Did you know that some national parks requiring reservations? With more and more people embarking on the Great American Road Trip, the National Park System is moving towards requiring reservations for some of the most popular parks during peak season. These reservations help to limit the number of people that enter the parks.
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Information About National Parks Requiring Reservations
In 2022, the National Park Service piloted a reservation system that allows for a larger number of reservations per day. By offering timed tickets, they are able to allow most visitors into the park each day. The reservations are based on approximately 90% of the park’s parking capacity. It helps to spread out usage throughout the park and better use all of the parking areas.
National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2024
Acadia National Park
From May 24 to October 22 a reservation will be needed to drive the Cadillac Summit Road. This popular drive leads to Cadillac Mountain.
Arches National Park
Between April 1 and October 31 Arches National Park will require a $2 timed entry ticket, in addition to a photo ID, and park entrance fee, to enter the park.
The timed tickets will have a staggered release.
Glacier National Park
From May 24 to September 8 visitors will be required to book a vehicle reservation to enter the Going to the Sun Road at the West, Camas, and St. Mary entrances. A separate ticket is also needed to enter the Polebridge Ranger Station at the North Fork area.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
As of 2023, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has required that visitors purchase a daily, weekly, or annual parking tag if they plan on parking anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes.
Haleakala National Park
Visitors entering the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. will need to book a vehicle reservation. Individuals may book one vehicle reservation every 3 days for the sunrise viewing.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Between May 24 and October 20, a timed entry ticket will be needed to enter Rocky Mountain National. There are 2 different tickets available. Bear Lake Road, and Park Access without Bear Lake Road Access from 9am to 3pm.
Shenandoah National Park
During the time frame of March 1 and November 30 reservations will be needed to explore the Old Rag area, for hikes on the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is bringing back their “Peak Hours Plus” reservation system in the spring, summer, and fall from 5 am to 4 PM. Reservations will be required on weekends from April 13 to June 30 and from August 17 to October 27.
Reservations are required 7 days a week from July 1 to August 16.
Reservations must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservations will not be sold at the park.
Zion National Park
In 2024, Zion will be continuing their lottery permit program to hike Angels Landing. The lottery opens 2 months prior to your potential hike.
A next day lottery is also available for hopeful last-minute hikers. These slots are released at 12:01 AM MT and close at 3 PM MT. Winners will be emailed at 4:01 PM MT.
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