Admission is free on Saturday at our national parks in recognition of National Public Lands Day.
Colorado has four national parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde. Keep in mind that timed-entry reservations are still required at Rocky Mountain, and it’s likely to be a busy day because of elk bugling season and leaf-peeping travelers.
Reservations are required for all of the park except the Bear Lake Road corridor from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. That reservation includes access to Trail Ridge Road. Reservations for all of the park including Bear Lake Road are required from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservation requirements will end on Oct. 13 for all of the park except Bear Lake, and on Oct. 19 for all of the park including Bear Lake.
Most reservations are secured weeks in advance, but a few are held back until 7 p.m. the night before the arrival date. These are likely to be snapped up quickly, though.
Reservations are free, except for a $2 processing fee, and must be bought in advance .
Annual free entry days at national parks
- Jan. 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 19: First day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- Sept. 27: National Public Lands Day
- Nov. 11: Veterans Day
