At the end of June, we visited my parents in Longmont for a week. They generously offered to watch our three kids so Lindsay and I could go away for a night. We decided to stay in Estes Park and spend two days exploring Rocky Mountain National Park.

The night before we leave, my parents give us the run-down on the timed entry system and we secure our spot for 9 am the next morning. Thankfully, the National Park Service releases 40% of timed entry spots the night before at 7 pm so it’s possible - like us - to plan a last minute visit and still get timed entry!