Rocky Mountain National Park Announces Summer Seasonal Hiker Shuttle Operations Begin May 26

Rocky Mountain National Park will operate the Hiker Shuttle during the 2023 summer season beginning on Friday, May 26. 7-day service will operate May 26 through September 4. Beginning on September 9, Saturday and Sunday only service will continue through October 22.

The Hiker Shuttle provides bus service to passengers departing the Estes Park Visitor Center and going to RMNP’s Park & Ride Transit Hub, located on Bear Lake Road. This bus does not provide service to any other stops. At Park & Ride, Hiker Shuttle riders will transfer to the Bear Lake or Moraine Park shuttles to reach destinations and trailheads located along the Bear Lake Road Corridor.

All shuttle riders will need two things: a reservation for Hiker Shuttle Tickets and a park entrance pass. Reservations for Hiker Shuttle Tickets will be available online at Recreation.gov beginning on May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT for the dates of May 26-June 30. Reservations can also be made using the Recreation.gov mobile app or by calling the Recreation.gov reservation line at 877-444-6777. Rolling windows for future months begin at 8 a.m. MDT on June 1. Individuals may reserve one Hiker Shuttle reservation per day and a reservation is good for 1 to 4 Hiker Shuttle Tickets. All passengers will need a Hiker Shuttle Ticket, regardless of age. There is a $2 processing fee for each reservation.

Additional reservations will be available online at Recreation.gov beginning at 5 p.m. the night before a chosen arrival date. Space on the bus is limited, please only reserve the number of seats needed. For the full Hiker Shuttle departure and arrival schedule and a list of frequently asked questions, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses-and-public-transit.htm.

When returning to Estes Park, passengers can board any Hiker Shuttle bus throughout the day. The last shuttle will depart from RMNP’s Park & Ride Transit Hub at 6 p.m. Remember to plan ahead - the last bus of the day will be crowded. Passengers are advised to plan their day in the park accordingly and return to Park & Ride well before 6 p.m. If you miss the last bus of the day, there are no other buses or public transit back to Estes Park.



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park reminds visitors about Timed Entry Permits

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this on their social media last week:

Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between May 26 and October 22?

Remember to reserve a timed entry permit through www.recreation.gov or by using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservations can be made for the dates of May 26 - June 30, 2023 beginning May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT. Rolling windows for future months begin on June 1.

The reservation permit system is similar to that used in 2021 and 2022, with two types of reservations available: a 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 or 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀+ Timed Entry Permit. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park and reservations can only be made through Recreation.gov. Reservations are available in 2-hour windows of time. Reservation holders must enter the park during their specified time.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 Timed Entry Permits are great for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, explore the west side of the park, hike at Wild Basin, or visit any area of the park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor. These timed entry permits will be required to enter the park anytime between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀+ Timed Entry Permits are best for visitors planning to visit Bear Lake, Moraine Park, Glacier Gorge and all areas within the Bear Lake Road Corridor, as well as all other areas of RMNP. These entry permits will be required to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. MDT.

Park Access+ Timed Entry reservation holders must plan to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor during their specified 2-hour window of time. Planning to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor in the morning, then leave and come back in the afternoon? Re-entry to the Bear Lake Road Corridor is allowed with a valid Park Access+ Timed Entry reservation after 2 p.m.

For additional details and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit our website at go.nps.gov/romo/timedentry.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

National Park Week special: 50% off “Ramble On”

As you might already be aware, this week is National Park Week. As a result, I wanted to let you know that my new book, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World, will be on sale throughout the week. Beginning today, and continuing through April 30th, the paperback version of Ramble On will be on sale at 50% off the regular price. During this timeframe hiking enthusiasts will be able to purchase the book on Amazon for only $10.95.

Additionally, the eBook version of the book will be available at just $4.99 during this same timeframe, which is also a 50% discount off the regular price.

Ramble On is an outstanding gift idea for yourself, or anyone who loves hiking, and wishes to learn more about the rich and amazing history of one of the world’s top pastimes.

This will likely be the only time that I offer a discount on this book. So now is a great time to purchase your copy at this low price!

As always, thank you very much!



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Construction on New Fall River Entrance Station Extended Through Fall

Rocky Mountain National Park posted this on their social media the other day:

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

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Celebrate National Park Week with FREE Admission and Special Events

The National Park Service, in partnership with the National Park Foundation, will be celebrating National Park Week, April 22 through April 30, with free admission and special events nationwide. With more than 400 national parks hosting a mix of special programs, activities and digital experiences, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation invite all to explore and enjoy national parks during this annual event. The week begins this Saturday, April 22, with free entrance to all national parks to kick off the celebration.

“Since Yellowstone National Park was established 150 years ago, over 400 extraordinary places have been added to the National Park System,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “Throughout the country, these sites are sources of inspiration, recreation, and education—each one preserving and sharing a part of our national story. I hope National Park Week provides a spark to visit a nearby national park and make some memories.”

With at least one in every state, national parks provide close-to-home opportunities to engage the senses and experience something different during each visit. Every park has remarkable features and lesser-known gems, so consider adding some new places to your bucket list and explore a path less taken! The best place to start any national park trip is with a stop at NPS.gov or the official NPS app. You can search for parks by state, activity, or topic and get the latest updates and details about each park. Involve the kids in planning your next park visit by using the new online Junior Ranger Park Explorer program “Ready, Set, Go” where they can complete activities and print a badge.

“National Park Week is a great time to explore a lesser-known site,” said National Park Foundation President and CEO Will Shafroth. “In 2021, most park visits occurred in just 25 parks. This National Park Week, try something new. There is so much beauty and cultural heritage to experience in your own backyard.”

The overall theme for this year’s National Park Week is “Your Park Story.” Throughout the week individual theme days highlight various ties that can help ensure the enjoyment of national parks for current and future visitors. You can follow NPS stories on social media using #YourParkStory, while sharing your own stories using #MyParkStory. For more information on the individual themes for each day, as well as events scheduled across the country, please click here.

As part of National Park Week I also wanted to let you know that my new book on the history of hiking, Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World, will be on sale throughout the entire week. Beginning Saturday, and continuing through April 30th, both the paperback and eBook versions of Ramble On will be on sale at 50% off the regular price!

Also, throughout the week, I will be posting several hiking and national parks related anecdotes associated with each day’s theme on Twitter. You can follow me at @GlacierHiker1



Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Winter Storm Headed Towards Rocky Mountain National Park

I know a lot of people are itching to get to the park and do some spring hiking, but winter still rules in Rocky Mountain National Park. The park just posted this on their social media account:

#RMNP has a parkwide WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM FRIDAY TO 9 AM MDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4-10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 30 mph.

* IMPACTS...Snow covered roads will make travel hazardous, especially mountains.

The park also posted this piece of information yesterday:

Temperatures are warming up and spring is in the air in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Continue to be prepared for snow covered trails. While snow is beginning to melt at lower elevations, most trails in the park are covered in snow. There are 62 inches of snow at Bear Lake. Planning to hike? It is recommended to pack both traction devices and snowshoes, as the snowpack on trails may vary.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

The Crawford Path: The world's first hiking trail

Did you know that the Crawford Path in New Hampshire celebrated its bicentennial on August 9, 2019? Even more significantly, this historic path to the summit of Mt. Washington is most likely the first hiking trail to be built specifically for recreational purposes anywhere in the world. “Ramble On: How Hiking Became One of the Most Popular Outdoor Activities in the World” discusses the important role this path and its builders, Abel Crawford and his son, Ethan Allen Crawford, played in the development of hiking in America in the early-to-mid 1800s.

For more information and to order your copy of the book, please click here. Thank you very much!

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com

Ramble On (2nd edition book on the rich history of hiking)
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park