In 2025, to manage visitor numbers and ensure the protection of delicate ecosystems, several national parks will continue their timed entry reservation systems. This guide will cover all of the national parks that require reservations in 2025, providing essential information about each park, when reservations are needed, how to make them, and useful links.
The United States has 63 National Parks, drawing millions of visitors each year to experience their stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. They are well renowned and each offers a unique and amazing nature experience. The National Parks have become an extremely popular activity, especially lately in the years following COVID-19. As people began looking for outdoor activities that could avoid air travel, the National Parks saw a large increase in visitors.
Due to high demand and the need to preserve these natural treasures, 9 of the 63 national parks have implemented timed entry reservation systems. This means that in order to visit these parks, you must make a reservation in advance or you will be unable to enter the park. This makes it essential to plan ahead. Here, I provide an overview of which national parks require reservations in 2025, including key details and helpful links.
Short on time? Here’s the main takeaway:
The following 9 National Parks need timed entry reservations in 2024 and 2025: Rocky Mountain National Park; Yosemite National Park; Glacier National Park; Acadia National Park; Arches National Park; Mount Rainier National Park; Haleakalā National Park; Zion National Park; and Shenandoah National Park.
Table of Contents
Brief Intro to Timed Entry Reservations
Timed entry is a reservation system implemented by certain national parks. Under this system, visitors must reserve a specific time slot to enter the park, ensuring that the number of people in the park at any given time is kept within sustainable limits. These reservations are primarily required during peak seasons or at specific times of day when the park is most crowded.
To make a timed entry reservation you must book online through the National Park Service’s website and select an available time slot. The reservations for each park open up at different times throughout the year (as discussed below), so it is best to mark your calendar with these dates to ensure you get the reservation date you want.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is renowned for its majestic mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and over 350 miles of hiking trails.
The timed entry reservation is required for all Rocky Mountain National Park entries.
- Reservation Period: Late May through mid-October.
- When to Reserve: Reservations can be made typically on the first of the month for the following month. For example, you can reserve July 1 through July 31 on June 1.
- Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
Note that to access Bear Lake Road you will need a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation. Make sure to select this at the time of purchase if this is something you are interested in. It is one of the more popular hikes within Rocky Mountain National Park.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you need a place to stay near the park, I recommend staying in Estes Park. It is extremely close to the park and a charming little town with lots of food and hotel options. For a luxury stay, I recommend The Estes Park Resort! It is a beautiful lakefront property with great views. Book it here.
For a more affordable stay or one more fitting for families, I recommend the YMCA of the Rockies! They have a bunch of cool cabins and lodges in the mountains that make for a really fun (and spacious) family trip. Book it here.
Another cool option is the Stanley Hotel, the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining. It is beautiful and spooky! I would recommend just taking a tour or grabbing a drink here rather than booking a stay. It is also a very quick drive to Rocky Mountain National Park.
2. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in California is famous for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and diverse ecosystems.
The timed entry reservation is required for all Yosemite National Park entries.
- Reservation Period: April through October.
- When to Reserve: Reservations open for the full reservation period in January.
- Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
3. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, features rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and over 700 miles of trails in a spectacular alpine setting.
Reservations are required for the Going-to-the-Sun-Road, Many Glacier, and North Folk. Each of these three reservations must be made separately.
- Reservation Period: Late May through mid-September.
- When to Reserve: Reservations open on a rolling basis 120 days in advance.
- Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
4. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine offers breathtaking coastal views, granite peaks, and a rich cultural heritage along the Atlantic coast.
Reservations are required only to drive the Cadillac Summit Road.
- Reservation Period: Late May through October.
- When to Reserve: Reservations open on a rolling basis 90 days in advance.
- Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
5. Arches National Park
Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, is renowned for its stunning natural arches, red rock formations, and scenic desert landscapes.
The timed entry reservation is required for all Arches National Park entries.
- Reservation Period: April through October.
- When to Reserve: Reservations are available in block releases 3 months in advance.
- Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
6. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington features the majestic Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano surrounded by lush forests, alpine meadows, and numerous glaciers.
Reservations are required for Paradise Corridor and Sunrise Corridor. These two reservations must be made separately.
- Reservation Period: Late May through early September.
- When to Reserve: Reservations are available in block releases 3 months in advance.
- Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
7. Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park on the island of Maui in Hawaii offers breathtaking sunrise views, volcanic landscapes, and unique flora and fauna.
Reservations are only required for the famous sunrise visit, which I highly recommend.
- Reservation Period: Year-round.
- When to Reserve: Reservations are available 60 days in advance.
- Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
8. Zion National Park
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is known for its dramatic red rock cliffs, winding Virgin River, and breathtaking canyon vistas.
Only Angel’s Landing requires a reservation. The rest of the park does not. This reservation system is lottery-based only.
- Reservation Period: Year-round.
- When to Reserve: The lottery opens up in April for the summer and in July for the fall. There is also a daily lottery for the subsequent day.
- Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
9. Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its scenic Skyline Drive, forested trails, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Only the Old Rag mountain area requires a reservation. The rest of the park does not.
- Reservation Period: March through November.
- When to Reserve: 400 daily reservations are available 30 days in advance of the reservation date on a rolling basis.
- Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
How Much Do National Park Reservations Cost?
Most National Parks require an additional fee to enter the park, usually around $30 per vehicle. The price varies from park to park. I’ve summarized the cost of the parks I discussed in this article in the table below.
| National Park | Timed-Entry Reservation Cost | Vehicle Entry Cost | NPS.gov Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain National Park | $2.00 | $30.00 | Rocky Mountain |
| Yosemite National Park | $2.00 | $35.00 | Yosemite |
| Glacier National Park | $2.00 | $35.00 | Glacier |
| Acadia National Park | $6.00 | $30.00 | Acadia |
| Arches National Park | $2.00 | $30.00 | Arches |
| Mount Rainier National Park | $2.00 | $30.00 | Mount Rainier |
| Haleakalā National Park | $1.00 | $30.00 | Haleakalā |
| Zion National Park | $6.00 | $35.00 | Zion |
| Shenandoah National Park | $2.00 | $30.00 | Shenandoah |
Helpful Tip: You can bring your America the Beautiful National Park Pass ($80) to get in without paying this entry fee. I highly recommend buying a National Park Pass if you intend to visit more than two national parks over the course of the year. There are multiple purchase options provided here.
2024 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
Bonus! National Parks have certain days throughout the year where there is no admission fee (note timed-entry fees will still be charged). Below I’ve listed all 2025 days when there is no entrance fee to enter the National Parks.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 20, 2025 (third Monday in January)
- First Day of National Park Week: April 19, 2025 (typically starts on the third Saturday of April)
- Juneteenth: June 19, 2025
- The Great American Outdoors Act: There isn’t a specific holiday date for this; however, it was signed into law on August 4, 2020. This date is typically free entry; however, it is best to confirm before traveling.
- National Public Lands Day: September 27, 2025 (last Saturday in September)
- Veterans Day: November 11, 2025
You can confirm these dates are still applicable at this link before you travel.
Quick Guide Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why do these parks require timed entry reservations?
Reservations help manage the number of visitors, reduce environmental impact, and ensure a quality experience for everyone. Although frustrating at times, it is nice that these reservation-based parks have smaller crowds.
2. How far in advance should I make a reservation?
It’s best to make reservations as early as possible, especially during peak seasons. Some locations allow booking several months in advance. I included the time frame to make the relevant reservation within each section above.
3. What happens if I don’t have a reservation?
Without a reservation, you will likely be denied entry. It’s crucial to plan ahead and secure your permits or timed entry slots. I included caveats to the reservation system within each section above in case you forgot to make a reservation.
4. Can I cancel or modify my reservation?
Cancellation and modification policies vary by location. Check each specific reservation site for details on their policies.
5. Are there any fees for making reservations?
Yes, most reservation systems charge a fee, which helps support maintenance and conservation efforts. Each section above describes the cost.
6. What should I bring and pack to National Park?
Always bring essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, appropriate clothing, footwear, a map, and a first aid kit. Check specific guidelines for each location regarding any additional requirements.
Conclusion – National Park Reservations 2025
Securing a timed entry reservation is an essential step for visiting some of the most popular national parks in 2025. By planning ahead and booking your reservation early, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience while helping to preserve these beautiful landscapes for future generations.
Whether you’re hiking the rugged mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park, gazing at the iconic cliffs of Yosemite, or admiring the coastal beauty of Acadia, a little preparation goes a long way in making your trip memorable and hassle-free!
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