Every year, more and more national parks seem to require timed entry reservations. Sometimes it’s just to drive to the park. It can also be for certain popular activities.
This summer is no different, with the addition of Mount Rainier and Yosemite. This requirement creates an additional step and expense for travelers, but it is not a hurdle.
“The timed entry reservation system is not meant to limit visitors, but rather to spread them out more equitably throughout the day,” Mount Rainier National Park Ranger Terry Wildley said in February. told USA TODAY.
In the past, she said, visitors had to wait up to three hours just to get into the popular park, and some had to veer off the boardwalk to avoid crowds, causing permanent damage to meadows.
As Mount Rainier opens up reservations this summer, here’s what other park visitors need to know.
How many national parks have timed entry?
Only a few of America’s 63 national parks require timed entry reservations or permits for the most popular experiences. In most cases, only certain parts of the park are open during the busiest times of the day.
◾ acadia national park From May 24th to October 22nd, timed entry reservations are required for vehicle access to Cadillac Summit Road. There are two types of reservations, sunrise and daytime, with different restrictions. Each reservation costs $6 per vehicle and can only be purchased online and not inside the park. There is an additional $35 vehicle entrance fee to the park.
◾ arches national park Through Oct. 31, timed entry reservations are required for all vehicles entering the park between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Timed admission tickets cost $2. There is an additional $30 vehicle admission fee.
◾ glacier national park From 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 24 through September 8, vehicles accessing the North Fork and Going-to-the-Sun Roads from the West Entrance will be required to make a timed entry reservation. Reservations are not required for vehicles entering Going to the Sun Road. There is no need to take the Sun Road from the St. Mary entrance or take Two Medicine like last year. However, Many Glacier requires reservations from 6am to 3pm from July 1st to September 8th. There is a $2 fee for each type of reservation. There is an additional $35 vehicle entrance fee to the park.
◾ Haleakala National Park Reservations are required throughout the year to watch the sunrise from the mountaintop. The Summit Sunrise reservation fee is $1 and a reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. There is also an additional $30 vehicle entrance fee to the park.
◾ mount rainier national parkFor the first time, two of the most popular areas will require timed entry reservations. Paradise Corridor runs from May 24th to September 2nd and Sunrise Corridor runs from July 3rd to September 2nd. Reservations are only required between 7am and 3am. pm Each type of reservation costs $2. There is an additional $30 vehicle entrance fee to the park.
◾ rocky mountain national park From May 24 to October 14, timed entry reservations are required to access most roads between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitors who also want to access the park’s busy Bear Lake Road will need a specific type of reservation, Timed Entry+, by 5 a.m. Timed Entry+ covers all park roads. Both types of reservations cost $2.
◾ shenandoah national park A day ticket is required to hike Old Rag Mountain through November 30th. Tickets cost $2 per person and can be reserved 30 to 5 days in advance. Single-day tickets are separate from the park’s $30 vehicle admission fee.
◾ yosemite national park Currently, reservations are required for vehicles to enter the park between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. on specific days. Until June 30th and from August 17th to October 27th, it will be mandatory only on weekends and public holidays. However, reservations are required every day from July 1st to August 16th. Reservations during peak hours cost $2, and vehicle entry to the park costs $35.
◾ Zion National Park continues to pilot a permit system for the popular Angel’s Landing hiking trail. Permits can be obtained through the seasonal or daily lottery at Recreation.gov. Lottery registration costs $6 per lottery for up to 6 people. Permits cost $3 per person. This is in addition to the $35 vehicle entrance fee to the park.
When can I make park reservations?
Dates vary by park, but all national parks offer reservations through Recreation.gov.
Great outdoors next door:Great for finding nearby hiking, camping, etc.
Which national parks in Utah require reservations?
Of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, Arches is the only one that requires reservations for admission.
Do I need a reservation to enter Zion National Park?
no. No reservation is required to enter Zion. Just allow yourself to hike Angel’s Landing.
Can I participate in RMNP without time-limited entry?
yes. Rocky Mountain National Park’s timed entry requirements do not begin until May 24th. Even after that, reservations are only required during peak hours.
Do I need a reservation for Yellowstone?
No, Yellowstone does not require timed entry reservations. However, permits are required for certain recreational activities such as backcountry camping and boating.
