It’s worth saying this out loud, because a lot of people still think this is a brand-new thing. The timed entry reservation system at national parks has actually been around for a few years now. The big difference is enforcement.

For a long time, rangers were… let’s call it generous. If you rolled up without a reservation, you might get waved through with a reminder, a warning, or a “try to grab one next time.” That grace period is fading fast. As we head into 2026 and people start planning those summer road trips, the expectation is simple: if you don’t have a reservation, don’t expect to get in.

The system isn’t theoretical anymore. It’s being enforced, and honestly, I’m glad.

Why This Is Tightening Up Now

Visitation hasn’t slowed. If anything, it keeps climbing. The parks that require timed entry are the ones that were getting hit the hardest, places where parking lots overflowed, trails backed up, and emergency access became a real concern.

This isn’t about being unfriendly. It’s about keeping the parks functional and protecting the experience for everyone who planned ahead.

And yes, that includes those of us who set alarms, opened laptops early, and did the work.

Let’s Talk About Rocky Mountain National Park (Because This One Matters)

If you’re planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s a detail that trips people up every single year.

There are two different timed entry permits:

1. Bear Lake Road Corridor permit
2. General park access permit (everything else)

If you want Bear Lake, and you do, you must have the Bear Lake Road permit. Going all the way to the park and missing Bear Lake would be a real miss. It’s one of the most accessible, iconic, and sensory-rich areas in the park. Flat paths, lakes you can hear before you reach them, and trailheads that give you a lot of payoff without a lot of chaos.

I’ve been pretty on top of this system since it was implemented, and here’s the reality: Bear Lake availability is getting thinner every year. Those time slots disappear fast. Think concert tickets, not campground vibes. There are always people ahead of you clicking refresh.

When Reservations Actually Drop (This Is the Part to Mark)

Here’s how it generally works right now, and this is what I recommend planning around for 2026:

• Rocky Mountain National Park releases most timed entry permits about one month in advance, typically at 8:00 AM Mountain Time
• A smaller batch is often released the night before for next-day access

If you want Bear Lake, aim for that first release window. Waiting and hoping is not a strategy.

By contrast, Arches National Park is usually much easier. Arches releases reservations further in advance and tends to have more availability overall. It’s one of the more forgiving systems if you’re flexible on timing.

Rocky Mountain is not forgiving. Especially for Bear Lake.

The Cost and the Principle

Timed entry reservations are currently $2. That’s it. Two dollars to protect your entire day.

I’ve paid it happily every time. Not because I love systems or paperwork, but because fairness matters. If you got up early, planned ahead, and secured your time slot, you deserve to get in at that time.

That’s why I’m glad to see rangers finally enforcing this consistently. It rewards preparation and prevents the frustration of people being squeezed out by overcrowding.

What This Means for Blind Travelers

For blind and low-vision travelers, surprises at the gate are the worst kind. They add stress, scramble plans, and can turn a carefully built day into a logistical mess.

So here’s the plain advice, straight from experience:

• Check timed entry requirements before you travel
• Set a reminder for when reservations drop
• Use Recreation.gov early, not casually
• If Bear Lake is your goal, book that permit specifically

A little prep here saves hours of disappointment later.

The parks are still incredible. The wind still moves through the trees the same way. Lakes still echo with birds and footsteps and laughter. The difference is that now, access has a clock attached to it.

Plan for that clock, and you’ll be exactly where you meant to be.

See you at the gate.

Ted and Fauna