Fall River Lodge

04/19/2023

Construction began in early November for a new and improved entrance station at the Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. The Fall River Entrance is one of two major entrance stations on the east side of the park and is located on U.S. Highway 34, just inside the park boundary.

Initially, it was anticipated that the project would be completed by late June. However, due to unforeseen site conditions and utility coordination challenges the revised schedule is for completion in late fall.

The Fall River Visitor Center and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Store are open during this construction project. The Gateway Gift Shop and Trailhead Restaurant, located next to the visitor center, are also open and welcoming visitors.

During this major construction project, only one lane at Fall River Entrance is operational to enter the park and one lane to exit. Park visitors are encouraged to avoid the Fall River Entrance and use the Beaver Meadows Entrance. During this major project, park visitors should expect extended wait times at both major east side entrance stations.

Originally designed for summer operations nearly 60 years ago, the facilities at the Fall River Entrance Station no longer meet the safety or operational needs of the park. When the entrance station was designed, the park had approximately one and a half million annual visitors. By 2019, annual visitation almost tripled, to over four and a half million annual visitors. Improvements are needed to improve visitor access and convenience, reduce traffic congestion, and provide a safe and efficient space for park employees.

To learn more about this project, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fall-river-entrance-construction-project.htm.

Image Credit: NPS Photo

07/27/2022

01/12/2022

Minor Correction - Our first release listed the incorrect day of the week for May 2, when you can make reservations for the May 27 through June 30 window. It is a Monday, not a Saturday. Please see correct version below. Thank you.

Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing a pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system beginning on May 27, 2022.

Two types of reservations will be available. One permit will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, which includes the entire corridor, as well as access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 am to 6 pm.

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 3 pm. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park.

Reservations to enter the park will go on sale through www.recreation.gov at 10 am Mountain Daylight Time on Monday, May 2. This round of reservations will be available to enter the park from May 27 through June 30.

The next release will occur 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, 30 percent of permits will be held and available for purchase the day prior at 5 p.m. through recreation.gov. These are expected to sell out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible.

For more detailed information and Frequently Asked Questions on timed entry permits to help you prepare for the summer season, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the busiest national parks; third in the country in 2019 with over 4.6 million visitors. This represents a 42 percent 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. The park has piloted various visitor use management strategies over the last six years.

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.

10/09/2021

A fitting reminder for our final day of the season.

07/19/2021

07/03/2021

Old Fall River Road will open tomorrow, Saturday, July 3. This beloved historic road was built between 1913 and 1920. The unpaved road travels from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way, west bound only. Want to drive the road but don't have a timed entry reservation for this weekend? Travel to the park prior to 9 a.m. (give yourself plenty of time to reach an entrance station by then) or after 3 p.m.

06/30/2021

In an attempt to help visitors better understand the 2021 RMNP Reservation System, we have made a video. Happy hiking.

06/18/2021

It is calving season in Rocky!

After 245 days of gestating, many female elk are finding a quiet, secluded place to drop their young. After only 30 minutes, the spotted elk calves can stand and nurse. They will spend a few days alone with their mother gaining the strength to keep up with her, then after a week or two of alone time the pair will rejoin the herd!

If you see a calf, please keep your distance! Mothers are very protective of their young, and if you get too close, they may respond aggressively.



NPS Photo

05/27/2021

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park has partially opened for the season.

05/18/2021