Gate Passes

Complimentary gate passes will be provided to researchers as a part of the Research Permit process. Researchers are asked to request gate passes only for those members of their staff who will be entering the park separately.

Transportation

Trail Ridge Road is open from approximately Memorial Day to the beginning of October. For current road condition information, see the Colorado Department of Transportation webpage. The only public transportation within the park is our shuttle system, which runs during the summer. Park vehicles are not available for research purposes.

Assistance by Park-recruited Volunteers or by Park Staff

To the extent possible, the park will assist researchers in recruiting volunteers for valid research projects. In extremely limited situations, it is possible to obtain the assistance of park staff on a research project. After obtaining a Research Permit for your project, please contact the Research Administrator for more information.

Minimum Tool Analysis

Ninety-five percent of Rocky Mountain National Park has been recommended for Wilderness designation, and by National Park Service policy must be managed as if it were already a Wilderness Area. Activities in the proposed Wilderness portion of the park and involving use of any piece of power equipment, generator, access by any means other than by foot (or horseback in some areas) will require the preparation of a Minimum Tool Analysis. Please be certain to include information on use of such equipment during your application for a Research Permit. The park's Research Administrator will provide the appropriate instructions and forms.

Overflight Request

Rocky Mountain National Park is under a Congressionally mandated overflight ban. Overflights for the purposes of research are severely restricted, but possible under certain very specific conditions. Should an overflight of the park be necessary as a part of the research activity, you will need to provide a Minimum Tool Analysis and also prepare an Overflight Request. Please be aware that any research proposing overflights will receive additional scrutiny before it is authorized. No such research will be permitted unless it addresses a critical park management need and there is no other way to accomplish the research. Please contact the Research Administrator for additional information when you submit your Research Permit Application.

Entry into Restricted or Closed Areas

The Research Administrator handles requests to enter closed areas for research purposes. Requests must be made during the Research Permit process or at least a month in advance of the proposed date of entry. Such entry is sometimes possible if it is essential for the purposes of the research and cannot be accomplished during times when areas are not closed or restricted.