Beginning on September 1, park officials put annual closures in place for travel on foot or horse off established roadways or designated trails from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. In 2020, the closure time extended from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. due to a significant increase in visitors approaching elk in previous years, when the morning meadow closures lifted. These closures last through October 31 and are effective in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park.
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Fishing in the Fall River, Thompson River or Colorado River within the posted areas remain the same as previous years and are closed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
The purpose of the closures is to prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating period and to enhance visitor elk viewing opportunities. As always, elk calling and the use of spotlights or vehicle headlights for spotting wildlife is prohibited in Rocky Mountain National Park.
In addition, the Trailridge Visitor Center will close on Columbus Day and Trailridge Road usually closes before or by October 30. Other park locations and visitor centers remain open throughout the year at the lower elevations.
Visitors can still obtain timed entry access through end of September for most of the park until October 11. Visit www.recreation.gov for accessing the timed entry ticket system. No tickets are needed after October 11 to access the park.