Visiting national parks is a savored experience and is considered, to some, a necessary family vacation. While visitors in the past were able to simply head out on a road trip and gain admission to national parks, times are changing. Many national parks are starting to require reservations. Travelers should ensure they know what national parks require reservations before they arrive and hope to get in easily.
National Park Reservations
National parks are beginning to require visitors to make reservations to alleviate crowds. By taking extra precautions and measures, these parks are attempting to ensure every visitor has a positive experience. Another new update is that some parks are utilizing timed entry when reservations are needed, or applicable. Timed entry reservations have been put into place so that the number of people in a single park can be better managed. Tourists should be knowledgeable about the change before they make their way to their park of choice because a reservation will mean a higher fee.
Only a fraction of America’s 63 national parks require time-limited reservations for entry. This limit is also mostly applicable during the summer season to help manage summer crowds. Travelers should also know that the timed entry reservations are usually only for certain parts of the park during busy times of the day. The average national park tourist does not typically know those times and places by heart. However, to avoid disappointment travelers should check out the most popular national parks requiring reservations.
Which Parks Are Requiring Reservations?
Zion National Park, Yosemite National Park, Shenandoah National Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are some of the parks requiring reservations. For Zion National Park, there is a permit system. This system applies to the popular Angels Landing hiking trail and costs $3, in addition to vehicle admission fees. Yosemite’s reservations depend on the month and time. Through June 30 and between August 17 and October 27, reservations will be required on weekends and holidays. However, reservations will be required daily from July 1 until August 16. These reservations generally apply from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will cost travelers $2 (plus park entry fee).
Shenandoah National Park’s reservation applies to their Old Rag Mountain trail. Reservations are charged per day and will be required until November 30, on top of the park entry fee. This reservation will cost travelers $2 per person and can be reserved from 5-30 days in advance. Rocky Mountain National Park’s reservations apply from May 24 to October 14 between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Visitors going on the bustling Bear Lake Road will need a timed entry and reservation. This type of reservation is needed from May 24 until October 20 from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Both reservations cost $2.
More Parks Where Reservations Are Needed
Mount Rainier National Park, Haleakalā National Park, Glacier National Park, Arches National Park, and Acadia National Park also require reservations. Mount Rainier Park has just begun requiring visitors to make reservations. This park’s reservations cost $2 and apply to the top two popular areas, the Paradise and Sunrise Corridor. Reservations will only be needed between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., however, when they are required varies. For the Paradise Corridor, travelers will need a reservation from May 24 until September 2. Sunrise Corridor’s reservations are necessary between July 3 and September 2. Reservations are required yearlong at Haleakalā National Park for visitors who want to watch the sunrise from the popular summit. Between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., every vehicle is required to pay $1 in addition to the park entry fee.
Glacier National Park requires timed entry reservations between May 24 and September 8 from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. More specifically, these reservations apply to vehicles accessing Going-to-the-Sun and North Fork Road. Each reservation costs $2 plus the vehicle entrance fee. Arches National Park’s reservation policy applies to all vehicles entering the park through October 31 from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The timed entry tickets cost $2, which is separate from the vehicle entry fee. Acadia National Park’s reservations may only be purchased online. From May 24 until October 22, travelers can choose from sunrise or daytime reservations. Vehicles accessing Cadillac Summit Road will need to spend $6 per vehicle in addition to park entrance passes.