The Ultimate Guide to the Rocky Mountain National Park Shuttle
Getting around Colorado’s most famous park doesn’t have to be a hassle! The Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle offers the best way to get around the park and to get to the trailheads for the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Not only does it have a ton of stops and several lines, but it also gives you the opportunity to avoid having to deal with crowded parking lots. At $2, I call that a steal!
Rocky Mountain National Park requires reservations for the 2023 season. To find out more, head to my guide on Rocky Mountain National Park reservations so you know how to get them and you’re prepared before you go!
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Everything you need to know about the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle
Here’s what you need to know when you’re planning on taking the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle to get around the park so that you can plan your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary!
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What are the different Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle bus routes?
The Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle service provides a total of three shuttle routes for guests to utilize. There are two shuttle buses that travel strictly within the national park and one that provides transportation from Estes Park into Rocky Mountain National Park. All three of these bus routes are available from the end of May through the middle of October.
The two Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle routes that are offered within the park include the Bear Lake Shuttle Route and the Moraine Park Shuttle Route. Both of these routes are free to use and run daily between the hours of 6:30 AM and 7:00 PM. The Bear Lake bus, which departs every 10-15 minutes, provides transportation between the following stops:
- Rocky Mountain National Park’s Park & Ride Transit Hub
- Bierstadt Lake Trailhead
- Glacier Gorge Trailhead
- Bear Lake
Meanwhile, the Moraine Park bus departs every 30 minutes and offers transportation to the following locations:
- Rocky Mountain National Park’s Park & Ride Transit Hub
- Sprague Lake
- Glacier Creek Stables/Glacier Basin Campground
- Hollowell Park
- Tuxedo Park
- Moraine Park Campground C Loop
- Cub Lake Trailhead
- Fern Lake Bus Stop
Advanced reservations are not required for either of these shuttle routes.
The third and final shuttle bus is the Hiker Shuttle bus, which travels between the Estes Park Visitor Center and the Rocky Mountain National Park’s Park & Ride Transit Hub. While this bus does not make any additional stops between these two points, passengers are able to transfer to one of the in-park shuttle buses upon their arrival at the Park and Ride. Departures from Estes Park begin at 9:00 AM and run through 2:15 PM, while departures from Rocky Mountain National Park’s Park & Ride start at 9:45 AM and end at 5:15 PM. Due to limited seating, this Estes Park shuttle service does require advanced reservation.
Are reservations required for the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle?
The Hiker Shuttle is the only Rocky Mountain shuttle bus that requires advanced reservations. Reservations cost $2 each and include up to four tickets for one party. Each reservation includes a strict departure time from the Estes Park Visitors Center that must be adhered to due to seating limitations. Return shuttle buses from Rocky Mountain back to Estes Park may be taken at any time.
How do I get my reservations for the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle?
Reservations for the Hiker Shuttle may be obtained online through the government’s official recreation.gov website. You can book your reservation as early as the night before your desired departure day, beginning at 5:00 PM. Each reservation costs $2 and includes up to four tickets per party. Every individual, including infants and young children, must have their own ticket.
What passes do I need for the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle?
All visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park need a pass to enter the park and, in some cases, a timed entry permit reservation. This includes anyone utilizing Rocky Mountain National Park transportation services. For those who intend to enter the park via the Hiker Shuttle, a park pass is required in addition to a shuttle bus reservation. Meanwhile, those who plan on entering the park independently will need to obtain a park pass, as well as a timed entry permit reservation. Park passes and entry permits can be purchased through the government’s official recreation.gov website.
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What do I need to know about the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle for hikers?
The Hiker Shuttle provides transportation between the Estes Park Visitors Center and the Rocky Mountain National Park’s Park & Ride Transit Hub. While the shuttle only travels between these two points, passengers can transfer to in-park shuttles once they reach the Park & Ride. Given this, the Hiker’s Shuttle is a popular option for those traveling without a car or those who prefer to leave their cars at home.
The Hiker’s Shuttle departs the Estes Park Visitors Center every 45 minutes, beginning at 9:00 AM and ending at 2:15 PM. Meanwhile, transportation from Rocky Mountain back to Estes Park departs every 45 minutes, starting at 9:45 AM, with the last shuttle leaving at 5:15 PM. The ride between each destination takes, on average, 45 minutes to one hour, although this can vary depending upon the traffic.
Shuttle reservations and park passes are required to ride this Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle. You’ll need to obtain both of these for everyone in your party prior to your departure. Reservations and passes can be purchased through the government’s official recreation.gov website. Each shuttle reservation comes with a specific departure time for your ride into the National Park. These departure times must be strictly adhered to, as there is limited seating on the bus. If you miss your shuttle, you will be unable to use your reservation at a later time.
While transportation into the park is set at a specific time, you’ll have the ability to depart Rocky Mountain and return to Estes Park on any shuttle at any time throughout the day.
How much does it cost to ride the hiker’s shuttle in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Reservations for the Hiker Shuttle are $2 each and can cover up to four tickets for four passengers. Every single passenger on this Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle must have their own ticket, including infants and young children. If you are traveling with more than four people, you will need to purchase additional reservations under separate names.
Which stops does the Rocky Mountain National Park hiker’s shuttle make?
The Hiker’s Shuttle travels between the Estes Park Visitors Center and the Rocky Mountain National Park’s Park & Ride Transit Hub. These are the only two places where the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle provides stops for. That being said, passengers do have the opportunity to transfer to the in-park shuttles once they arrive at the Park & Ride Transit Hub. The Bear Lake shuttle and Moraine Park shuttle both depart regularly from the Park & Ride Transit Hub and provide transportation to various destinations throughout the park. In addition to this, you’ll be able to find some trailheads directly at the Park & Ride itself.
How long is the Rocky Mountain National Park hiker’s shuttle ride?
How long is the Rocky Mountain National Park hiker’s shuttle ride?While Rocky Mountain transportation times vary greatly depending upon the season, a one-way trip on the Hiker Shuttle generally takes about 45 minutes to one hour. That being said, the summer is typically peak travel season for the park, so you should expect more traffic delays during this period of time.
What do I need to know about the free Rocky Mountain National Park shuttles?
The Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle service provides two free in-park shuttle routes that visitors are allowed to utilize without a reservation. These are the Bear Lake Shuttle Route and the Moraine Park Shuttle Route, both of which run daily from the end of May through the middle of October on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Bear Lake Shuttle provides transportation to the following locations:
- The Park & Ride Transit Hub,
- Bierstadt Lake Trailhead
- Glacier Gorge Trailhead
- Bear Lake
This shuttle service departs every 10-15 minutes, beginning at the Park & Ride at 6:30 AM, and runs until the last bus departs Bear Lake at 7:00 PM.
Meanwhile, the Moraine Park Shuttle travels between:
- Park & Ride Transit Hub
- Sprague Lake
- Glacier Creek Stables/Glacier Basin Campground
- Hollowell Park
- Tuxedo Park
- Moraine Park Campground C Loop
- Cub Lake Trailhead
- Fern Lake Bus Stop
This shuttle bus departs every 30 minutes, beginning at the Park & Ride at 6:30 AM, and runs until the last bus leaves Fern Lake Trailhead at 7:00 PM.
It’s important to note that none of Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle buses offer bike racks, so if you plan on biking through the park, you’ll need to transport your own biking equipment.
What stops are on the Bear Lake Shuttle Route in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The Bear Lake Shuttle Route travels between the Rocky Mountain National Park’s Park & Ride Transit Hub and Bear Lake. It makes a total of four stops at the following locations: the Park & Ride Transit Hub, Bierstadt Lake Trailhead, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake.
What stops are on the Moraine Park Shuttle Route in Rocky Mountain National Park?
What stops are on the Moraine Park Shuttle Route in Rocky Mountain National Park?The Moraine Park Shuttle Route travels between Sprague Lake and the Fern Lake Bus Stop. It makes a total of nine stops at the following locations:
- Park & Ride Transit Hub
- Sprague Lake
- Glacier Creek Stables/Glacier Basin Campground
- Hollowell Park
- Tuxedo Park
- Moraine Park Campground C Loop
- Cub Lake Trailhead
- Fern Lake Bus Stop
Reasons to use the Bear Lake Corridor Shuttle
Reasons to use the Bear Lake Corridor ShuttleParking along the Bear Lake Corridor fills up quickly, especially during peak travel season in the summer. As a result of this, parking can be challenging to find and/or may be unavailable. On those days when traffic is particularly congested, the park has even been known to restrict vehicle access to the area.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a surefire way to visit the Bear Lake Road Corridor, it’s best to just plan on taking the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle bus. Not only will it save you the hassle of finding parking, but you’ll also be assisting the park in its efforts to reduce vehicle emissions – it’s a win-win for everyone!
Are there any shuttle buses on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle buses do not travel to the west side of the park nor do they venture across the Trail Ridge Road. If you wish to explore these areas, there are a number of commercial shuttle tours in Estes Park that you can join. For more information on this, be sure to check out the Estes Park Visitor Center.
Is the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle accessible?
The majority of Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle buses are accessible and have the ability to accommodate passengers with wheelchairs. That being said, it’s best to contact the park staff ahead of time if you require accommodations to ensure that your needs are met. You can reach out to the Information Office for further assistance regarding this.
Are pets allowed on the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle?
Are pets allowed on the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle?Pets are not allowed on Rocky Mountain shuttles, with the exception of service animals who have been fully trained to assist individuals with disabilities. Service animals in training and emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act; therefore, they are not allowed on any Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle buses.
What time does the last Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle leave?
What time does the last Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle leave?Each of the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle buses maintain their own schedule. The last bus for the Bear Lake Shuttle departs from Bear Lake at 7:00 PM. Similarly, the Moraine Park Shuttle also ends at 7:00 PM; however, its final bus departs from the Fern Lake Trailhead. Meanwhile, the last bus for the Hiker Shuttle departs the Park & Ride Transit Hub at 5:15 PM.
Have any questions about taking the Rocky Mountain National Park shuttle? Let me know in the comments!
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