Photo: Daniel Mayer (Mav), CC BY-SA 3.0
Timed entry runs 9 AM–2 PM from May 22 to Oct 12, 2026, and Bear Lake Road needs its own permit. When reservations open, from the National Park Service.
Last checked 13 Sep 2026. Source: National Park Service (nps.gov).
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Timed entry required 9 AM–2 PM in season
Timed Entry reservations are required between 9 AM and 2 PM from May 22 through October 12, 2026.
What to do: Reserve before entering during the restricted window — or enter before 9 AM or after 2 PM.
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Standard timed entry does not cover Bear Lake Road
Bear Lake Road needs its own permit type, required 5 AM–6 PM through October 18, 2026. The standard reservation excludes that corridor.
What to do: Choose the Bear Lake option at booking if the corridor is on the plan.
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Extra reservations drop at 7 PM the night before
Additional reservations are released at 7 PM MDT the night before the arrival date, and NPS warns they sell out quickly.
What to do: Check Recreation.gov at 7 PM, not later in the evening.
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Inventory opens monthly at 8 AM MDT
Releases on May 1, June 1, July 1, August 1 and September 1 each open the following month of inventory at 8 AM MDT.
What to do: Set an 8 AM MDT reminder for the release covering your dates.
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A permit is a two-hour arrival window
A permit allows entry within a designated two-hour arrival window; it does not impose a departure time. The $2 Recreation.gov processing fee is the only reservation charge — park admission is separate.
What to do: Plan to reach the gate inside the window you booked.
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Outlying trailheads are inside the system too
Timed entry covers outlying areas including Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge and East Inlet Trail.
What to do: Check the system even if you are avoiding the main corridors.
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Rules like these change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm with the source before you book — RTour plans trips and does not sell tickets.