Article Overview: National Parks that Require Reservations
America’s best idea is no secret and with the ever increasing popularity of our parks, it’s no wonder that reservations are now required to enter the most popular national parks during the busiest times. While there’s plenty of frustration that we can no longer visit the most popular national parks as spontaneously as we once did, we can still get in and have a great time.
Readers Note: This article is constantly updated to include the latest information on national parks that require reservations. If you have any questions or concerns just drop us a comment below and I’ll be happy to answer them!
Table of Contents: National Parks With Reservations
Table of Contents: National Parks That Require Reservations
Table of Contents: National Parks That Require Reservations
- Table of Contents: National Parks With Reservations
- Why Are National Parks Requiring Reservations?
- List of National Parks That Require Reservations
- Timed Entry Permits, Advanced Reservations, & Hiking Permits
- US National Parks That Require Reservations
- When to Make National Park Reservations
- Our Advice For Making Reservations
- FAQ – National Park Reservations
Why Are National Parks Requiring Reservations?
Plain and simple, the national parks are more popular than ever. Visitation has boomed in the last decade. The top ten most popular national parks now see nearly 50 million visitors per year. That’s roughly 1000 people entering these 10 places every single minute assuming they’re entering during normal park operating hours.
Last year alone the national parks (including all 428 NPS units) received 311,985,998 visitors. That’s almost equivalent to every single person in America visiting – pretty popular! This has understandably led to some overcrowding issues in the parks.
The Problems From Overcrowding in National Parks
Consequences from overcrowding includes all sorts of things, some of which are obvious and some less so.
Negative impacts on visitors:
- Reduced enjoyment: Crowded trails, parking difficulties, and long lines can make it difficult to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
- Safety concerns: Increased congestion can lead to accidents and injuries, especially on narrow trails or in areas with wildlife.
- Conflicts between visitors: Competition for resources and crowded spaces can lead to frustration and conflict between visitors.
- Limited access: Popular attractions and campsites may become inaccessible due to high demand, potentially excluding some visitors from experiencing key features of the park.
Negative impacts on the environment:
- Damage to ecosystems: Trampling by large numbers of visitors can damage vegetation, soil, and fragile habitats.
- Pollution: Increased waste generation, littering, and noise pollution can harm the park’s natural environment.
- Wildlife disturbance: Crowds can disrupt wildlife behavior, stress animals, and potentially lead to habituation to human presence.
- Infrastructure strain: Overuse can put a strain on park infrastructure, such as roads, restrooms, and campgrounds, leading to maintenance challenges and potential damage.
List of National Parks That Require Reservations
As of 2024 there are nine national parks and one national monument that require reservations in advance.
- Acadia National Park
- Arches National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Haleakala National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Shenandoah National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
- Muir Woods National Monument
Visiting these parks necessitates either a reservation for timed entry, a pre-booked slot for hiking trails, or an advanced booking to drive along scenic roads. Below, we outline the distinctions among these types of reservations.
Timed Entry Permits, Advanced Reservations, & Hiking Permits
The following are the different kinds of reservations that national parks currently require:
- Timed entry reservation: Enter the park during a specific time slot to avoid overcrowding, especially during peak season. Think of it like organized lines at popular attractions.
- Hiking trail reservations: For popular or challenging trails, you’re required to book a spot in advance to prevent overcrowding and protect the environment.
- Scenic road reservations: Some scenic roads limit the number of cars to avoid traffic jams, manage for safety, and preserve the tranquility.
US National Parks That Require Reservations
Table of Contents: National Parks Reservations
Table of Contents: National Parks Reservations
- Table of Contents: National Parks With Reservations
- Why Are National Parks Requiring Reservations?
- List of National Parks That Require Reservations
- Timed Entry Permits, Advanced Reservations, & Hiking Permits
- US National Parks That Require Reservations
- When to Make National Park Reservations
- Our Advice For Making Reservations
- FAQ – National Park Reservations
Acadia National Park
Reservation Required: Vehicle Reservation for Cadillac Summit Road
As the fourth most visited national park in America, Acadia saw more than 4 million visitors last year. In an attempt to better manage this increased visitation the park has introduced a reservation system.
Helpful Acadia Resources: Guide / Map / Best Hikes / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Video / Facts / Things to Do / Summer / Winter
Top Things To Do: The Bowl Trail, Precipice Trail, Bass Harbor Lighthouse
Acadia National Park Reservations
At Acadia National Park, securing a reservation is essential for driving up Cadillac Summit Road, the park’s pinnacle and a prime spot for sunrise views, from May to October.
Reservation Details:
- Cost: $6 reservation fee
- Dates: May 22 to October 27
- How to Purchase: Tickets are exclusively available online at recreation.gov.
Reservations fall into two categories: for sunrise and daytime visits. Sunrise slots allow for pre-dawn arrivals, highly competitive due to their popularity. Daytime slots offer staggered entry times, such as 10 am or 3 pm, with a requirement to enter within 30 minutes of your reserved time.
Reservation release is staggered, with 30% available 90 days ahead and 70% released two days before at 10 am EST, separate from the park entrance fee. For more comprehensive details, refer to the official Acadia National Park reservations website.
Additional Information:
- The reservation fee is separate from the park entrance fee.
- The rest of Acadia National Park is accessible without a reservation, with the exception of Cadillac Summit Road.
Arches National Park
Reservation Required: Timed Entry Reservation
Arches National Park is not even in the top ten in terms of most popular parks seeing roughly 1.5 million visitors last year, so why the reservations? The reason for Arches turning to an advance reservation system is the size of the park and the design of the road system.
There’s one main entrance that switches back up a narrow road to get into the park which gets absolutely slammed during peak visitation.
Helpful Resources: Things to Do / Hikes / Map / Guidebook / Where to Stay / Facts
Top Things To Do: Delicate Arch, Landscape Arch, Devils Garden, Tower Arch
Arches National Park Reservations
At Arches National Park securing an advance reservation is required to enter the park. Otherwise you will be turned away. This happens every day at the park and I can just imagine the ensuing “discussions” amongst the passengers who’ve traveled all that way…
Reservation Details:
- Cost: $2
- Dates: April 1 – October 31, 2024 (7 am – 4 pm)
- How to Purchase: Reservations can be purchased on recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777
Note: If you enter Arches before 7am or after 4pm this does not require a reservation.
Most timed entry tickets are made available three months prior to the intended date of visit. Additionally, a select number of tickets can be obtained at 7 pm MDT, one day before the planned entry, exclusively on recreation.gov.
For those aiming to explore Arches National Park in April, from the 1st to the 30th, tickets will be accessible starting January 2 at 8 am MST. Similarly, for visits in March, tickets go on sale on February 2 at 8 am MST, and this pattern continues up to October. The complete timetable is available on the Arches NPS website.
Glacier National Park
Reservation Required: Vehicle Reservation
Glacier National Park was #10 in terms of visitation last year seeing nearly 3 million visitors. And for those who have driven Going to the Sun Road it totally makes sense why there are now vehicle reservations required for entering.
Helpful Resources: Map / Guidebook / Things to Do / Hikes / Where to Stay / Itinerary / Facts
Top Things to Do: Going to the Sun Road, Swiftcurrent Lake, Grinnell Glacier Trail
Glacier National Park Reservations
In 2024, vehicle reservations are required for three specific areas within the park: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork.
Reservation Dates and Times:
- Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Entrance): May 24 to September 8, from 6 am to 3 pm
- North Fork: May 24 to September 8, from 6 am to 3 pm
- Many Glacier: July 1 to September 8, from 6 am to 3 pm
- Cost: $2 for all reservations
- How to Purchase: Reservations can be purchased at recreation.gov
Note: Access to Going-to-the-Sun Road from the East Entrance and Two Medicine does not require a reservation.
Reservation Details:
- A portion of reservations is available 120 days ahead, starting January 25, 2024, at 8 am MST, with the remainder released at 7 pm MDT the day before the intended visit.
- Due to limited availability, it’s advisable to book your reservation well in advance.
Additional Information:
- This reservation fee is separate from the park entrance fee. Even holders of the America the Beautiful Pass must secure a vehicle reservation.
- Checkpoints at each designated road will require presentation of your reservation permit, which cannot be purchased at the entrance stations but must be reserved ahead of time.
- Guests staying within park accommodations, including campsites, or those partaking in commercial tours are exempt from the vehicle reservation requirement.
For a comprehensive list of exemptions and further details, please consult the Glacier National Park website.
Haleakala National Park
Reservation Required: Vehicle Reservation
While Haleakala is not a heavily visited national park, the sunrise atop Haleakala crater is extremely popular as one of the top things to do on the island of Maui. Given the small parking lots at the top this necessitates a reservation system.
Helpful Resources: Guide / Things to Do / Guidebook / Map / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Haleakala Crater, Waimoku Falls, Pipiwai Trail
Haleakala National Park Reservations
To ensure entry into the park for sunrise viewing, an advance reservation is essential due to high demand and to manage summit capacity. Here are the key points:
- Reservation Times: Allows park entry from 3 am to 7 am.
- Entry Without Reservation: Not permitted until after 7 am; the summit is an additional 30-minute drive from the entrance.
- Reservation Window: Can be made online up to 60 days in advance.
- Ticket Release: Tickets are released at 7:00 am HST, typically sold out within 15 minutes. A second release occurs 48 hours prior to the date.
- How to Make a Reservation: Exclusively online via recreation.gov.
- Cost: Tickets are free, with a $1 reservation fee per ticket.
For more details on reservations, visit the Haleakala National Park website.
Alternatives if reservations are full:
- Consider a sunset visit, which does not require a reservation.
- Explore tour options that include a sunrise visit to the summit.
For those preferring a more leisurely start to the day, the sunset experience is almost as remarkable and does not necessitate a reservation.
Mount Rainier National Park
Reservation Required: Timed Entry Reservation
While not a top ten, Mount Rainier is still a heavily visited park. Last year it received 1.6 million visitors, and a huge percentage of those during peak season. If you’ve been to Rainier before and seen the lines to get in the reservation system will come as no surprise to you.
Helpful Resources: Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Paradise / Facts / Where to Stay
Top Things To Do: Mt Fremont Lookout, Skyline Trail, Pinnacle Peak
Mount Rainier National Park Reservations
Access to the popular Paradise and Sunrise areas during peak season requires a timed entrance permit.
- Paradise Corridor Dates: May 24 – September 2, 2024, (7 am to 3 pm)
- Sunrise Corridor Dates: July 3 – September 2, 2024,(7 am to 3 pm)
- Cost: $2, in addition to the park entrance fee
- How to Purchase: via recreation.gov
Timed entry reservations are released in three batches, 90 days in advance at 8 am PT, with the initial release on February 21, 2024, for the period of May 24 to June 30. Subsequent releases are on April 1 and May 1. The full schedule of release dates is available on the NPS website.
The remaining permits are made available the day before the intended visit at 7 pm PT. For example, permits for July 1 are released at 7 pm PT on June 30.
Reservations grant a 2-hour entry window, which is selected at the time of booking. Visitors needing access on multiple days must obtain a permit for each day. Entry into the Paradise and Sunrise sectors is unrestricted before 7 am and after 3 pm without a permit.
Guests staying within park lodging are exempt from needing a permit for the corresponding sector (e.g., Paradise Inn guests don’t need a Paradise corridor permit but will require one for Sunrise).
Rocky Mountain National Park
Reservation Required: Timed entry tickets
As the #4 most heavily visited national park last year receiving 4.3 million visitors, and given the layout of the park, Rocky Mountain National Park’s reservation system is necessary.
Helpful Resources: Guide / Map / Guidebook / Hikes / Things to Do / Where to Stay / Video / Facts
Things To Do: Elk Viewing, Dream, Nymph, Emerald Lakes Trail, Sky Pond
Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations
For access to Rocky Mountain National Park between May 24 and October 20, 2024, advance permit reservations are required. This measure aims to manage visitor density in the park’s most frequented areas during high season.
Permit Details:
- Park Access + Permit: Offers full access to the park, including Bear Lake Road and its trails like Bear Lake, Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Hallett Peak, and Sprague Lake, valid from 5 am to 6 pm.
- Park Access Permit: Grants entry to all park areas except Bear Lake Road, allowing visits to Trail Ridge Road, the Alpine Visitor Center, and hikes like Longs Peak, Chasm Lake, and Gem Lake, valid from 9 am to 2 pm.
- Dates: May 24 – October 20, 2024
- Cost: $2 per vehicle (in addition to park entry fees)
- How to Purchase: Tickets can be purchased via recreation.gov
Tickets are released roughly a month in advance. For instance, on May 1 at 8 am MT, tickets for May 24 through June 30 become available. This pattern continues monthly, with the last release on September 1 for October’s permits.
For detailed permit information and availability, check the NPS website.
Shenandoah National Park
Reservation Requred: Hiking Trail Day Use Ticket (Old Rag)
Last year Shenandoah was not in the top twenty for most visited parks, so why the reservation system? This one is just for the park’s most popular hike, Old Rag, which has seen more visitors than it can sustainably handle in recent years.
Helpful Resources: Map | Guidebook | Things to Do | Facts
Things To Do: Skyline Drive, Dark Hollow Falls, Old Rag Mountain
Shenandoah National Park Reservations
Yosemite National Park
Reservation Required: Timed Entry Ticket & Trail Permit (Half Dome)
Of the national parks in the most need of reservation systems, Yosemite is high on the list. Every year it lands on the top ten list for most visited parks receiving around 4 million visitors annually. The main issue here is access to the valley is restricted – one way in and one way out (basically). Lines to get into the park during peak season have ranged from terrifying to apocalyptic in recent years.
Helpful Yosemite Resources: Map / Guidebook / Facts / Where to Stay / Things to Do / Best Hikes / Fall
Top Things To Do: Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Half Dome
Yosemite National Park Reservations
Yosemite requires entry reservations during two distinct periods: in February for viewing Horsetail Fall and from mid-April to October due to high visitation.
February 2024 Firefall Reservations:
- February is notable for Horsetail Fall called “Firefall“, which glows orange at sunset.
- Reservations are mandatory for park entry on the weekends of February 10-11, February 17-19, and February 24-25, regardless of your plans to view the fall.
- 50% of February reservations are available from December 1 at 8 am Pacific time on recreation.gov, with the rest available two days before the reservation date.
- Read on for more firefall information
- Cost: $2
Reservations from April to October:
- April 13 – June 30: Reservations needed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (May 27, June 19) from 5 am to 4 pm.
- July 1 – August 16: Daily reservations required from 5 am to 4 pm.
- August 17 – October 27: Reservations needed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (September 2, October 14) from 5 am to 4 pm.
- Cost: $2 (valid for three consecutive days)
- How to Purchase: Via recreation.gov
- No reservation needed: for park lodging guests, wilderness or Half Dome permit holders, or vacation rental occupants in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta.
- Entry permitted before 5 am and after 4 pm without a reservation.
- For Peak Season: Reservations open on January 5, 2024, at 8 am Pacific time on recreation.gov, with most released at this time and the remainder seven days before the intended visit.
- More info available on the NPS website.
Half Dome Permit:
- To hike Half Dome, a separate permit obtained via a March lottery is required, with winners notified in April. Read on for further Half Dome details.
Zion National Park
Reservation Required: Trail Permits (Angels Landing & Subway aka Hiking the Narrows top to bottom)
If ever there was a national park that needed reservation systems, it is Zion. Constantly one of the top 5 most visited and yet the main canyon is a single seven mile road with one entry/exit point that receives millions of visitors every year.
While you don’t need a reservation to enter the canyon (yet), you do need one for a few of the hikes.
Helpful Resources: Guide | Things to Do | Hikes | Map | Guidebook | Where to Stay | Road Trip | Itinerary
Top Things To Do: The Narrows, Angels Landing, Lava Point, Big Bend
Zion National Park Reservations
For those intending to hike Angels Landing, obtaining a permit is mandatory due to unprecedented visitor numbers in recent years, leading to congestion at the chain-assisted sections of the trail. To manage trail traffic, the National Park Service has introduced a permit system.
Angels Landing Permits
- Permit Lottery: Permits are allocated through a lottery system, available seasonally and also on the day prior to your hike.
- Application Fee: There is a $6 fee to submit a lottery application. Successful applicants will incur an additional $3 per person charge for the permit.
- Dates: A permit is required throughout the year, with releases in approximately three-month intervals.
- How To Purchase: Via the NPS site.
For specific dates of seasonal lotteries, details on the day-before lottery, and to enter, check out the NPS website.
The Subway Permits
- Hiking Requirement: A wilderness permit is essential for hiking the Left Fork of the Subway, applicable for both the bottom-up hike and the top-down canyoneering route, from April to October.
- Permit Lottery: Permits are allocated via a lottery system two months in advance.
- How to Purchase: Full details can be found on the official website.
The Narrows Top-Down Hike Permits
- About the Hike: The Narrows is a renowned trail in Zion, offering two hiking routes.
- Bottom-Up Route: This popular approach starts at Riverside Walk, extends upriver for a few miles, and then returns the same way. No permit is required for the bottom-up route.
- Top-Down Route: This 16-mile point-to-point trek covers the full length of the Narrows. It can be tackled as a strenuous one-day hike or a two-day backpacking trip.
- Permit Requirement: A wilderness permit is mandatory for the top-down route, available two months in advance. This requirement is in place year-round.
- How to Purchase: Via the official NPS site.
Muir Woods National Monument
Reservation Required: Timed Entry Parking Tickets
Given it’s prime location next to San Francisco, Muir Woods is an extremely popular place for folks in the Bay Area to experience nature. The problem here is that the parking lot is tiny and the trail system isn’t exactly vast. What does that spell? Reservation systems.
- Cost: $9.50 (standard vehicles & ADA), $12.50 (electric)
- Dates: Year-round.
- Tips: Due to high demand, particularly on weekends and holidays, it’s advisable to book your reservation well in advance. Bookings can be made up to three months prior to your visit.
- How to Purchase: Visit the dedicated parking page.
- More Info: Check out the NPS page.
When to Make National Park Reservations
Set reminders for these reservation windows if you’re planning a visit to any of the following national parks. It’s wise to verify the dates on the official National Park website as they are current as of 2024, but changes can occur.
- Acadia National Park: 30% of reservations open 90 days ahead, with the remaining 70% available 2 days before, at 10 am EST.
- Arches National Park: Requires timed entry tickets from April 1 to October 31, with availability 3 months in advance (e.g., April tickets release on January 2 at 8 am MST).
- Glacier National Park: Vehicle reservations needed from May 24 to September 8, with tickets releasing 120 days in advance, starting January 25, 2024, at 8 am MST.
- Haleakala National Park: Year-round summit drive reservations are released 60 days and 48 hours in advance at 7 am HST.
- Mount Rainier National Park: Timed entry from May 24 to September 2, with the initial batch of permits available around 90 days prior, beginning February 21.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Timed entry required from May 24 to October 20, with tickets issued about a month beforehand, starting May 1.
- Shenandoah National Park: Day-use tickets for Old Rag are needed from March 1 to November 30, available 30 days before the intended date. The rest of the park is open without reservations.
- Yosemite National Park: February visits for Horsetail Fall start on December 1 at 8 am Pacific time, with some tickets held for release 2 days prior. Peak season (mid-April to October) reservations open on January 5 at 8 am Pacific, plus a batch 7 days before the visit date.
- Half Dome, Yosemite: Enter the March 1-31 lottery for a chance to hike, with winners announced in mid-April.
- Zion National Park: Permits are needed for Angels Landing, the Subway, and top-down Narrows hikes. Entry into Zion or shuttle use doesn’t require permits.
- Muir Woods National Monument: Year-round parking reservations are needed, available up to 3 months in advance.
It’s a good idea to confirm details on the respective National Park’s official website to ensure your plans remain up-to-date.
Our Advice For Making Reservations
While the whole process of having to reserve times and areas to visit parks can seem a bit daunting, it’s really not too bad. Here’s some helpful tips to make the process easier.
Begin by marking down the release dates for permits of your intended park visits. For instance, Glacier National Park tickets are available as early as January, highlighting the importance of early planning in the year to mitigate pre-trip stress.
Should you miss out on a timed entry ticket, many parks offer entry options early in the morning or later in the evening, allowing you to proceed with your plans, albeit with an early start.
Even with a timed entry ticket, anticipate potential crowds at dawn from visitors without timed entries. Early park entry, even with a reserved slot, can help avoid congested parking and trails.
For those on guided tours, holding campground reservations, or with backcountry permits, a timed entry ticket might not be necessary. Verify this on the official National Park website to potentially bypass the need for a separate timed entry reservation.
FAQ – National Park Reservations
FAQ – National Park Reservations
Yes, several national parks in the United States require reservations for entry, parking, or specific activities. This is often done to manage visitor numbers, protect the environment, and ensure a quality experience for everyone.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
Arches National Park (Utah)
Glacier National Park (Montana)
Haleakala (Hawaii)
Mount Rainier (Washington)
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Yosemite National Park (California)
Zion National Park (Utah)
*Muir Woods National Monument (California)
Arches National Park (Utah)
Glacier National Park (Montana)
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Yosemite National Park (California)
*Muir Woods National Monument (California)
There are three main types of reservations that you may encounter at national parks:
Timed entry reservations: These reservations allow you to enter the park during a specific timeframe. This is often required for entry to the park itself or for popular areas within the park.
Parking reservations: Some national parks require you to reserve a parking spot in advance, especially at popular trailheads or visitor centers.
Activity reservations: Certain activities, such as camping, backpacking, or guided tours, may also require reservations in advance.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the wide world of national park reservations please just drop me a comment below!
Pin National Park Reservations
Helpful Related Links
Most Visited National Parks: Top 10 Most Visited National Parks (+ Complete List)
Least Visited National Parks: Top 10 Least Visited National Parks (+ Complete List)
List of National Parks: Complete List of US National Parks
National Parks Ranked: All 63 US National Parks Ranked by Experts
Map of the National Parks: Printable Map of the National Parks
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