Park Regulations

Rocky Mountain National Park's high elevation and varying climate and terrain are among its most appealing features but also are responsible for some of its greatest hazards. Hikers should try to give themselves a minimum of several days to acclimate to the altitude before seriously hitting the trails, and those with respiratory or heart problems should discuss their plans with their physicians before leaving home. Hikers also need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, particularly the sudden afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. If lightning threatens, everyone is well advised to stay clear of ridges and other vulnerable high points.

Special rules instituted by the National Park Service at Rocky Mountain National Park include the following:

It is illegal to disturb or damage any natural features, cultural resources, or other public property. This includes potsherds, arrowheads, rocks, old wood, and pieces of mining equipment.

Feeding, touching, or harassing wildlife is prohibited; no hunting is allowed within park boundaries. It is illegal to use motor-vehicle headlights or other lights to spot wildlife.

Weapons and fireworks are prohibited.

Berry picking for immediate consumption is permitted, but all other picking, collecting, or damaging of plants (including the picking of wildflowers) is prohibited.

Camping is permitted only in designated areas.

Vehicles must remain on roads or in designated parking areas, and stopping or parking is permitted only in designated areas. Colorado driving laws, including seat-belt and child-restraint laws, are enforced. It is illegal to have open containers of alcoholic beverages in a vehicle while on park roads.

Bikes are permitted on park roads and in parking areas, but not on trails or in the backcountry.

Leaving property (vehicles, tents, and so on) unattended for longer than 24 hours without prior permission is prohibited.

Pets must be under physical control at all times and cannot be left unattended, even in vehicles; pets are not permitted on trails, in the backcountry, or in buildings. Owners must clean up after their pets.

All anglers 15 and older must possess valid Colorado fishing licenses. Adults must use artificial lures or flies in park waters; children 12 and under can use bait in open park waters, but not in catch-and-release areas.