OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL OVERNIGHT BACKCOUNTRY USE!

We are now in the winter backcountry permit season.  Backcountry permits are now free until May 1.  You are required to obtain the backcountry permit and have it with you during your overnight stay; there is critical information contained which is not just regulation but which will help you to preserve the wilderness here! 

A self-service permit box with permits and additional information is available via self-registration boxes at the pull-outs on the right side of the park entrance stations at Beaver Meadows and Fall River.   Or, if the box is empty or you need additional information to help plan your trip, you may find permits and information at Backcountry Office (970/586-1242, open every day from 8 AM - 4 PM on Highway 36 next to RMNP Headquarters or at Longs Peak Ranger Station on weekends only.)

It is your responsibility to get the backcountry permit and abide by all rules!  Failure to get the permit and/or abide by rules may result in citations.

Winter Areas:

• If the designated site has more than 4" of snow, camp at least 200’ (70 adult

steps) away from the site. Do not camp in the site.

• Party size is limited to 12 people. 

• Camps must be established:

- within the designated winter zone.

- at least one mile from the trailhead.

- at least 200’ (70 adult steps) away from water.

- on snow or rock only -- never on vegetation or in meadows.

- out of sight and sound of other campers and trails.

• Fires prohibited. Use portable stoves only.

CAMPING

Longs Peak Campground is in winter conditions and open. The water has been turned off for the winter season. However, stream water can be obtained at the Aspen Brook, about 50’ from the south end of the Longs Peak parking lot. Please remember to treat this water. The collection of natural wood (dead or alive) is prohibited. The rate for these campsites is now $14.

Backcountry Camping Rules and Regulations

A backcountry use permit is required for all overnight backcountry use and must

be displayed on the outside of your pack while hiking to your campsite and on

you tent at the campsite.

• The permit is valid only for the dates and camp areas listed.

• A displayed “dash tag” is required for overnight parking.

• Camp must be established on designated tent pads where provided or within

15’ of the metal arrowhead that marks the designated site.

• Use pit toilets where provided, otherwise dig a 6” deep “cat-hole” at least

200’ (70 adult steps) from water, trails and campsites.

GENERAL REGULATIONS

In order to protect park resources and minimize impacts, the following are

prohibited everywhere in the backcountry:

0 Pets, weapons, and vehicles (including bicycles)

0 Fires (except at specific sites with metal fire rings)

0 Hunting, feeding, approaching or disturbing wildlife

0 Removing or disturbing natural features

0 Trenching around tents and camps

0 Shortcutting between trail switchbacks

0 Littering or leaving trash in sites or pit toilets

0 Washing dishes or bathing within 200’ (70 adult steps) of water.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS

Designated Sites:

0 Camp must be established within 15’ of the metal arrowhead and post which

marks the site.

0 Use stoves only. Fires prohibited, unless staying in a wood fire site with

visible metal fire ring (using dead and down wood only).

0 Party size is limited to 7 at individual sites and 12 at group sites.

0 Due to excessive impact, groups over 7 persons must use group sites or split

up and camp at least one mile apart.

0 If the designated site has more than 4" of snow, follow the “Winter

Regulations” below:

Crosscountry Areas:

0 Camp must be established. . .

- within the designated cross-country zone.

- at least 200’ (70 adult steps) from water.

- out of sight and sound of trails and other campers.

- below treeline and out of meadows.

- and moved at least 1 mile each night.

- no more than 2 nights in 1 crosscountry zone

0 Party size is limited to 7 people.

0 Fires prohibited. Use portable stoves only.

0 Stock prohibited.

Bivouac Areas:

0 A bivouac is defined as a temporary, open-air encampment.

0 Permits are issued only to technical climbers.

0 The climb must be 4 or more technical pitches and 3½ or more miles from

the trailhead.

0 Party size is limited to 4 people and all members must be climbing.

0 A bivouac must be established. . .

- within the designated bivy zone, or at the base or on the face of the climb.

- at least 200’ (70 adult steps) from water.

- with camp set up at dusk and taken down before dawn.

- without the use of erected type shelters, tents or supported tarps.

- on rock or snow only, not on vegetation, and out of meadows.

0 Fires prohibited. Use portable stoves only.

0 Stock prohibited.