Introduction:
As an active duty Air Force member, one of the best parts of military service is the opportunity to take advantage of benefits that go beyond your basic pay. Whether it’s discounts on lodging, free entry to national parks, or family-friendly activities, there are plenty of perks that can make your travel experience even more rewarding. My family and I recently took a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, and not only did we enjoy the stunning beauty of the park, but we also made the most of military benefits that helped us save money and make the trip even more memorable. In this post, I’ll share how to obtain a free national park pass, stay affordably at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, and explore the wonders of this amazing park—all while taking full advantage of the benefits available to military families
Obtaining a Free National Park Pass for Military Members
One of the great perks of military service is the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, which provides free entry to national parks and other federal recreation sites. Active-duty military members can obtain this pass for free in person at most national parks and various federal recreation areas. However, if you don’t live near a national park, you can also order one online through the USGS website for a $10 processing fee.
I personally ordered mine online and paid the $10 fee. The turnaround time was quick—I received my pass in the mail in about 10 days. Later, I found out that I could have picked one up in Colorado Springs at the US Forest Service office located there. Lesson learned! If you’re looking to get a pass, I highly recommend checking to see if there are any offices in your area, even if there aren’t any national parks nearby. This could save you time and the extra fee.
In addition to the free annual pass for active-duty military, there is also a lifetime pass available for veterans and Gold Star families. To qualify, veterans must present one of the following forms of identification:
- Department of Defense Identification Card (DD Form 2, DD Form 2765, or Next Generation USID replacement)
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Veteran ID Card (The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) only provides a digital version)
- Veteran designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card
Gold Star families must present a Gold Star voucher to obtain their pass. This lifetime pass provides the same benefits as the annual pass but is valid indefinitely, making it an excellent option for those who qualify.
Best Military Discount Lodging Near Rocky Mountain National Park: YMCA of the Rockies
Affordable Military Family Getaway at YMCA of the Rockies
There are many great campgrounds and lodging options just outside Rocky Mountain National Park and near Estes Park. The famous Stanley Hotel is one of the most well-known options, though it was well out of our price range. After researching, we found that the YMCA of the Rockies offered excellent rates for members, which my wife is, but an even better deal for military families!
The YMCA of the Rockies offers an “Active Military Family Getaway” package, which includes two nights in any lodge room for $174 plus tax. This package also includes all meals from dinner on the day of arrival through lunch on the day of departure, as well as most onsite activities. We ended up staying for three nights, with the third night at the YMCA member rate.
Convenient Location and Activities
The YMCA of the Rockies is conveniently located just a 2-3 minute drive from the Beaver Meadows park entrance, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. The amenities and activities at the site were fantastic, especially for our little ones, who were three and five years old at the time. The resort featured an indoor recreation center, indoor rock climbing, hiking trails, an aquatic center, mini golf, and countless other activities. Most of these were free, though some tours and the arts and crafts center required an additional fee for supplies. The variety of activities kept us busy and out of our rooms except for sleeping.
Lodge Room Features and Comfort
Our lodge room was well-equipped, featuring two queen beds, a single floor pad, a full private bath with bathtub, a mini fridge, a microwave, a coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi. However, there was no air conditioning, so summer visitors should be prepared for warmer temperatures. The room did have a ceiling fan and a box fan, which helped. We visited in mid-June, and while the evenings and early mornings were cool, keeping the window open at night was refreshing. Using the box fan near the window during the day helped to exhaust warm air out of the room.
The lodge room also did not have a TV. Knowing this ahead of time, I brought a portable projector and our Roku stick. This turned out to be a great decision—after long days of exploring, my wife and I could relax in bed while the kids were happily distracted watching something on the floor pad. It was a simple but effective way to wind down at the end of the day.
The Summer Camp Surprise
One unexpected aspect of our stay was discovering that the YMCA of the Rockies is a very popular location for summer camps. Upon arrival, we were surprised to find that about 85% of the guests were 12-16-year-olds attending summer camp. This made the meal experience somewhat hectic. Although all meals were included in our stay, they were served during designated hours in a cafeteria/buffet-style setting. Upon check-in, we received a meal card, but whether or not it was checked was hit-or-miss. Having two toddlers made meal times a bit chaotic, as we navigated the crowds of teenagers in the dining hall. While the food was sufficient to fuel our adventures, we decided to break up the experience by venturing into Estes Park for some meals, which provided a nice change of pace from the cafeteria’s lively atmosphere.
Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Reservations: What You Need to Know
How to Get a Timed Entry Reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park
During the late spring and summer seasons (May through October), visitors must make Timed Entry Reservations to access the park. These reservations can be obtained through the recreation.gov website for a $2 non-refundable processing fee. There is also an app available to make the process more convenient.
There are two types of reservations:
- Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road: This reservation grants access to Bear Lake Road Corridor, including popular destinations like Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake, in addition to the rest of the park. These reservations are available in two-hour blocks from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Timed Entry: This reservation allows access to most of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding Bear Lake Road. It provides access to areas like Trail Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and the park’s western side. These reservations are available in two-hour blocks from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I initially made the mistake of reserving two Timed Entry passes instead of a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road for our second day. Thankfully, additional reservations were released daily at 7 p.m. for the next day, so I set an alarm and secured a last-minute reservation.
Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park with Kids
Hiking Bear Lake: A Family-Friendly Rocky Mountain Adventure
One of the most beautiful and accessible areas in the park is Bear Lake. Even in early June, snow and ice remained along the trail, making for a stunning yet chilly hike. Despite the cool weather, the views were unforgettable, and the lake itself was a great spot for family photos.
Exploring the Alluvial Fan: Easy Hike for Families with Young Kids
Another family-friendly hike is to the Alluvial Fan. The trail is easy enough for young kids, and they had a blast playing along the stream. It’s an excellent spot for families looking to enjoy the beauty of the park without a strenuous hike.
Driving Trail Ridge Road: Tips for a Scenic but Intimidating Journey
One of the most scenic drives in the park is Trail Ridge Road. The views were breathtaking, though driving it can be a bit intimidating. Snowdrifts lined the roads, and the high elevation affected my depth perception, so I kept strict focus on the road. We made it to the visitor center along the road, but it was still being dug out of the snow!
Conclusion:
Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park was truly an unforgettable experience, made all the more special by the benefits available to military families. From free park entry to discounted lodging and countless activities for our kids, it was the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some family time before our next chapter. As our current assignment comes to a close, we’re already thinking about making one more trip to the park before we move on to our next assignment. Whether it’s to revisit our favorite spots or explore new ones, Rocky Mountain National Park is a place we know we’ll return to. If you’re a military family looking for an adventure, this park should definitely be on your list—especially with the great perks that make it more accessible and affordable than ever.
