Welcome to The Mountain Thread: from Buck Timber

Howdy, neighbors. Buck Timber here, typing with trail dust on the keyboard and coffee in the cup.

Thanks for opening our very first Mountain Thread newsletter. Rocky is easing out of timed entry on October 19, the air is cooler, and a few yellow aspens are still hanging on like stubborn confetti. The park is open with limited services during the shutdown, so plan ahead, pack it in, and pack it out.

Inside you will find the road tips, a local crafts show, a trivia nibble, and a friendly sponsor who helps locals make smart money moves. Wave if you see me and Mo Pass, we will be the ones arguing about who ate the last granola bar.

RMNP Update: Timed Entry Ends October 19, Park Stays Open with Fall Services

Timed entry for Rocky Mountain National Park winds down Sunday, October 19. After that, you can visit without a reservation during the daytime windows that had required it. Bear Lake Road’s permit window runs through October 19, then it wraps for the season. 

The park is open during the ongoing federal shutdown, but services are limited. Expect fewer staff on the ground, reduced hours at facilities, and sporadic updates. Several parks nationwide are operating this way right now, and RMNP is no exception. Pack out trash, bring your own TP plan, and be extra kind to rangers and volunteers. 

U.S. Department of the Interior+2

Local snapshot for mid October. Mornings are cool, afternoons mild, and the last yellow aspen leaves are spinning away fast. Old Fall River Road closed for the season this week. Trail Ridge Road can close any day due to weather. Check road status before you drive up. The status line is 970-586-1222. The average seasonal closure hits late October.

Quick tips
• Arrive early or late for easier parking.
• Bring layers, water, headlamp, paper map.
• Give elk and all wildlife a wide berth.

Experience a Fall Arts & Crafts show by Sister Crafts, perfect for starting your Christmas shopping early.

Enjoy a cold beverage and lunch at Tavern at the Legion while you shop.

This event is open to the public and family friendly, with free parking available.

Take advantage of Saturday Happy Hour specials on all Starters all day, as well as Game Day Happy hour Every Sat/Sun 11-3pm

Peak Capital Mortgage: Financing that fits Colorado life

Buy or refinance with a local team that keeps things clear and on time. Fast pre-approval and steady guidance. We map your best loan path and handle the details so you can focus on the move.

Rich Flanery, Broker Owner #256117 │ 600 S. Saint Vrain Ave #4, Estes Park, CO 80517 │ NMLS#2347925 Licensed in: CO, TX, LA, FL, AZ, NM, WY, KS & MS , License information available at PeakCapitalMortgage.com /licensing-disclaimers. Equal Housing Lender

The Stanley Hotel was built in 1909, by Freelan O. Stanley of Stanley Steamer fame.