Required Permits for Hiking the Northern Colorado Trail
Sign at Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary - North Fork Trail - Northern Colorado Trail
Backpacking the 299.8-mile Northern Colorado Trail (NOCO Trail) takes you across a mix of public lands, each with its own rules. While most of the trail doesn’t require any special access, there are a couple of places where permits are required depending on your plans. This post breaks down what you’ll need so you’re not caught off guard — and can spend more time hiking and less time figuring things out while on trail.
State Forest State Park Day-Use Permit
The only mandatory permit along the NOCO Trail is the day-use permit for State Forest State Park. As of 2025, the daily fee is $4 per person. This permit can be conveniently purchased through the My CPW mobile app, the official application of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The app allows you to store and manage your licenses, passes, and permits digitally, providing a paperless option for park access.
Cell service is typically available on the ridgeline just before entering the park, allowing for on-the-spot purchases if needed. Alternatively, permits can be obtained at the lower park entrances. For more information on purchasing passes, visit the State Forest State Park page.
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) Wilderness Camping Permit
If you plan to spend a night within Rocky Mountain National Park during your NOCO Trail hike, you are required to obtain a Wilderness Backpacking Permit. This applies only if you are camping within the park boundaries — if you're hiking through the park without staying overnight, no permit is necessary.
How to Get a Permit
Permits for overnight backcountry camping in RMNP must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. The reservation system opens each year on March 1 at 8:00 AM Mountain Time, and permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular sites and dates tend to fill quickly, so early booking is recommended if your itinerary includes the park.
After reserving online, you are required to pick up your permit in person at the RMNP Headquarters Wilderness Office, located just west of Estes Park. The Wilderness Office is open from 7:00am-3:30pm MST, daily.
Fees
Permit Reservation Fee: $36 per trip
No additional entry fee is required for permit holders who are only accessing the backcountry — the permit covers your access while camping overnight.
Tent Tag Requirement
When you pick up your permit, you’ll receive a tent tag, which must be:
Carried visibly on the outside of your backpack while hiking through the park
Displayed on your tent at your designated campsite
This helps rangers quickly verify that you're permitted to be in the area.
Campsite Selection
Your permit will list a specific campsite for each night of your stay. You may only camp at the designated site(s) listed on your permit. Along the NOCO Trail, potential options include sites like Boundary Creek, Halfway, Aspen Meadows, or Stormy Peaks North/South. Be sure to align your reservation with your intended daily mileage and logistics.
More Information
For full details on RMNP’s backcountry camping rules, recommended practices, food storage (Bear Canister) regulations, and maps of designated sites, refer to the official Wilderness Camping Guide.
Have additional questions? Call the Wilderness Office at 970-586-1242