Starting next week there will be one more way to get around the timed entry reservations system at Rocky Mountain National Park.
CDOT will resume its weekend Bustang service from Denver to Estes Park beginning July 3. In Estes Park, riders will be able to catch a free bus to the Bear Lake Park & Ride in Rocky Mountain National Park, provided they have a valid park pass. They will not need timed entry permits.
Roundtrip tickets will cost $10.
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After changing buses in Estes Park and arriving at the Bear Lake Park & Ride, Bustang riders “will need to board other buses depending on where they want to visit in the Bear Lake Road corridor,” according to park spokeswoman Kyle Patterson.
Bustang service to Estes Park began in 2019 but did not operate in 2020 because of COVID-19. Under federal law, face masks are required for all Bustang drivers and passengers, but the buses will be operating at full capacity (51 passengers). Coaches will be cleaned and disinfected after all trips, including seats, safety belt buckles, headrests and armrests.
Two northbound routes will be running Saturdays and Sundays, leaving Denver Union Station at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The trip, with intermediate stops in Westminster, Boulder and Lyons, will take about two hours. Return trips will depart Estes Park at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
For a rundown of other ways to get around the timed entry system at Rocky Mountain National Park, click here.
