Anyone planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park next summer will likely need a reservation, as the officials continue to manage the amount of daily traffic that comes through one of the country's busiest national parks.

According to spokesperson Kyle Patterson, officials have proposed a timed entry system similar to the one used in 2021. Reservations would be required when visiting May 27 through October 10, typically the high season for hiking and tourism. Entry time slots are expected to be available 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bear Lake Road Corridor and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at other entrances.

"Reservations would be based on approximately 90 percent of the parking and transit capacity which is approximately 20,000 visitors per day and 7,200 vehicles," Patterson said.

Rocky Mountain National Park began requiring reservations in 2020 to limit the number of people attending daily during the pandemic. But since 2016 the park has tested various strategies to address increased visitation — the park welcomed more than 4.6 million recreationists in 2019 — and some of the subsequent negative impacts, Patterson said.

In 2021, reservations ensured visitors were well spread out throughout the day and the park, better protecting resources and utilizing park infrastructure, avoiding traffic congestion and improving the experience, she said.

Rocky Mountain's representatives are currently discussing the proposal with officials regionally and in Washington and will announce its 2022 plan as soon as possible, Patterson added.

In addition to reservations, the park is proposing a price hike for entry and overnight camping to "improve and maintain high-quality visitor services," according to a statement. A day pass would increase to $30 from $25, while weekly passes ($35) and annual passes ($70) would remain the same price.

Under the proposal, summer camping spots would increase $5 to $35 per night at Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, Aspenglen, and Timber Creek campgrounds. Winter camping at Moraine Park would increase $10 to $35 per night. Group campsites would range $50 to $70, depending on the size of the spot, up $10 compared to years past.

The money would help with hazard tree mitigation, hiking trail improvements and repairs, bear management, campsite improvements and more, according to the park. The public is able to comment on the proposed price increases through Jan. 7.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.