If you’re planning a trip to some of the most popular national parks across the US this summer, you should know that you will need to make a reservation in advance at some of the country’s most popular attractions.

A new gate-keeping system has been implemented during the peak season to protect their natural habitats. To avoid being turned away, it’s essential to book ahead.

Many national parks now require timed-entry reservations, which can be for entering the park or participating in specific activities. This summer, Mount Rainier and Yosemite have also joined the group of parks with such requirements.

While these changes add an extra step and expense for travelers, they are not meant to be a hurdle. The timed-entry reservation system aims to distribute visitation more equitably throughout the day, as waiting times to enter the park could be up to three hours.

Additionally, some visitors caused lasting damage to meadows when they went off the trail to avoid crowds. As Mount Rainier introduces reservations this summer, other park visitors should know about this change.

Which National Parks Require a Reservation?

Only a few of the 63 national parks in America require visitors to make timed-entry reservations or obtain permits for popular activities. Typically, these requirements only apply to specific areas of the park during the busiest times of the day.

Acadia National Park

From May 24 to October 22, Acadia National Park is implementing a new policy that requires visitors to make a timed entry reservation to access Cadillac Summit Road by vehicle. Two types of reservations are available: Sunrise and Daytime, each with varying restrictions. The reservations can only be purchased online and cost $6 per vehicle. A separate fee of $35 is required for each car that enters the park.

Arches National Park 

Arches National Park requires timed-entry reservations for all vehicles between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. until October 31. Timed-entry tickets are $2, and a vehicle entry fee of $30 is required.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park requires timed-entry reservations for all vehicles between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. until October 31. Timed-entry tickets are $2, and a vehicle entry fee of $30 is required.

Haleakalā National Park 

Haleakalā National Park requires visitors to make reservations year-round to watch the sunrise from the summit. A reservation for Summit Sunrise costs $1 per vehicle and is mandatory for every vehicle entering the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. In addition to the reservation fee, visitors must also pay a $30 vehicle entry fee to enter the park.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park will implement timed-entry reservations for two of its most famous areas during peak season this year. The Paradise Corridor will require reservations between May 24 and September 2, while the Sunrise Corridor will require reservations between July 3 and September 2. Reservations will only be necessary for entry between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. and will cost $2. A separate $30 vehicle entry fee is required to enter the park.

Mount Rainier National Park

This year, Mount Rainier National Park will implement timed-entry reservations for two of its most famous areas during peak season. The Paradise Corridor will require reservations between May 24 and September 2, while the Sunrise Corridor will require reservations between July 3 and September 2. Reservations will only be necessary for entry between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. and will cost $2. A separate $30 vehicle entry fee is required to enter the park.

Shenandoah National Park 

Shenandoah National Park has made it mandatory to purchase day-use tickets for hiking Old Rag Mountain until November 30. The tickets cost $2 per person and can be reserved 30 to 5 days in advance. It is important to note that the day-use tickets are separate from the park’s $30 vehicle entry fee.

Yosemite National Park

Starting from May 21, 2021, Yosemite National Park will require reservations for all vehicles entering the park between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. on certain days. From June 1 to June 30 and from August 17 to October 31, reservations will only be required on weekends and holidays. However, from July 1 to August 16, reservations will be mandatory every day. The peak hour reservation fee is $2, which is in addition to the vehicle entry fee of $35 for the park.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is testing its permit system for the popular Angels Landing hiking trail. Visitors can obtain permits through a seasonal or daily lottery on Recreation.gov. Registering for the lottery is $6 for up to six people, and the permit fee is $3 per person. It’s important to note that this fee is in addition to the $35 vehicle entry fee for the park.

When can I make park reservations?

Dates vary by park, but all national parks book reservations through Recreation.gov.

Which national parks in Utah require reservations?

Of Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks, only Arches requires reservations for park entry.

Do you need reservations to get into Zion National Park?

No. Reservations are not required to enter Zion; it just permits you to hike Angels Landing.

Can I get into RMNP without a timed entry?

Yes. Rocky Mountain National Park’s timed-entry requirements don’t begin until May 24. Even after that, reservations will only be required during peak hours.

Are reservations required for Yellowstone?

No. Yellowstone does not require timed-entry reservations. However, permits are required for specific recreational activities, such as backcountry camping and boating.