I’m not sure whether anyone is still actively replying here, but I have a few questions and you seem like a great person to answer. I’m visiting in September 2025, but have extremely limited time at RMNP. We are travelling from Superior to Grand Lake, where our hotel is on the first day and the spending some of the second day in the park before heading to Caspar in the late afternoon. What would you suggest for the first day, so we can see most of the east side of the park on the first day and the west side of the park on the second? My main concerns are around the reservation system and the afternoon weather. If we spend too much time in the east side of the park, will it be too dangerous to get to our hotel in grand lake later in the afternoon? Also, is entry to the park covered by an annual pass, but I still need a timed reservation? I also read you need different pass for Bear Lake, is that right? If I cannot get a pass, can I not get to my hotel?😂 as I am already in the park on the second day, as the hotel is in grand lake, do I not need to buy a pass? Thanks
Hi Eric, I used to visit every year when I had family in Colorado. I absolutely love your gallery, it was a highlight! Thank you for your beautiful work.
I was fortunate back in June. We went didn’t have any problem with elevation at all so I guess I’m a different type of person. I don’t know, but it didn’t bother me anyway we enjoyed it. It was beautiful there really good time.
Hey Erik, Thanks for the invaluable tips on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park! 🏞 Avoiding those common mistakes will definitely help make the experience smoother. Your insights on Trail Ridge Road and the timed entry system are super helpful. Looking forward to capturing some breathtaking moments and making unforgettable memories in this stunning park. Thanks for sharing your expert advice! Cheers, Simon - Tales From Abroad
@@ErikStensland Yes. Specific info regarding specific hikes. I bought it several years ago at the Hallmark store in the Safeway complex. I keep the timed entry permits in there with maps and notes. It is a very useful guide.
Thank you sir, totally enjoy your videos and loved your Gallery on our last visit. I have a question...do you have a preferred weather app or web site to see the days weather in the back country of RMNP and/or Indian Peaks?
John, thanks for your kind words! I rely quite a bit on the NOAA website for those. I actually put together a list of links to different areas of the park which I've put here: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/weather/. Each elevation and area can have such different weather so I rely on checking the actual area I'm heading too. Hope this helps.
Thank you so much for your videos! It has been so helpful and made me feel less stress as I am planning our family trip in August! I really appreciate it!
My wife and I are looking forward to our first Visit to RMNP for a week the latter part of September. Going to check out your website and other videos! 😊👍
I worked at Loveland Ski Area and I can't tell you how many times I saw people end their vacations hours after it started. If you're coming from sea level and aren't used to altitude acclimation I highly recommend staying a night down in the flatlands when you arrive
@ErikStensland it was a daily occurrence at Loveland. It has the dangerous combination of being the first ski area you hit going west and having a base area at 11k. People would jump out of their cars like couped up dogs and a couple hours later.... vacation over
Loved your 5 tips! and your bonus tips! We visit your gallery every time we come. Your staff is wonderful and so helpful. Keep up your wonderful videos, we enjoy them so very much.
Just discovered your channel and website recently. Very informative videos. Visited your gallery today- amazing photos. Purchased one of Sprague Lake. I also saw your website of desert southwest photos and was curious if you've ever been to Chimney Rock canyon in Capitol Reef. My dad was a landscape photographer and that was his favorite place.
So glad you enjoyed the video and made it to my gallery. I have been to Capitol Reef National Park many times and always see Chimney Rock just off the highway, but I don’t think I have any photographs of that formation.
You certainly can visit then. Check out this link for more information about visiting in November: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/when/#november
Hi Eric! We just bought the tickets to Colorado for december! We are planning on going to RMNP between Christmas and NYE, do you have any tips for that? We are preparing for lots of snow heheh
That's great news. Here's a link to a bunch of my videos showing what you can expect each month of the year including the December - January period. Hope it helps. www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/when/
Hi Eric, I have reservations for two days in July for the 8-10 time slot. When should I try to enter? Just before 8? Or later after 9 Am? Thanks for a very informative video!
Kathy, my suggestion is that you arrive closer 8am as it will start to be very busy at the entrance by 8:20. You may even want to consider entering the park earlier than 8 and then explore some of Lower Trail Ridge Road or Beaver Meadows before heading over to Bear Lake Rd. The big challenge is just getting through the main entrance with the crowds. Let me know if that wasn't explained well. :)
@@ErikStensland My reservation is also in July, but during the 9:00-11:00 time slot for the main entrance (not Bear Lake Rd). Should I plan on getting there even a little earlier like 8:30? Or should 9:00 be fine?
Hello Erik, I have a booking reservation for a camp ground at timber Creek and also a entry permit for bear lake at 2pm. You think I can enter the park and go to bearlake early? Or do I need to wait until 2pm?
Thank you for this helpful video! We are visiting in July this year. We have a timed entry permit for our first day but not the second. We are entering from the Grand Lake side, so to my understanding this side should be less busy than the entrance near Estes Park. How early do you think we need to get there before 9 am? We were thinking 8:30, but will that be too late for the day we don’t have a time entry? Thank you!
I think you are probably right to plan for 8:30 to enter from Grand Lake before the reservation system starts, but if you enter earlier you’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife.
Thanks for the great video! We have a 10-12 Bear lake entry time but not sure how early to get to the park entrance? Will there be any parking at that time of 10-12 or should we just plan on taking the shuttle? Thanks!
Randy, I think you'll need to plan on taking the shuttle. Most of the parking areas fill up before 7am. As for getting in to the entrance, if you are there by 9:45 you should not have too much of a wait. The busiest time will be around 7-8:30am.
Thanks for the insights in mistakes. I visited your gallery this weekend. I just want to verify something you said about the timed entry system. If I get a timed entry reservation, and someone is in the car with me, they do not need a separate timed reservation. The reservation covers the car. Is thar correct?
I’m coming from Florida and I can’t wait to visit RMNP again!!
Hope you have a great trip!
I’m not sure whether anyone is still actively replying here, but I have a few questions and you seem like a great person to answer. I’m visiting in September 2025, but have extremely limited time at RMNP. We are travelling from Superior to Grand Lake, where our hotel is on the first day and the spending some of the second day in the park before heading to Caspar in the late afternoon. What would you suggest for the first day, so we can see most of the east side of the park on the first day and the west side of the park on the second? My main concerns are around the reservation system and the afternoon weather. If we spend too much time in the east side of the park, will it be too dangerous to get to our hotel in grand lake later in the afternoon? Also, is entry to the park covered by an annual pass, but I still need a timed reservation? I also read you need different pass for Bear Lake, is that right? If I cannot get a pass, can I not get to my hotel?😂 as I am already in the park on the second day, as the hotel is in grand lake, do I not need to buy a pass? Thanks
Hi Eric, I used to visit every year when I had family in Colorado. I absolutely love your gallery, it was a highlight! Thank you for your beautiful work.
Thank you Lori!
I was fortunate back in June. We went didn’t have any problem with elevation at all so I guess I’m a different type of person. I don’t know, but it didn’t bother me anyway we enjoyed it. It was beautiful there really good time.
Be aware that elevation can impact you differently from visit to visit.
I usually go in the park any time before 7 am!
That’s a great time to go and avoid needing a timed-entry permit. The only place you can’t go is Bear Lake Road.
@@ErikStensland I'll see you the week of August 20. Can't wait to see the gallery 😍 ☺️
Hey Erik,
Thanks for the invaluable tips on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park! 🏞 Avoiding those common mistakes will definitely help make the experience smoother. Your insights on Trail Ridge Road and the timed entry system are super helpful. Looking forward to capturing some breathtaking moments and making unforgettable memories in this stunning park. Thanks for sharing your expert advice!
Cheers,
Simon - Tales From Abroad
I look forward to watching what you create here. You definitely have some great film-making skills!
I live in Colorado and your book always accompanies me to RMNP.
That’s great to hear. I’m assuming you are referring to my hiking guide. 🙂
@@ErikStensland Yes. Specific info regarding specific hikes. I bought it several years ago at the Hallmark store in the Safeway complex. I keep the timed entry permits in there with maps and notes. It is a very useful guide.
Visiting RMNP in August and found this video very helpful. Thank you!!
So happy to hear that. I have a video coming out next Monday about what to expect in August.
As always Erik, well done. Great advice!
Thanks Paul!
Thank you sir, totally enjoy your videos and loved your Gallery on our last visit. I have a question...do you have a preferred weather app or web site to see the days weather in the back country of RMNP and/or Indian Peaks?
John, thanks for your kind words! I rely quite a bit on the NOAA website for those. I actually put together a list of links to different areas of the park which I've put here: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/weather/. Each elevation and area can have such different weather so I rely on checking the actual area I'm heading too. Hope this helps.
@@ErikStensland yes it helps greatly. That is precisely what I was wanting. The elevation changes can fool the generic weather apps I have. Thank you!
@@johnkrumm6860 you are most welcome!
Thank you so much for your videos! It has been so helpful and made me feel less stress as I am planning our family trip in August! I really appreciate it!
You are so welcome!
Such great information for all! Even if we live nearby these videos are a great reminder for being prepared in Estes and RMNP! Thank you Erik!
Thanks Wendy!
My wife and I are looking forward to our first Visit to RMNP for a week the latter part of September. Going to check out your website and other videos! 😊👍
Hope you have an amazing visit. Be sure to check out my September video. ua-cam.com/video/SPGkUHEx5JY/v-deo.htmlsi=ip2BJGBLhWIBimLq
Thanks Mark, will do! My wife is a photographer also and we plan to visit your art gallery in Estes Park as well. Hope to connect with you there! 😊👍
Sorry Erik, not sure where I came with Mark?
I worked at Loveland Ski Area and I can't tell you how many times I saw people end their vacations hours after it started. If you're coming from sea level and aren't used to altitude acclimation I highly recommend staying a night down in the flatlands when you arrive
Elevation adjustment is not on most people’s radar, at least until they experience altitude sickness for the first time.
@ErikStensland it was a daily occurrence at Loveland. It has the dangerous combination of being the first ski area you hit going west and having a base area at 11k. People would jump out of their cars like couped up dogs and a couple hours later.... vacation over
Loved your 5 tips! and your bonus tips! We visit your gallery every time we come. Your staff is wonderful and so helpful. Keep up your wonderful videos, we enjoy them so very much.
Thanks so much Sherry!
Thanks for the advice, we are arriving Sunday but staying in Grand Lake 😊
Terrific! I was just over there this morning. It's really greening up nicely.
Just discovered your channel and website recently. Very informative videos. Visited your gallery today- amazing photos. Purchased one of Sprague Lake. I also saw your website of desert southwest photos and was curious if you've ever been to Chimney Rock canyon in Capitol Reef. My dad was a landscape photographer and that was his favorite place.
So glad you enjoyed the video and made it to my gallery. I have been to Capitol Reef National Park many times and always see Chimney Rock just off the highway, but I don’t think I have any photographs of that formation.
Can't wait to get there in mid-August! We will stop by your gallery and say hello.
That would be great! It will be here before you know it.
Thank you for this information. It is very helpful 😊❤️
So glad you found it to be helpful!
Great pointers !
Thanks for making this video !
Glad it was helpful!
Hi eric! Is it ok to visit the 2nd wk of nov? Thanks
You certainly can visit then. Check out this link for more information about visiting in November: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/when/#november
I plan on visiting your gallery while I'm there.
That's great! We'd love to meet you.
Hi Eric! We just bought the tickets to Colorado for december! We are planning on going to RMNP between Christmas and NYE, do you have any tips for that? We are preparing for lots of snow heheh
That's great news. Here's a link to a bunch of my videos showing what you can expect each month of the year including the December - January period. Hope it helps. www.rockymountainnationalpark.com/gallery/when/
Wow, thank you for this!
My pleasure!
Hi Eric, I have reservations for two days in July for the 8-10 time slot. When should I try to enter? Just before 8? Or later after 9 Am? Thanks for a very informative video!
Kathy, my suggestion is that you arrive closer 8am as it will start to be very busy at the entrance by 8:20. You may even want to consider entering the park earlier than 8 and then explore some of Lower Trail Ridge Road or Beaver Meadows before heading over to Bear Lake Rd. The big challenge is just getting through the main entrance with the crowds. Let me know if that wasn't explained well. :)
@@ErikStensland Thank you! That helps a lot!
@@ErikStensland My reservation is also in July, but during the 9:00-11:00 time slot for the main entrance (not Bear Lake Rd). Should I plan on getting there even a little earlier like 8:30? Or should 9:00 be fine?
John, if I were you, I’d arrive around 9:30 so you don’t get stuck in all the non-permit traffic trying to get in before 9.
@@ErikStensland Ok thank you for the advice!
If you don’t need a reservation prior to 5am for the Bear Lake Corridor, do you recommend arrive a full hour before 5am or earlier than that?
I recommend that you enter by 4:40 to be sure you don’t get caught in a big line of traffic racing to get in. Hope this helps.
Hello Erik,
I have a booking reservation for a camp ground at timber Creek and also a entry permit for bear lake at 2pm. You think I can enter the park and go to bearlake early? Or do I need to wait until 2pm?
Hi. You will not be allowed in to Bear Lake Rd until your permit time, so spend time enjoying other parts of Rocky before you head to Bear Lake R.
I've been in the gallery a few times now and have the book too but never made the connection somehow
That's great. Which of my books do you have. I think I have about six in print right now. www.RockyTrailPress.com
Thank you for this helpful video! We are visiting in July this year. We have a timed entry permit for our first day but not the second. We are entering from the Grand Lake side, so to my understanding this side should be less busy than the entrance near Estes Park. How early do you think we need to get there before 9 am? We were thinking 8:30, but will that be too late for the day we don’t have a time entry? Thank you!
I think you are probably right to plan for 8:30 to enter from Grand Lake before the reservation system starts, but if you enter earlier you’ll have a better chance of seeing wildlife.
@@ErikStensland Thank you!
Thanks for the great video! We have a 10-12 Bear lake entry time but not sure how early to get to the park entrance? Will there be any parking at that time of 10-12 or should we just plan on taking the shuttle? Thanks!
Randy, I think you'll need to plan on taking the shuttle. Most of the parking areas fill up before 7am. As for getting in to the entrance, if you are there by 9:45 you should not have too much of a wait. The busiest time will be around 7-8:30am.
Thanks for the insights in mistakes. I visited your gallery this weekend.
I just want to verify something you said about the timed entry system. If I get a timed entry reservation, and someone is in the car with me, they do not need a separate timed reservation. The reservation covers the car. Is thar correct?
That is correct. You only need one reservation per vehicle.
Amazing video. Thanks for sharing. 👍10
I appreciate it!