Eldorado Canyon State Park exploring a pilot program for a vehicle timed entry reservation system

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Jason Clay
Northeast Region Public Information Officer
303-291-7234 / [email protected] 
@CPW_NE

ELDORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Eldorado Canyon State Park has proposed a timed entry reservation system to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to address congregation and traffic concerns on weekends and summer holidays. 

The timed entry reservation system was introduced to the CPW Commission at its March meeting last week in Denver. The idea will receive final consideration for possibly implementing this pilot program at its next Commission meeting, May 4-5.

If the pilot program gets approved, reservations could begin as early as August 2022. For 2023, reservations would be required May 15 through Sept. 15.

Entry reservations would be required for vehicle access only on weekends and holidays during this period. Visitors without a vehicle reservation will still be able to access the park via the free shuttle service as long as they possess a valid Colorado state parks pass.

“Our hope is the reservation system will reduce impacts to the community of Eldorado Springs, protect natural resources and maintain a safe, quality recreational experience for years to come,” said Park Manager John Carson. “The proposed system will help visitors plan for their visit while managing their expectations of entry into the park.”

Eldorado Canyon State Park reaches vehicle capacity consistently Saturdays, Sundays and holidays starting in April and lasting through October. Visitation has increased 118 percent since 2013, when the park welcomed 247,068 visitors compared to the 539,525 in 2021.

“That increase is compounded due to recent pandemic restrictions, changes in current weather patterns, increased population growth and the increase in popularity of outdoor recreation in Colorado,” Carson said. “It is not expected to drop off.”

The proposed timed entry reservation system would be implemented and distributed at CPWshop.com using Aspira, the reservation and licensing system CPW utilizes. 

Entry reservations would be allocated free of charge. A valid Colorado State Parks will be required to enter along with the reservation.

The timed entry reservation system proposal is as follows:

• A reservation would be required for each vehicle entering the park from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays from May 15 through Sept. 15.

• There will be 75-80 percent maximum capacity for reservations issued.

• Twenty (20) percent of reservations will be held and available to purchase the day prior at 3 p.m. through the Aspira reservation system.  

• Reservations will be released in two hour entry windows.

• A maximum of four timed-entry reservations may be purchased in a 30-day period per person.

• Entry to the park will be allowed without a reservation for those utilizing the shuttle bus or on bicycle. A valid Colorado state parks pass will be required for those 16 and over who enter the park via shuttle or bicycle.

• Individuals looking to walk-in to the park on weekends and holidays are encouraged to access the park by utilizing the free shuttle service.

According to public comments received during Eldorado Canyon State Park’s visitor use management planning process, visitors:

• Want to be able to plan in advance.

• Want to be able to plan close to their anticipated visit.

• Want to have a range of entry times rather than an exact time.

• Want permits on peak visitation days only.

• Do not want a reserved parking spot.

• Do not want limits on length of stay.

If the pilot program is approved by the CPW Commission, park staff will evaluate the effectiveness of the timed entry reservation system at the conclusion of the 2023 pilot season.