Which national parks in Colorado need a reservation
Colorado has 4 national parks in this catalog: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park is the only Colorado national park in this catalog that requires a timed-entry permit to drive in.
What people usually mean by a reservation in Colorado is a hike permit, a campground, or one road. Those bookings keep their own scope.
National parks in Colorado
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
A steep, dark canyon cut by the Gunnison River in Colorado. Narrow rim views; the walls drop away fast.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
Tall sand dunes piled against the Sangre de Cristo mountains in Colorado. You can hike the dunes or splash in seasonal creeks.
- Mesa Verde National Park
Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings on a Colorado mesa. Tours and overlooks explain the sites; stay on designated paths.
- Rocky Mountain National Park
High peaks and alpine lakes west of Denver. Trail Ridge Road crosses the park when snow allows.
What actually needs booking in Colorado
| Park | Drive-in reservation | Other bookings | Park page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park | Not required | Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Red Rock Canyon Wilderness Permits, Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP Wilderness Permits, and 2 campgrounds | Timed entry and tours |
| Great Sand Dunes National Park | Not required | Great Sand Dunes National Park Backcountry Permits and Pinon Flats campground | Timed entry and tours |
| Mesa Verde National Park | Not required | Morefield campground | Timed entry and tours |
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Timed-entry permit to drive in | Rocky Mountain National Park Hiker Shuttle Tickets, Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness Permits, and 5 campgrounds | Timed entry and tours |
Related lists
Common questions
Which national parks in Colorado need a reservation?
Rocky Mountain National Park. Other Colorado parks in this catalog do not gate driving in.
Do you need a reservation to enter a national park in Colorado?
Rocky Mountain National Park does. The other Colorado parks in this catalog do not.