Getting into the great outdoors replenishes us and brings us back to our center. There is just something special about being in the mountains, especially here in Colorado. The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the greatest perks about living in Colorado, the state most famously known as one of the most active states in the US. How can we get outdoors more often without having to spend the fees to get into the park? No one likes to pay money to get back into nature. Truth be told, there are ways you can avoid the park fees. We have scouted these creative fee-free opportunities at Rocky Mountain National Park to get you back into nature, for free. The mountains are calling, can you hear?

1. Visit on a Holiday

You can enter the Rocky Mountain National Forest for free on certain holidays. There are only five days spread out throughout the year that you can go for free, so make sure to mark your calendar and plan ahead of time to make your trip fun. Invite your friends and create memories for these special holidays:

  • January – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
  • April – National Parks Week
  • August – National Park Service Birthday
  • September – National Public Lands Day
  • November – Veterans Day

2. Become a Dedicated Volunteer

You can get into the National Park for free if you become a volunteer. If you are dedicated to cleaning up and helping park rangers keep the parks maintained, you will receive free access to the park. A word of caution to those who do want to become volunteers: you must be dedicated to the cause in order to receive your free pass as you must put in 250 hours of service.

3. Free Passes for Active Military

If you are an active member of the military, you qualify for a free annual pass for the Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as all national parks across the nation. This access benefits those who currently serve our country to keep us safe. If you currently serve in the Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, or National Guard, every day is free for you. A free annual pass provides easy access for those who serve to have the opportunity to get into nature for free.

4. Disabled Persons

People with permanent disabilities have free access to national parks across the nation, not just our park in Colorado.

5. Bring a 4th Grader

With the Every Kid in a Park program, your family can get into the park for free if you have a child who is in the 4th grade. To qualify, your 4th grader must visit the National Park Service website, play the online game (easy), then print out their park pass. This program encourages children and their families to get outside and enjoy nature. Bringing children into the great outdoors helps them to explore. You can plan a trip with your family and spend quality time together without the distractions of being in the city.

Stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts

image of cabin at rocky mountain resorts

Get back into nature with these fee-free opportunities at Rocky Mountain National Park and stay at Rocky Mountain Resorts. Leave your worries behind while you relax and unwind in one of our vacation rentals. Located just minutes from Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, we are the perfect location for your mountain getaway.