Rocky Mountain National Park entry fees to go cashless

Starts this summer

BY MATT BLOOM COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO

Make sure to pack your credit or debit card along with your hiking boots if you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park this summer. e park will stop accepting cash payments for entrance and permit fees starting June 1.

e change will allow one of the country’s busiest national parks to cut back on time rangers spend handling cash at crowded entry gates, according to a release from the National Park Service. It will also help streamline fee management behind the scenes.

You can still purchase a number of entry passes at one of the park’s main gates with cards or mobile payment options. But, if you want to speed up your entry, NPS o cials recommend buying one online before your visit along with a separate timed-entry permit, which is required from May 26 through Oct. 22.

Visitors can still buy park entrance passes with cash at a few locations outside of the park, according to NPS. ey include the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Nature Store at Beaver Meadows and the Fall River or Kawuneeche Visitor Centers.

Here’s what to know before heading to the park: e NPS o ers over a dozen di erent types of passes to get into Rocky. e NPS says it’s also going completely cashless for payments and fees associated with campgrounds inside of Rocky starting June 1. Overnight visitors must make reservations online ahead of time for most campsites. Timed-entry permits are included with all camping reservations. e cashless switch only applies to entry and permit fees, according to the NPS.

What type of passes are available?

One-day vehicle passes cost $30 and cover non-commercial vehicles with less than 16 passengers. You can also buy one-day passes for entry by bike or foot. Seven-day passes are also an option.

If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks this year, you can buy an annual pass that covers admission to all parks in the system for $80. You can buy those online or in-person. Seniors, veterans and students can also get special passes for free or reduced rates.

What about camping?

Are stores inside the park also going cashless?

Rocky has a small, conveniencelike store and a co ee shop, which