchase passes and timed entrance tickets. Are the timed entrance tickets good for multiple days or just by the day?
Yes, there are weekly passes available for $35. You will need a timed entry permit for every day that you plan to visit the park. They are only good for a single day and are non-refundable / non-transferable. You can purchase your weekly entrance pass at any time, but the timed entry permits for August go on sale July 1st.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
If we have the bear lake corridor pass can we enter the park at any entrance? Also if we leave the bear lake area can we return later in the day?
Yes to both questions. Just be sure to enter during the window on your timed entry permit. For the Bear Lake Corridor timed entry permit, you need to enter through the entrance kiosk AND the Bear Lake Corridor during your 2-hour window. So if you’re entering on the Grand Lake side, make sure you quickly make your way to Bear Lake. Once you enter both kiosks during your window, you will be able to leave and re-enter any part of the park for the day.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hello
My Bear Lake pass is 12-2pm. Can I enter in Grand Lake prior to 9am without a permit and then enter the Bear Lake corridor at 12pm? How would that work with the shuttle? Would I need a shuttle pass for later then 12pm?
How hard has it been for people to get their passes the night before?
Hi Kelly,
Yes, you can enter before 9am in the Grand Lake Entrance and make it to the Bear Lake Corridor for your timed entry reservation from 12 – 2pm. A shuttle reservation is only required for the Hiker Shuttle, this shuttle picks up at the Estes Park Visitor Center and drops off at the Park-and-Ride, so it wouldn’t apply to you. The other 2 shuttles don’t require proof of timed entry or reservations.
If you logon to recreation.gov right when the timed entry permits go on sale, you shouldn’t have an issue grabbing one, but they do sell out quickly.
For other questions or clarification, you can contact the Rocky Mountain National Park directly to better help you plan your visit.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
What if someone plans to visit Bear Lake Corridor in the afternoon and other areas of the park in the morning – could they just puchase both types of timed entry reservations and use them at those times (i.e., enter park in a.m. and drive Trail Ridge Road, then come back through and use afternoon timed reservation for Bear Lake Corridor)? Is that 1) doable and 2) realistic time-wise?
Hi Beth,
I don’t see why you can’t do this. It would just be a long day of driving, but it’s of course beautiful scenery all around. 🙂 However, it’s best to get to Bear Lake earlier as the parking lot fills up quickly. But it’s possible that you get lucky and find a spot later in the evening.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Please tell me where the Bear Lake Road Corridor begins.
Hi Richard, you can find everything included in the Bear Lake Corridor here:
https://exploreestes.com/understanding-rocky-mountain-national-park-timed-entry-permit-system/#bearlake
It will take you straight to the FAQ section with this information.
Hope that helps!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Is lily lake included in bear lake corridor?
Hi Sreya, no, Lily Lake is outside of the Bear Lake Corridor. It’s actually outside of the entrance kiosks as well, but you will still need an entrance pass and a timed entry permit. We’ve laid out everything included in the Bear Lake Corridor here:
https://exploreestes.com/understanding-rocky-mountain-national-park-timed-entry-permit-system/#bearlake
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
We are visiting in June, and for the dates we’re there, the morning permits for Bear Lake are already sold out (we’ll try again the night before). If we get Park Access entry permits, the recreation.gov website says “Visitors will… use the park’s shuttle system to access their desired trailhead.” But the (in-park) shuttle appears to be Only running on Bear Lake corridor, not extending all the way to Trail Ridge Road… thus, seems users need a Bear Lake entry permit to even get onto the road, to access the shuttle? Just trying to understand our options… Thank you!!
Hi Megan,
There aren’t any shuttles in the Rocky Mountain National Park that take you all the way up Trail Ridge Road. There are 3 shuttles in the National Park, the Hiker Express Route (not running in 2021), the Moraine Park Route, and the Bear Lake Route. The Bear Lake Route makes stops at the Park & Ride parking lot near Bear Lake, Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake. All of these shuttle stops are in the Bear Lake Corridor, if you do not have a timed entry permit which includes the Bear Lake Corridor, you will not be able to access the area to use the Bear Lake Route shuttle.
I hope that clears up the confusion!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hi. Just making sure I’m understanding this correctly. If we arrive as a group in one vehicle do we only need 1 timed-entry pass or does each individual need a timed-entry pass?
Great question Jackie, it’s one timed entry permit per vehicle not per person.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Thank you for the prompt reply!!
Thank you so much for this incredibly helpful information! My question…it seems clear that you can enter the park per your time slot and then leave/re-enter any time. Do you know if that is true of the Bear Lake pass as well? Can you enter the corridor during your time slot and then leave and re-enter the corridor at any time? I know that parking is questionable as it gets later in the day, I’m just trying to understand every aspect while in our planning stages (we’re traveling with a 2 and 4 year old, so planning this specifically is extra tricky!).
Of course! Yes, this is true for the Bear Lake Corridor as well. I’ve just talked to the Rangers and they have confirmed that you need to be at the Bear Lake Kiosk within the timeframe on your timed entry permit. Once you’re checked in during your window, you are able to leave the area and come back again to re-enter since you have already checked in for the day.
I hope that helps!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
I want to reserve a timed entry to hike Longs peak. We will need to start before the earliest timed entry slot which starts at 9:00 AM
Do I just reserve the 9:00AM and show up early to start my hike?
If you are not going to the Bear Lake Corridor (which Longs Peak is not a part of), you do not need a timed entry permit to enter the park before 9am. You would just need to display your entrance pass on your vehicle if you were in the park before the timed entry begins.
Let me know if that clears up your confusion Neal!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
The time slots for my trip are currently not available, what work-arounds are available? Can I avoid buying a time-entry ticket by walking into the park, or taking a bus to the park? My Airbnb will be in Estes Park. Thanks!
Hi Doug, you have a couple of options:
1. About 99 timed entry permits are held for the day before to let last minute visitors get a permit. They go on sale at 8am MST the previous day. For example, if you were visiting June 2nd, but all of the permits are sold out, you have a chance to possible purchase a last minute timed entry permit June 1st at 8am MST for June 2nd.
2. You can enter the park before the timed entry begins. If you would like to visit the Bear Lake Corridor, you need to be in the Bear Lake area before 5am or after 6pm without a timed entry permit. If you don’t want to visit the Bear Lake Corridor, you must be in the National Park before 9am or after 3pm without a timed entry permit.
You will need a timed entry permit if you walk into the park, but this isn’t recommended as it’s a long way from the entrance kiosk to any scenic areas in the park or any shuttle stops. Also, there will be no shuttle taking visitors from Estes Park into the Rocky Mountain National Park so you will need a vehicle.
I hope that helps!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
If I purchase a Bear Lake Corridor entry permit and arrive during my two hour slot, can I leave Bear Lake Corridor and then return to Bear Lake Corridor again outside of my two hour slot?
Hi John, yes. Just make sure you check into the Bear Lake Corridor during your 2-hour timed entry permit window. Once you do this, you’re allowed to leave the Bear Lake Corridor AND the Rocky Mountain National Park, then return later that same day.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Can’t seem to figure out where the Bear Lake Kiosk is, if we have to check in there. We have reservations for a 9 to 11 slot, so what time should we be at the Beaver Meadows entrance? And then if we have to get to the Bear Lake kiosk, where is that, especially in reference to the park and ride lot?
The Bear Lake Kiosk is right when your turn onto Bear Lake Road, the first left after you enter the Beaver Meadows Entrance. The line may be long to enter both so anticipate 15+ minutes of wait time, with much longer times on Thursday through Sunday. Make sure you enter both the Beaver Meadows and Bear Lake kiosk within your 2-hour window.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
If I am going with a group in one car and one person has secured a time entry permit online and other person has purchased a weekly entry pass. Can both those be combined to give entry to the entire group inside a single car ?
I don’t see why that would be an issue, but I’m not a ranger. If you’re weary, give the National Park a call at (970) 586-1206 and press number 9 to talk to a ranger without waiting to hear all of the phone options.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Where is the Bear Lake Kiosk? At Bear Lake? I thought I saw that the kiosk had been moved. I am trying to understand the timing of getting through the park entrance and the Bear Lake Kiosk within my time window.
The Bear Lake Kiosk is right when your turn onto Bear Lake Road, the first left after you enter the Beaver Meadows Entrance.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
I have really appreciated all of the information you have provided and I am hoping you can assist me as I plan my visit to Rocky Mountain National Park. I have a timed entry for Bear Lake Corridor on one day of our visit and for the other day, I have a timed entry that does not include the Corridor. I saw some of the hikes that you included for the Bear Lake area but what are some good hikes to take that do not need to be accessed via Bear Lake Corridor? It will be just my husband and I so we would like an intermediate hike that is not too strenuous. Thank you so much for all of your guidance.
I’m happy you’ve found our post helpful Mindy! One of our favorite hikes is Gem Lake, it has beautiful views of Estes Park from above and it’s not too difficult, there’s just a lot of stairs in the beginning of the hike. Another good one that is not inside the Bear Lake Corridor is Lily Lake. It’s a flat walk around a beautiful Lake. Just note that you will still need to have an entrance pass and timed entry permit for these two hikes even though they’re outside of the entrance stations for Rocky Mountain National Park.
I hope that helps!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
I would like to know if I need both the annual national park pass and the timed entry ticket to visit Rocky Mountain National Park.
Or if I wish to purchase the entry ticket for one day, is that enough already?
If you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park for multiple days, an annual pass may be worth it for you. The daily entrance fee is $25, the weekly is $35, and the annual pass is $70.
You will need both an entrance pass and a timed entry permit for every day that you will be visiting the park.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Thank you for all of your information. At this point, all of the desirable entry times are sold out for July. Could you please summarize the things that we need to do/know if we arrive before 5 AM? Kiosk check-ins, etc. Will there be lines at 5 AM? This is our first visit to RMNP and we are a bit over-whelmed. (We have purchased the week pass).
If you are going to the park without a timed entry permit, you need to be through the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance kiosk AND the Bear Lake Road Kiosk BEFORE 5am. I would say to get there as early as possible because there’s no telling how the line is going to be. I would just say that the weekend will have longer lines than during the week, but again, you never know. Just know that if you go before the timed entry begins, and you leave the Bear Lake Corridor, you will not be able to get back in again unless you have a timed entry permit for later in the day or go back after 6pm. If you don’t plan on visiting the Bear Lake Corridor, you can enter the park before 9am or after 3pm. Be sure to display your pass on your dashboard when you’re in the park. You have one more chance to purchase timed entry permits the day before you plan to visit, at 5pm recreation.gov will release the 99 permits that they held for last minute visitors who weren’t able to secure a pass when they first opened up. So for example if you’re visiting on June 11th, the last remaining timed entry permits will go on sale June 10th at 5pm. Just be sure to be on right when they go on sale because they sell out quickly.
I hope that helps!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
If you enter before 9 with no time entry are there any limits for the day besides bear lake road? We have a 11-1 pass but plan to go in early if nice weather.
We’ve listed all of the trails and areas in the Bear Lake Road Corridor here:
https://exploreestes.com/understanding-rocky-mountain-national-park-timed-entry-permit-system/#bearlake
You will not be able to leave and re-enter if you decide to enter the park before the timed entry begins unless you enter again during the window on your timed entry permit.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hi there, and thank you for this forum — it is very helpful. If my timed entry is 11-1, what time should I plan to get to the gate/line? I’m thinking I will try to “get in line” at 10:30 — is this reasonable?
We’re happy to help Christine! You have a 2-hour window to get into the park, you could arrive at 11 and you’ll be fine. However, if you arrive too early, the rangers may make you wait.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hi, we are hiking Long’s Peak and plan to arrive around 3:00 AM. Does it matter what time slot we get on the Timed Parking because we plan to arrive well before 5:00 AM? Thanks!
You don’t need to secure a timed entry permit if you will be entering the park before the timed entry begins. Long’s Peak is not within the Bear Lake Corridor, so you can arrive up until 9am without a timed entry permit. Just make sure you have your entrance pass displayed on your dashboard.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
If I enter the Bear Lake Corridor at 4:00 a.m., and leave shortly after 5 a.m., can I return later in the morning, without having a timed entry permit?
Hi Mary,
No. If you enter the Bear Lake Corridor at 4am, before the timed entry begins, decide to leave, and want to enter again, you will need a timed entry permit unless you wait until after 6pm to enter the Bear Lake Corridor without a timed entry.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Marriah, your answers to these questions have been the most help that we have found. Thank You . We have a 9am-11am timed entry for RMNP not including Bear Lake Corridor. Can we arrive at Wild Basin, for example, at 7am, and just leave our timed entry form & entrance pass on the dash ?
Happy to help Cole! Yes, you can definitely do this. The only issue is that if you decide to leave and come back after your timed entry window has ended, you likely will not be able to re-enter. If you show up at the entrance kiosk during your timed entry window, you will be able to leave and re-enter as many times as you like throughout that day.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
My sister bought a timed entrance pass for our group, but is now not able to go. Can the rest of the group still go and use the pass she bought? Or does the person who bought it have to be in the car?
Janelle, unfortunately timed entry permits are non-transferrable. The Rangers need to see the ID of the person who purchased the timed entry permit to confirm identity.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
What about after Oct 11? Do I need to purchase a pass?
Hi Karen, timed entry ends October 11th. After that, you can freely enter the park without scheduling a time, you just need to pay for an entrance pass if you don’t already have one. 🙂
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
So would I need to buy timed entry passes if I planned to enter the park before or after the entry time periods?
No you would not. You only need to purchased a timed entry permit if you plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between May 27th and October 10th and between the times of 5am to 6pm for the Bear Lake Corridor or 9am to 3pm for the rest of the park. You will however still need to pay your daily entrance fee if you do not have an annual pass.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
We would like to make a family trip in August. Do I have to wait until July 1 until I can be sure if I can visit the park? I am not going to get plane tickets, hotel reservations, etc. unless I know I will be able to get in.
Hi Cel,
Timed entry reservations go on sale on July 1st for the month of August. Even if you are unable to secure a timed entry permit for your preferred date and time, many other time options are available for purchase for each day. If all timed entry reservations sell out for the days that you will be visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park, you are still able to enter the national park without a timed entry reservation before 5am or after 6pm for the Bear Lake Corridor and before 9am or after 3pm for the rest of the park. I’ve found that if you are proactive and do not wait until the last minute to reserve your time slots, you won’t have an issue securing a timed entry for your preferred days.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
If I buy a campsite do I just need a park pass? Additionally, does a general National Park pass work for this? Thank you!
Hi Rowen, if you have a reservation for a campsite, this will act as your timed entry permit, so be sure to have the details with you when you go through the entrance kiosk. You will still need to pay to enter the National Park, and if you have an annual American the Beautiful National Park pass, this will work as your entrance fee.
I hope that helps!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
When buying a timed entry ticket for several days, can you buy several days on one ticket or do you have to purchase each day individually?
You should be able to add multiple days and times to you cart to purchase them all at the same time. If not, you will have to make separate purchases for each day.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
I am trying to figure out what the exact time slots are for RMNP. For some reason I thought it was 8-10, 10-12, etc. But now I’m wondering since the park opens at 5:00AM for Bear Lake and 9:00 for the rest of the park if the time slots are from 5-7; 7-9; 9-11 etc. Just want to be prepared on May 2. Thanks,
Hi Pam,
The timed entry hours are in 2-hour windows starting at 5am. So 5-7, 7-9, etc… I’m not sure how they do the last hour of the day for the Bear Lake Corridor. We’ll know more once they go on sale on May 2nd.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hi Pam. So if I’m coming in from the Grand Lake side, I can’t come in the park before 9:00 am (say 7:00 am for instance) and then have a Bear Lake timed entry reservation for later that morning?
Hi Patrick,
If you’re entering the Rocky Mountain National Park from the Grand Lake Entrance, you can buy a timed entry reservation for the Bear Lake Road Corridor for later in the morning, then you can enter the Park before 9am without a timed entry, drive down Trail Ridge Road to the Bear Lake Road Corridor, and enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor by the 2-hour window on your timed entry permit for the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
I hope that makes sense!
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Is a timed entry permit required if I use the Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center? I know I would need a pass to get into the park and shuttle reservation ahead of time but I can’t seem to find if timed entry is required for that. Thanks!
I cannot get into the system to reserve a permit!
We’re sorry to hear that! We are not associated with recreation.gov, we only provide information on how the timed entry permit system works. You would need to get directly in contact with recreation.gov who manages the timed entry permit system and they will be able to help you with purchasing the reservations.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Has Rocky Mountain National Park confirmed that if I am unable to reserve a timed entry for my trip, that I can come before 5 am anyway?
Yes. At the beginning of this post, we have a notice explaining that we only share information that is confirmed by the Rocky Mountain National Park. There are also direct links to the RMNP website so you can read their own informational posts on the timed entry permit system, or you can contact them directly as well to confirm.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
I have campround reservations for June 2-4. Can I access Bear Lake corridor? Can I leave the park on the 4th and come back in with my trailer later that evening?
That’s a great question Dale and it was something that was adjusted this year. Moraine Park, Glacier Basin and Aspenglen Campground permits will have access to Bear Lake Road corridor and the rest of park during timed entry. Timber Creek Campground permits however will have access to rest of park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor during timed entry. If your campground reservations end on June 4th and you leave, you will need to wait until timed entry ends to re-enter, 6pm for the Bear Lake Corridor or 3pm for the rest of the park.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hi, there. Can you tell me how many timed entry passes one person can purchase? We’ll have three families in three vehicles for one day at the same time. Can one family purchase all three? Thanks!
Timed entry reservations are non-transferable and need to be made in the name of the person in or driving each vehicle, they will need to show their ID with their reservation at the entrance gate. You are also not able to purchase more than 1 timed entry reservation for the same date in a single purchase. It would be best to have each person driving each vehicle to make their own timed entry reservation.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
Hello, informative post, thanks. I have a question.
If I enter the park before they require reservations without purchasing a timed entry ticket (let’s say 8 AM for the non Bear Lake corridor section of the park), and I am still inside the non Bear Lake corridor section, would I need to show proof of a ticket to a ranger if they ask for it at any point during the timed entry section of the day? Thank you.
Hi Edward,
You won’t get stopped by a Ranger to show your proof of timed entry permit unless you’re trying to enter an area that requires showing proof. For example, if you enter the park before 8am and leave and try to re-enter during timed entry, they will ask for proof of timed entry and you will not be able to get back in. Or, If you enter before 8am and try to go to the Bear Lake Corridor, they will ask for proof and will not let you in to the Bear Lake area. Rangers won’t just walk up to random people asking for their timed entry.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
If we have a horseback ride booked with High Country Stables on Sprague Lake Road, would we then be able to stay in RMNP without a timed entry?
You should be able to stay in the park for the day, but I would confirm with the stables.
Marriah Higgins
Explore Estes
This is by far the best, most complete explanation of the timed entry system I have found Thank you. I’m camping at Timber Creek Campground but want to head to Bear Lake the following day morning. I’ll already be in the park, so only need to buy the timed entry for Bear Lake Road. Unfortunately, the only time available is from 4-6pm. If I buy the timed entry permit for Bear Lake Road from 4-6pm, but I’m able to get an earlier time slot the night before, will I be able to book it? Or am I only allowed one timed entry permit?
Hi,
We were unable to obtain a timed entry pass for the days we will be visiting. Just to confirm, if we arrive at the park before 9 am, we can still stay the whole day excluding Bear lake?
Will we be asked to show our permit even though we arrived before?
Thanks!
We do not have a timed entry pass, but would like to travel from Estes Park to Grand Lake. I just want to make sure that if we enter the park before 9 (excluding Bear Lake) we will be able to drive through the park and exit Grand Lake without any issues. There aren’t any other checkpoints that will check for timed entry pass- Is that correct?
We plan to enter Bear Lake Corridor before 5 am. We will just need a regular day pass for this correct? no timed entry required?
And also will the day pass be for 1 car or do we need 1 pass per person?
I have a four day camping reservation coming up soon that spans Thursday to Sunday. I purchased timed entry for Thursday in advance. Do I also need to purchase timed entry for the Friday and Saturday if I need/want to leave the park to get supplies, take a hike outside the park, etc?
We are planning on staying in the Grand Lake area and will enter on the west side of the park. If we are in line waiting to enter and have 2 hours to get tot he beat lake area to check in, what happen if we are delayed? It is an hour and a half drive from Kawuneeche visitors center to the beat lake trail head. Thanks
If we enter the park at 8am without a timed entry can we park and take the shuttle to the bear lake corridor if we don’t have a timed entry for bear lake? I’m confused if I have to have a timed entry if I use the free park shuttle for bear lake or if the timed entry is only needed if I would like to drive to bear lake? I know we can get in the park at 8 but the timed entry passes are sold out for our day at bear lake and really wanted to take the kids there so we are looking to see if we can still do that by using the shuttle.
If I have a campground reservation at Moraine what time can I enter the park?
i have a permit to camp at the boulder field. will i need a timed entry permit to get inside the park that day??
I have a campground reservation at Moraine Park for three days, purchased a timed entry pass for the first day we arrive, and have obtained 7 day vehicle pass.
Here is the question: We plan to leave the park each day and take showers in Estes Park, do we have to get a timed entry pass each day we leave and come back in to the park?
with thanks,
We were not able to get bear corridor option so we got the timed entry without it. Can we still hike and go up to bear lake? Are their shuttles available?
Do I need a timed entry pass if I plan on driving through the entrance after 6pm?
Hi! If I don’t have a car and plan on using the shuttle system both to enter the park, and the one within the park, do I need to still buy a time of entry permit to visit the bear lake corridor and other parts of the park?
So according to what I read it sounds like if I’m camping in Moraine Park Campground for three nights I don’t have to have a timed entry and that will get me back in the park every time during those three days and nights? But no timed entry because I’m camping in Moraine Park Campground?
Hello,
I have a timed entry permit for the park + Bear lake access for 12pm. Now, if I enter the part before 9am and access the rest of the park. Could I checkin at the bear lake corridor access checkpoint at my allocated time of 12pm?
If I have a 4-6 timed reservation for Bear Lake access, can I cancel that the day before if I can get an earlier time when more time slots are posted at 5:pm the day before.
If I purchase an access pass online, can I upgrade it later when more become available? For instance, if I can only buy a pass without Bear L:ake access or at a later time than I’d like, can I buy another pass for the same day? I don’t care if I have to pay twice.
We have a group of 10 motorcycles traveling together. Is there a way to reserve for the group so we all come together
Thank you very much for taking the time to make this video and answer so many questions. I have a question about entering the park before the timed entry and then visiting areas outside of the main park like Lily Lake. Example: We enter the park at 8am before Timed Entry to visit the Non-Bear Corridor area. We leave the park and have lunch. At 1pm I know we can’t re-enter the park since it is during the Timed Entry period, but are we able to go visit Lily Lake? Or is it the same philosophy that we can’t visit it because it’s a Timed Entry period. Thank you for your help and I hope that made sense.
You need a timed entry permit in addition to your National Park entrance pass if you’re visiting any part of the Rocky Mountain National Park during timed entry hours. While Lily Lake does not have an entrance kiosk, rangers will be posted in the area at times to check. Signs are also posted explaining that timed entry is required. Use your discretion for areas outside of the entrance kiosk, sometimes there are rangers, sometimes there aren’t.
Marriah
Explore Estes
If uncertain of arrival, may I purchase timed passes for multiple times on the same day such as 9 AM and 11AM?
Unfortunately not. You can only purchase a single timed entry pass per person per day. If you use a different account on recreation.gov you could. But please release any timed entry permits you do not intend on using so others may purchase them and use.
Marriah
Explore Estes
If you are entering the park before May 26th. Do you still need to purchase timed entry? We are coming May 4th-7th and I’m having difficulty finding any information about timed entry needs before May 26th