Planning a Trip to These National Parks? You Might Need a Booking to Get In

Going to a national park used to be as simple as showing up at the entrance gate. Not anymore! Many popular parks now require advance reservations just to enter, especially during busy seasons. This change helps protect these natural treasures from overcrowding while giving visitors a better experience.

Before packing your hiking boots and camera, check if you’ll need to secure a spot ahead of time at these stunning destinations.

1. Yosemite’s Entry Reservation System

During peak summer months, Yosemite National Park implements a reservation system that catches many travelers off guard. You’ll need to secure your spot up to five months in advance through recreation.gov, especially if you’re planning to visit the iconic Yosemite Valley.

The reservation requirement typically runs from late May through September when the park sees its highest visitor numbers. Without this booking, you’ll be turned away at the entrance – no matter how far you’ve traveled!

If you miss the initial reservation window, don’t panic. A small batch of additional permits becomes available seven days before each date, but these disappear within minutes of release.

2. Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road Tickets

Want to drive the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road at Glacier National Park? You’ll need to snag a vehicle reservation first! This stunning 50-mile mountain road crosses the Continental Divide and offers some of America’s most breathtaking views.

The ticketing system operates during the busy summer season, typically from late May until mid-September. Reservations open 120 days in advance, with a portion held back for last-minute planners released just 24 hours before each date.

Remember that these entry tickets are separate from campground reservations. Even with lodging inside the park, you’ll still need a specific permit to access this iconic roadway during peak season.

3. Arches National Park’s Timed Entry Program

Did you know that tiny Arches National Park now requires timed entry reservations from April through October? This Utah gem, famous for its 2,000+ natural stone arches, implemented the system after experiencing traffic backups stretching miles outside the entrance.

Each reservation grants you a one-hour window to enter the park, though once inside, you can stay as long as you wish. The booking system opens three months in advance on a rolling basis.

If you miss getting a reservation, you have two options: enter before 7 am or after 4 pm when permits aren’t required, or check for last-minute cancellations the night before your planned visit.

4. Rocky Mountain National Park’s Reservation Requirements

Summer adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park now require planning ahead with their timed entry permit system. This Colorado favorite gets incredibly crowded between May and October, with parking lots often filling before sunrise.

The park offers two types of reservations: one for the entire park including the popular Bear Lake Road corridor, and another for the rest of the park excluding Bear Lake. If you’re hoping to see those stunning alpine lakes, make sure you get the right permit!

Reservations open monthly in batches, with most becoming available at 10 AM Mountain Time on the first day of the month for dates the following month. A small number are held back for day-before release.

5. Zion’s Shuttle System and Angels Landing Permits

Zion National Park has taken crowd management to another level with their mandatory shuttle system and special permits for Angels Landing. From March through November, you can’t drive your personal vehicle along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive – everyone must use the shuttle buses.

For those brave souls wanting to hike Angels Landing, a separate permit lottery system now exists. This famous chain-assisted cliff climb has become so popular that the park implemented a safety-focused permit system to reduce dangerous overcrowding on the narrow ridge.

The Angels Landing permits work through two lotteries: a seasonal one several months in advance and a day-before lottery for spontaneous visitors. Your chances improve during weekdays and shoulder seasons when fewer people apply.