How to Use this Guide

Increasingly, popular destinations are requiring permits, fees, or imposing some kind of parking restrictions on visitors.

For destinations where a link is available to make reservations, simply click the labeled button to purchase your ticket or reserve your spot, and you’ll be taken to the appropriate web page.

This list is alphabetized, and ever-expanding. It may not be complete. I’m trying to work from the more popular destinations, and then get to others. If you know of a spot that I’ve missed, please leave a comment and I will work to add it as soon as possible.

A full list of updates and changes is available here

Leave a comment

Brainard Lake

Reservations will be required from June 10th, through October 16th. Tickets will be made available starting May 26th.

Visit Brainard Lake

DeCaLiBron (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross)

The entire loop is open, with the exception of the Bross Summit — according to an update from the Colorado Mountain Club.

Liability concerns still surround the final peak. These stem from a 2019 case involving a bike crash on Air Force Academy property.

Eldorado Canyon

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission has started a pilot program for a timed entry reservation system. This impacts the park every Saturday, Sunday, and federal or state holiday.

Right now, it only applies to vehicle access. The start date will be sometime in July, running through September 15th. For 2023, reservations will be required May 15 through Sept. 15.

Free shuttle service to the park begins on May 28th.

Take a Shuttle to Eldorado Canyon

This story will be updated as new information about the reservation system becomes available.

(Mount) Evans

Timed entry tickets will be required from May 27th through September 5th. Tickets will require you to arrive within a two-hour window. You will not be allowed to enter before your window. But once inside, you will be allowed to stay the entire day.

There is no location to acquire tickets in person, and a lack of cell service means you absolutely must make your reservation in advance.

Reservations are released 30 days in advance.

Visit Mount Evans

Grays and Torreys Peaks

No reservation system is currently required. However, be on the lookout for these:

They started to go up last season, as private neighbors along the gulch got tired of visitors double-parking everywhere.

If the upper lot is full, I would consider the “shoulder” along the road to be off limits. You may have to park in the lower lot, which effectively doubles the length of your approach hike — so get up early to hit this one.

Hanging Lake

Hanging lake is currently closed for restoration after a series of wildfires and mudslides. A new trail is under construction, set to reopen in the summer of 2022.

When the trail does open, reservations will be required. Permits cost $12 per person.

Once permits become available, you can get one at the link below. You can also donate to the trail restoration project if you feel inclined.

Visit Hanging Lake

Indian Peaks

This area encompasses many popular Colorado destinations, including the iconic Lone Eagle Peak. It also has one of the more complicated reservation systems.

In summer months, permits are required for overnight camping. You can make a reservation a full season advance. You’ll have a second chance to buy a permit 3 days before your trip.

Plan an Overnight Trip to Indian Peaks

But if you are traveling with a large group, (8-12 people) you need a permit for day hikes as well. This requirement exists year-round.

Plan a Day Trip to Indian Peaks

Both large group, and overnight passes cost $11 total. $6 is a non-refundable reservation fee. $5 goes to the actual Indian Peaks recreation fee.

Manitou Incline

The Manitou incline requires a free reservation. These reservations are for half-hour windows in which you can arrive and begin your climb. You aren’t required to complete the full climb within your reservation slot.

You will need to show proof of your reservation — either on a paper print-out, or your phone.

While the reservation itself is free, parking likely won’t be.

One of the closest available options is the Hiawatha Gardens lot. It costs $1 per hour. A free shuttle runs from here, to the incline every 20 minutes or so.

Climb the Manitou Incline

Maroon Bells

Reservations will be required to access the Maroon Bells Scenic area, and all related amenities. This applies whether you park at the trailhead or take the Roaring Forks Transportation Authority shuttle.

Trailhead reservations are required from May 15th to October 31.

Shuttle reservations are required from May 27th to October 16th.

The county will close the road in November based on snow conditions.

Visit Maroon Bells

Pikes Peak

If you’d like to drive up to the summit of Pikes Peak and park in the top lot, you will need an online reservation.

• Reservations are required from May 27th — September 30th

• These reservations will be for 2-hour windows

• Reservations can be made up to one month in advance

Drive Pikes Peak

Rocky Mountain National Park

The park is also bringing back its timed entry system on May 27th, which means you will need to reserve a specific window to arrive and pass through one of the park’s entrances.

See also: Day fees, and campground access will also be getting more expensive.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Quandary Peak

During the summer 2021 climbing season, parking passes were required for the Quandary Peak trailhead, and a shuttle ran from the Breckenridge Airport lot for those who preferred not to pay.

Passes are once again required for 2022, starting June 1st. Reservations go up for sale on May 18th. Here’s the pricing structure:

• Short term peak

  2
  — $20

• Short term non-peak

  3
  — $5

• Full day peak — $50

• Full day non-peak — $25

• Parking violation — $100, plus a $50 late fee if not paid within 10 days

This year, that shuttle is no longer free — charging $15 for non-residents of Summit County.

Reserve a Spot at Quandary