Going-to-the-Sun Road panorama at sunrise near Logan Pass, Glacier National Park
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Which National Parks Require Reservations in 2025?

ByBram Reusen

NOTE: This overview shows the national parks that required reservations in 2024. It will be updated with information for 2025 in early-January 2025.

If you’re planning your next national park road trip or hiking vacation, you might want to take note of the required reservations in some national parks in 2024.

After another busy year across the National Park Service system, a number of parks will continue their pilot reservation programs in 2024. Others will start updated timed entry or ticket systems to manage peak visitation periods, as well as offering a better national park experience.

Popular national parks that are implementing a reservation system once again include Rocky Mountain, Arches, and Glacier. Those parks will require a timed entry ticket for busy roads and/or areas.

Other parks use other ways to limit visitor use during busy times and in popular areas, such as sunrise viewing areas and/or hiking trails.

In 2024, just like the previous few years, there are several national parks that require reservations of some kind:

  • Acadia National Park, Maine (Cadillac Summit Road)
  • Arches National Park, Utah (entire park)
  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico (self-guided cave tour)
  • Glacier National Park, Montana (Going-to-the-Sun Road, North Fork, and Many Glacier)
  • Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii (sunrise viewing at the summit)
  • Mount Rainier National Park, Washington (Paradise Corridor and Sunrise Corridor)
  • Redwood National and State Parks, California (Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon)
  • Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado (entire park)
  • Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (Old Rag Mountain trails)
  • Yosemite National Park, California (entire park, February and mid-April through the last weekend of October)
  • Zion National Park, Utah (Angels Landing Trail)
National Parks That Require Reservations in 2024 Graphic

This overview of national parks with timed entry reservations in 2024 contains affiliate links. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here.

Which National Parks Require Reservations in 2024?

Note that these advance reservation requirements often apply to just a certain time period, time window, and/or location in the specific park. All are aimed to manage visitation, spread out visitors across larger areas, and protect natural and cultural resources.

I also have to point out that, in addition to these advance reservations in the national parks, you will also need to pay the regular entrance fee. You can do that either when you arrive at the park or get an America the Beautiful Pass beforehand.

I’m a huge fan of the latter, which gives you access to all public lands in America, including national parks, forests, BLM lands, and other federal recreation areas, for a full year. Especially if you regularly visit national parks, or even if you’re going on just one national parks road trip each year, it can save you hundreds of dollars.

Okay, so let’s take a look at which national parks require advance reservations in 2024. They include advance reservation requirements to drive a specific scenic road, hike a certain trail, and/or access a particular area within a national park.

For more detailed information about each park and its reservation policies, requirements and system, I’ve included a link to the national park’s website.

NOTE: This overview of national parks that require reservations in 2024 is up-to-date, but it’s possible that more parks will be added in the near future. As soon as a particular park releases its reservation system for 2024, the list will be updated.

Acadia National Park

Views of Frechman Bay and Bar Harbor from Cadillac Mountain summit, Acadia National Park
Image credit: Bram Reusen

Like some other national parks across the nation, Maine’s Acadia National Park has a seasonal reservation program that limits traffic on its busiest road. Specifically, this concerns the Cadillac Summit Road.

According to the National Park Service, “Acadia is among the top ten most popular national parks in the United States, with more than 4 million visitors a year.” The vast majority of those visitors visit the park in the summer or fall.

“Visitation has surged 60 percent in a decade, leading to severe crowding at many park destinations,” the Park Service said. So in order to combat overcrowding issues, Acadia National Park has implemented a seasonal reservation system for the popular Cadillac Summit Road.

A spur road off of the Park Loop Road, the 3-mile Cadillac Summit Road leads to the top of the highest mountain on the Eastern Seaboard. It’s one of the park’s most popular places and is particularly crowded at sunrise.

Vehicle reservations are required for the Cadillac Summit Road from May 22 through October 27, 2024. Thirty percent of reservations are available 90 days prior to the reservation date, while the other seventy percent is available at 10 am ET two days prior to the reservation date.

Reservations can only be made in advance at Recreation.gov. They are not available for purchase in the park itself. Two types are available: Cadillac Summit Road Sunrise Reservations and Cadillac Summit Road Daytime Reservations.

Note that you do not need a reservation to visit other places in Acadia National Park.

More About Acadia National Park

Arches National Park

Arches National Park timed entry reservations
Image credit: Bram Reusen

One of many national parks that saw visitation numbers skyrocket in recent years, popular Arches National Park will continue its timed entry reservation system in 2024, starting on April 1.

Visitation to Arches National Park grew 73 percent between 2011 and 2021, nearing 2 million people annually, the National Park Service says. This increase was concentrated during certain hours, causing congestion at key park destinations, reduced visitor enjoyment, and increased resource damage.

During times of peak congestion prior to implementing the vehicle reservation pilots, the park had to temporarily close its gates until crowding lessened, resulting in many visitors being unable to enter the park at their preferred time or at all.

The vehicle reservation pilots in 2022 and 2023 were successful in reducing congestion, improving visitor experiences, providing reliable access, and distributing visitation throughout the day. Visitors arriving with the appropriate vehicle reservation and park pass were guaranteed entry to the park during the pilots.

“We received many positive comments from people who enjoyed the guaranteed arrival time and reduced congestion they experienced during the 2023 vehicle reservation pilot,” said Arches National Park Acting Superintendent Brendan Bray.

“A repeat pilot program in 2024 will help us learn more about how such systems can provide visitors with the opportunity for enjoyable experiences while protecting the extraordinary landscapes they come to see,” Bray added.

Program parameters will be the same as the 2023 pilot. Visitors can book reservations on a first-come first-served basis through Recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. MST on January 2, 2024.

Reservations will be released three months in advance in monthly blocks. For example, on January 2, reservations will open for the month of April. On February 1, reservations will open for the month of May and unreserved times in April will remain open.

Additional months will continue the same pattern according to the following schedule:   

  • April reservations (April 1–30) open January 2 at 8 a.m. MST. 
  • May reservations (May 1–31) open February 1 at 8 a.m. MST. 
  • June reservations (June 1–30) open March 1 at 8 a.m. MST. 
  • July reservations (July 1–31) open April 1 at 8 a.m. MDT. 
  • August reservations (August 1–31) open May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT. 
  • September reservations (September 1–30) open June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT. 
  • October reservations (October 1–31) open July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT. 
Views of The Windows area and La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park
Image credit: Bram Reusen

After booking a reservation, visitors will receive a timed entry ticket. Timed entry tickets will allow visitors to enter during a one-hour specified window of availability between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

After entering, visitors may stay in the park for the remainder of the day. Ticket holders may exit and re-enter the park on the same day with a correctly validated ticket. The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.

For those without early reservations, a limited number of additional tickets will be released at 7 p.m. MDT each day for park visits the following day.

Tickets must be booked online or by calling Recreation.gov before entering the park and will not be available at the park entrance. Tickets book up quickly, especially for morning arrival times, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead.

It’s also worth noting that timed entry tickets will not be required for visitors who have camping permits, backcountry permits, Fiery Furnace permits or tour tickets, special use permits, concessions contracts, or commercial use authorizations.

More About Arches National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Temple of the Sun in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico - Image credit NPS Peter Jones
Image credit: NPS / Peter Jones

New Mexico’s amazing Carlsbad Caverns National Park requires timed entry tickets to enter the cave. All tickets must be reserved in advance.

Timed entry reservations for Carlsbad Caverns are available 30 days in advance and up to 5 a.m. MT on the day of the tour. It’s not possible to make same-day reservations after 5 a.m. MT. Please note that both children and adults need a timed entry ticket, so make sure to account for every person in your party.

Carlsbad Caverns timed entry tickets are based on a 60-minute entry window. So, for example, if you select a 9:30 a.m. reservation time, you can enter the cave between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. After entering the cave, you can spend as much time in there as you like. Note, however, that the last cave entry is at 2:30 p.m.

Visitors can reserve timed entry tickets for Carlsbad Caverns on Recreation.gov, which is where more information is available, too.

Glacier National Park

Going-to-the-Sun Road panorama at sunrise near Logan Pass, Glacier National Park
Image credit: Bram Reusen

Glacier National Park will implement a pilot vehicle reservation system in 2024, beginning May 24 for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork and on July 1 for Many Glacier.

“Our balanced approach for the 2024 pilot reflects feedback from Tribes, the public, partners, and stakeholders, particularly regarding access to the Apgar Village area and Two Medicine,” said Glacier National Park Superintendent Dave Roemer. “We also heard that knowing what park operations and access will look like sooner, rather than later, is important.”

West Entrance

One reservation per vehicle will be required to travel Going-to-the-Sun Road beyond the Apgar Village area from May 24 through September 8, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can enter before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without a vehicle reservation.

New in 2024, vehicle reservations will be valid for one day only, down from three days in 2023. Data from 2023 indicates that only two percent of three-day reservations were used for all three days. By changing to a one-day reservation, consistent with other park areas, a greater number of reservations can be made available.

Also new in 2024, visitors will be able to access Apgar Village amenities, including the Apgar Visitor Center and the western shore of Lake McDonald, without a vehicle reservation.

Lodging, camping (including front country developed campgrounds and backcountry camping permits), transportation, or commercial activity reservations originating in Apgar will no longer provide access beyond the Apgar filter check point.

North Fork

One reservation per vehicle will be required at the entrance station May 24 through September 8, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are good for one day. Visitors can enter before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without a vehicle reservation. There are no changes in the North Fork from 2023.

Swiftcurrent Lake at Many Glacier, Glacier National Park
Image credit: Bram Reusen

Many Glacier Valley

One reservation per vehicle will be required at the entrance station July 1 through September 8, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are good for one day. Visitors can enter the valley before 6 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without a vehicle reservation. There are no changes in Many Glacier from 2023.

St. Mary

Also new in 2024, visitors will be able to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side beyond Rising Sun without a vehicle reservation. Visitors will also have access to the St. Mary Visitor Center and shuttle stop on the east side of Glacier National Park, as in 2023.

“We will be testing vehicle reservations proactively in areas where congestion most frequently occurs – the North Fork, Many Glacier, and through the West Entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road – and will take a wait-and-see approach at other locations and manage adaptively if needed,” said Roemer. “In all locations, our goal is to learn how effective these systems are at improving visitor experiences and protecting park resources.”

2024 Glacier National Park Vehicle Reservations Map - Image credit: NPS
Image credit: NPS

Vehicle Reservations and Entrance Passes

Vehicle reservations will be available on Recreation.gov, the Recreation.gov mobile app, or the Recreation.gov Call Center (Reservation Line: 877-444-6777).

Each of the specified areas of the park will require a separate reservation. Visitors will need to set up an account on Recreation.gov to obtain reservations. The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.

Pursuant to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978, vehicle reservations are not required for tribal members throughout the park.

Vehicle reservations will be available through two booking windows.    

  • A portion of reservations will be available 120 days or approximately four months in advance, starting on January 25, 2024, at 8 a.m. MST on a rolling basis on Recreation.gov.
  • New in 2024, the remaining vehicle reservations will be available at 7 p.m. MDT for next-day entry starting on May 23, 2024.

In addition to a vehicle reservation, each vehicle entering the park is required to have an entrance pass for any entry point into the park.

These passes could include any of the following: a $35 vehicle pass, good for seven days; a valid Interagency Annual/Lifetime Pass; or a Glacier National Park Annual Pass. A vehicle reservation does not include an entrance pass, and the park entrance pass does not serve as a vehicle reservation.

Like previous years, visitors with lodging, camping, transportation, or commercial activity reservations within the specified reservation areas can use proof of their reservation for entry in lieu of a Recreation.gov reservation to gain access to the portion of the park for which they have a reservation.

As in past years, entry will be temporarily restricted in areas of the park that become too congested for visitor safety and resource protection. Parking at Logan Pass, Apgar Village, and other areas may be unavailable.

Highline Trail and Going-to-the-Sun Road panorama on Logan Pass, Glacier National Park
Image credit: Bram Reusen

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of free shuttles for hiker access to Logan Pass although waits for shuttles may be long depending on the time and location. They are also encouraged to plan their visit outside of peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Visitors with service reservations (e.g., boat tours, lodging, horseback ride, guided hikes) in these areas will be permitted entry during temporary restrictions.

Future visitors are encouraged to check the park website frequently for updates and additional information.

This will be the fourth year of piloting vehicle reservations in the park. The pilots help test the effectiveness of different approaches to manage high traffic volumes within the park while delivering quality visitor experiences.

  • 2024 Glacier National Park vehicle reservation period: May 24 through September 8, 2024 (Going-to-the-Sun Road West Entrance and North Fork) and July 1 through September 8, 2024 (Many Glacier)
  • Reservation cost (not including regular park entrance fee): $2
  • More information about Going-to-the-Sun Road reservations: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/vehicle-reservations.htm

More About Glacier National Park

Haleakalā National Park

Sunset at Haleakala Summit, Maui, Hawaii
Image credit: Bram Reusen

The mighty Haleakalā volcano dominates the eastern part of Maui, Hawaii. The highest point on the island, it offers epic hiking, stunning moon-like landscapes and—most popular of all—unforgettable sunrise viewing.

Watching the sunrise at the summit of Haleakalā is easily one of the park’s top things to do.

It’s so popular, in fact, that the park requires all visitors to get make a reservation ahead of time. This is to offer visitors the best possible experience during sunrise hours (3 a.m. to 7 a.m.), as well as to protect natural and cultural resources.

You can purchase your Haleakalā sunrise ticket on Recreation.gov. They cost $1 per vehicle.

Besides that 4-hour window around sunrise, you don’t need a reservation to enter and explore Haleakalā National Park at any other time of the day. So, it’s possible to enjoy the sunset at Haleakalā without any restrictions or ticket requirements.

More About Haleakalā National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Myrtle Falls, Mount Rainier National Park Skyline Trail Loop, Washington
Image credit: Bram Reusen

For the first time in its history, Mount Rainier National Park will also implement a reservation system in the summer of 2024.

“Mount Rainier National Park visitors will need a reservation to enter the park through the Nisqually, Stevens Canyon, and Sunrise/White River entrance stations during peak hours during summer 2024,” the park said in a statement.

“In recent years, it’s been too common for visitors to sit in idling cars for a couple of hours at the entrance stations and then make laps through the parking lots hoping for an empty parking space,” said Superintendent Greg Dudgeon. “We are testing a system that will spread visitation out throughout the day and season to reduce crowding.”

Park visitors will need a reservation between 7 am and 3 pm to:

  • Enter the Paradise Corridor from either the Nisqually Entrance via State Route 706 or Stevens Canyon Entrance via State Route 123 from May 24 through September 2.
  • Enter the Sunrise Corridor at the White River Entrance via State Route 410 from July 3 through September 2.

Reservations can be made using Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Dates through July will be available on Recreation.gov beginning Feb. 21, 2024, for the Paradise Corridor and April 1, 2024, for the Sunrise Corridor.

Mount Rainier National Park Timed Entry Reservation Areas - Image credit: NPS
Image credit: NPS

Mount Rainier National Park reservations for dates in August through Labor Day open on May 1. In addition to the reservations available up to three months ahead, a block of reservations will be released each day through the summer at 7 pm for use the following day.

Each reservation is for one personal vehicle and will cost $2. The reservation will provide a two-hour entry window. For instance, visitors with a 9 am reservation could enter Mount Rainier National Park between 9 am and 11 am. There is no required departure time.

Mount Rainier National Park reservations are valid for one day.

Reflection Lakes, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State
Image credit: Bram Reusen

No reservations are required for entry before 7 am or after 3 pm. Visitors with in-park reservations for lodging or camping in one of the two corridors will not require an additional timed entry reservation and can enter that corridor any time after 1 pm on the first day of their reservation and throughout their stay.

Other permit holders may enter the park without reservations as outlined in their wilderness permit, special use permit, research permit, or commercial use authorization.

  • 2024 Mount Rainier National Park timed entry reservation period: May 24 through September 2 for the Paradise Corridor; July 3 through September 2 for the Sunrise Corridor
  • Reservation cost (not including regular entrance fee for the area): $2
  • More information about Mount Rainier National Park timed entry reservations: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservations.htm

More About Mount Rainier National Park

Redwood National and State Parks

Gold Bluffs Beach Campground morning sunshine, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
Image credit: Bram Reusen

According to the National Park Service, “the Gold Bluffs Beach Day Use-area and Fern Canyon is one of the most visited areas within Redwood National and State Parks. Unrestricted access to this location during peak summer months has caused public safety concerns and an increase in resource damage.”

So, in order to mitigate the effects of overuse and overcrowding, visitors will need a permit to enter all locations within the Gold Bluffs Beach Day-use Area for a few months in 2024.

The implementation of a permit system allows Redwood National and State Parks to provide a high-quality visitor experience by reducing overcrowding  in parking lots and trail systems.

In addition, a permit system during peak summer months also ensures the protection of natural resources while providing adequate access for Law Enforcement and Emergency Services to provide responses during emergencies.

“Fern Canyon, with its cascading walls of several species of ferns in all shades of green, captures the hearts and imaginations of thousands of visitors every year,” said Erin Gates, Deputy Superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks and North Coast Redwoods District, California State Parks.

“Redwood National and State Parks is responsible for ensuring that the experience that visitors have today is consistent with the experience that visitors have been able to experience in the past. We feel that this pilot permit program will accomplish this, allowing for the legacy of our park lands to be enjoyed in perpetuity for current and future generations.”

Gold Bluffs Beach Day-use area and Fern Canyon permits are required from May 15 to September 15, 2024.

Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, California
Image credit: Bram Reusen

It’s worth noting that people hiking to the popular Fern Canyon area via the James Irvine Trail from the Prairie Creek Visitor Center do not need a permit. Visitors with a reservation for the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, incidentally one of our favorite national park campgrounds, do not need a permit either.

Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon permits are free of charge. They are available online only on the website of Redwood Parks Conservancy.

It is important to note, however, that there is also a separate day-use fee of $12 (cash or check only), which is charged upon entry to the Gold Bluffs Beach area—or visitors can use their California State Parks or America the Beautiful passes to enter as well.

  • 2024 Redwood National and State Parks Gold Bluffs Beach Day-use Area reservation period: May 15 to September 15
  • Reservation cost (not including regular entrance fee for the area): free
  • More information about Redwood National and State Parks’ Gold Bluffs Beach and Fern Canyon permit reservations: https://www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/ferncanyonpermits.htm

More About Redwood National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry reservations
Image credit: Bram Reusen

One of the most popular U.S. national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park was the first national park in the country to implement a temporary timed entry permit in 2020 to reduce visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In subsequent years, Rocky Mountain National Park management introduced a new pilot temporary timed entry reservation system, which it will continue in 2024 as well.

The park experienced a 44 percent increase in visitation from 2012 to 2019. In 2021, the park received 4.4 million visits. Even with a vehicle reservation timed entry system in place, Rocky Mountain National Park received some of the highest visitation in its history.

“Between 2016 and 2023, the park piloted several day-use visitor management strategies to address crowding, congestion, and impacts on park resources. These pilots have demonstrated this strategy is effective at easing congestion impacts and improved the visitor experience in the park,” the park said in a statement.

In 2024, Rocky Mountain National Park will continue that system, requiring visitors to have timed entry reservations to enter (parts of) the park from May 24 through October 20.

The pilot reservation program is similar to that used in the previous year. Visitors can choose between two types of timed entry reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park in 2024.

  • Bear Lake Road Corridor: includes the whole corridor and access to the rest of the park, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Rest of the park: all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, except for the Bear Lake Road Corridor, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Panoramic View of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Image credit: Bram Reusen

Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability, with no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park.

The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a $2 recreation.gov processing fee. The Bear Lake Road Corridor timed entry reservation system will continue through Sunday, October 20. However, the rest of the park reservation system will end on Tuesday, October 15.

Reservations to enter the park will be available through Recreation.gov following the below schedule.   

  • May and June reservations (May 24-June 30) open May 1 at 8 a.m. MT.
  • July reservations (July 1-31) open June 1 (also includes any remaining days that have not been booked for June).
  • August reservations (August 1-31) open July 1 (also includes any remaining days that have not been booked for July).
  • September reservations (September 1-30) open August 1 (also includes any remaining days that have not been booked for August).
  • October reservations (October 1-20) open September 1 (also includes any remaining days that have not been booked for September).

Modifications from the 2023 pilot system to the 2024 pilot system include making the night before reservations available at 7 p.m. MT through Recreation.gov, rather than 5 p.m. These are expected to run out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible.

  • 2024 Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry reservation period: May 24 through October 20, 2024 (Bear Lake Road Corridor), May 24 through October 15, 2024 (rest of the park)
  • Reservation cost (not including regular park entrance fee): $2
  • More information about entry permit reservations in Rocky Mountain National Park: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm

More About Rocky Mountain National Park

Shenandoah National Park

Summit of Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park
Image credit: Bram Reusen

“Following a two-year pilot program, Shenandoah National Park will implement a permanent ticketing system to access Old Rag Mountain from March through November,” the park said in a statement.

The system will improve visitor enjoyment, address congestion and public safety concerns, and better protect the landscape, including sensitive species, along the extremely popular trail.

The decision to implement a permanent system follows a multiyear pilot program and an extensive public engagement process that included visitor use data collection and analysis, public comment periods, and public meetings.

The permanent Old Rag day-use ticket system in Shenandoah National Park will closely follow the pilot program. Beginning March 1, 2024, all visitors are required to have a day-use ticket, in addition to a park entrance pass, to access the Old Rag area.

See the map below for the precise area where day-use tickets will be required.

Map of the Day-Use Ticket Area at Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park - Image credit: NPS
Image credit: NPS

“We appreciate the public input received as we tested management options,” said Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Pat Kenney. “We feel confident that this system has improved the visitor experience on Old Rag, reduced impacts on the area’s ecosystem, and is a good long-term solution.”

Day-use tickets for Old Rag Mountain for the 2024 season will be available starting February 17, 2024, at 10 am. Tickets cost $2.00.

Half of the revenue created will pay for the administrative costs of the program, and half will be used toward visitor and resource protection.

A total of 800 tickets will be available each day from March 1 to November 30; 400 will be released 30 days in advance, and the remaining 400 will be released five days in advance.

Hikers are encouraged to reserve their tickets before arriving on Recreation.gov. Tickets are valid for the day of arrival only and are not transferable. A day-use ticket does not guarantee a parking spot, and entrance fees still apply in addition to the day-use ticket.

  • 2024 Shenandoah National Park Old Rag Day-Use Permit period: March 1 through November 30
  • Reservation cost (not including regular park entrance fee): $2
  • More information about Old Rag Day-Use Reservations in Shenandoah National Park: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/faqs-oldrag.htm

More About Shenandoah National Park

Yosemite National Park

Merced River valley in Yosemite National Park, California - Image credit NPS
Image credit: NPS

In 2024, Yosemite National Park will have not one, but two separate reservation systems. One for weekends and holidays in February (Horsetail Fall sunset phenomenon) and the other from mid-May through the last weekend of October (peak visitor season). See below for details on each entry reservation program.

Yosemite National Park Reservations for February 2024

One of the most popular annual events in the National Park System, the orange sunset glow of Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall attracts massive crowds to the park each February.

This entirely natural phenomenon is reminiscent of the historic and man-made “firefall” that used to take place from Glacier Point. The Horsetail Fall glow occurs from mid- to late-February and only on evenings with clear skies and provided that Horsetail Fall is flowing in the first place, which it usually does in winter.

In 2024, due to the increasing popularity of this spectacular event, Yosemite National Park is implementing a temporary entrance reservation system through February.

In order to manage this event, a reservation will be required to enter Yosemite National Park on the weekends of February 10–11, February 17–19, and February 24–25, 2024, even for those not visiting Horsetail Fall.

Visitors who arrive Mondays through Fridays (except Monday, February 19) won’t need a reservation. The $35/car entrance fee is valid for entry for seven days, regardless of day of arrival.

Beginning at 8 am Pacific time on December 1, 50% of day-use reservations are available for all three weekends on Recreation.gov.

Beginning at 8 am Pacific time two days prior to a day-use reservation date, the remaining 50% of day-use reservations will be available. For example, on February 23 at 8 am, day-use reservations for February 25 will be available.

Each user can make one reservation per seven days. An occupant of the arriving vehicle must be the reservation holder (with photo ID). The reservation is then valid for seven consecutive days (including arrival date).

Reservations are taken almost immediately. Be sure to have an account and be logged in and ready to get a reservation promptly at 8 am Pacific time.

The non-refundable reservation fee is $2. You will pay the entrance fee (or show an annual or lifetime pass) when you arrive..

Cancelled reservations become available immediately on Recreation.gov.

Each user can make one reservation per day. Only one reservation is needed per vehicle (regardless of the number of people in the vehicle). An occupant of the arriving vehicle must be the reservation holder (with photo ID).

Day-use permits are valid for seven consecutive days for unlimited entries.

If, however, you have a reservation for one of the following, you do not need an additional reservation. You do, however, still have to pay the $35/car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only) unless you have an annual or lifetime pass.

The overnight vehicle permit you receive will be valid for seven consecutive days for unlimited entries. Your overnight vehicle permit is valid for seven days starting on the date of your campground or lodging reservation.

  • 2024 Yosemite National Park Horsetail Fall reservation period: Weekends in February 2024
  • Reservation cost (not including regular park entrance fee): $2
  • More information about Yosemite National Park Horsetail Fall reservations: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm
Waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, California - Credit NPS Damon Joyce
Image credit: NPS / Damon Joyce

Yosemite National Park Reservations for Summer 2024

In 2024, Yosemite National Park is announcing a “Peak Hours Plus” 2024 vehicle reservation pilot system for park entry on the following dates:

  • On weekends and holidays from April 13 to June 30
  • Every day from July 1 to August 16
  • On weekends on holidays from August 17 to October 27

This system will be similar to the 2022 “Peak Hours” system, with the addition of more reservations for afternoon entries.

Park officials say the goal of the pilot is to ease overcrowding during peak times and continue to offer access for all to this extremely popular park.

“This summer’s pilot system is built from extensive public feedback, data from three years of pilot reservation systems here in Yosemite, and lessons learned from other national parks,” said Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. “This pilot system will inform how we ensure an equitable and outstanding visitor experience while protecting Yosemite’s world class resources.”

Reservations will be required for vehicle entry to the park between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the reservation periods.

Reservations are not required to enter the park after 4 p.m. Visitors will pick from two types of reservations:

  1. Reservations valid for a full day, or
  2. Reservations valid for entry any time after noon.  

Yosemite National Park entry reservations will be available for purchase online beginning at 8 a.m. (PST) on January 5, 2024, for all arrival dates (April 13 to October 20) at recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745.

Reservations will be available until none remain. Afternoon arrivals and additional full day reservations will be added one week in advance. For example, reservations for a September 30 arrival date will be added on September 23.   

Both reservation types (full day and afternoon) are valid for up to three consecutive days, including the arrival date.

It’s also worth noting that visitors with in-park lodging or campground reservations, wilderness or Half Dome permits, or visitors entering the park via YARTS buses and on permitted commercial tours do not need a vehicle reservation.

Superintendent Muldoon noted that these pilots are a key part of learning and evaluating what strategies could best ensure that the long-term solution at Yosemite provides visitors and surrounding communities access to the outstanding resources of the park while protecting resources and providing high quality experiences for the future.

2024 Yosemite National Park Vehicle Entry Reservation Dates 2024

More About Yosemite National Park

Zion National Park

Angels Landing, Zion National Park hikes
Image credit: Bram Reusen

Another ultra-popular national park that’s been forced to implement a pilot permit lottery program is Zion National Park, one of the most visited and renowned national parks in Utah.

Just like last year, this program does not cover the entire park in 2024, though, but focuses on one particular trail: the world-famous Angels Landing Trail.

“Issuing permits is something we did after substantial public input, and it has been effective,” Jeff Bradybaugh, Zion National Park Superintendent said. “[Through] 2023, park rangers will continue recording data and enhancing the pilot program to maximize the number of people making the hike while minimizing crowding and congestion on this half-mile, perennially popular trail.”

Since the pilot program started on April 1, 2022, Zion National Park issued hundreds of thousands of permits to hikers. Hikers report the program is succeeding at reducing crowding and congestion on the last half mile of trail from Scout Lookout to Angels Landing.

Map of the Hiking Permit Reservations for Angels Landing in Zion National Park in 2024 - Image credit: NPS
Image credit: NPS

The Angels Landing hiking permit will be required for all people who are planning to hike Angels Landing through all of 2024 and up until February 28, 2025. You can apply for a permit on Recreation.gov.

The tickets for the Angels Landing winter seasonal lottery (through February 29, 2024) have all been reserved at this point. However, these are the other seasonal lottery dates for Angels Landing permits in 2024:

2024 Angels Landing Permit Lottery Dates

In addition to these dates, hikers can also apply the day before hikes to get a permit for Angels Landing.

Hikers must be able to show their Angels Landing hiking permit at all times while on the trail.

  • 2023-2024 Zion Angels Landing hiking permit reservation period: March 1, 2023 through February 28, 2025
  • Reservation cost (not including regular park entrance fee): $6 application fee, plus $3 per person if you get a permit
  • More information about Angels Landing permits in Zion National Park: https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking-permits.htm

More About Zion National Park

Based in Oregon, Bram is the founder and CEO of The National Parks Experience.

For well over a decade, he has been passionate about America's national parks, forests, and other public lands. Bram is an avid landscape photographer, wildlife enthusiast, as well as an experienced hiker and cyclist.

His love for U.S. national parks keeps bringing him to some of the nation's most spectacular places, where he enjoys camping, stargazing, exploring trails, and immersing himself in the great outdoors in a multitude of ways.

Bram is an expert on all things related to America's national parks and is on a mission to visit all National Park Service sites. He documents this fascinating and incredibly fulfilling journey on this website.

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39 Comments

  1. Hi,
    I was searching about Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations, and I landed on this blog & I got all my doubts clear, now I will used read all your future posts when it is posted. Thank You Keep traveling & keep smiling.

    Reply

  4. Thanks, we are headed to glacier and Yellowstone in July. I am trying to get the ticketed entry for glacier, but it looks like I don’t need anything like that for Yellowstone. Is that correct? And tell me your favorite things in both parks. We are seniors and really don’t do much hiking. Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hey Jane, thanks for your comment! You are absolutely correct: you do not need ticketed entry for Yellowstone this summer. As far as activities go, you could spend a week in Yellowstone just driving around and seeing its top sights within doing any hiking at all. The geyser boardwalks are a must-do, though! Here are some suggestions:

      – Mammoth Hot Springs: Lower Terraces boardwalk, tour Fort Yellowstone, see the Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner
      – Northeast: spend a day driving through the Lamar Valley and spot bison, pronghorn, bears and, if you’re lucky, wolves
      – Norris: walk the two geyser basin boardwalks
      – Old Faithful: explore Geyser Hill, see Old Faithful erupt
      – Grand Canyon: drive both the North and South Rim drives, there are several amazing viewpoints

      For Glacier National Park, there are also lots of fun things to do besides hiking:

      – Going-to-the-Sun Road: plenty of scenery, stops and overlooks to enjoy all along the road, boat tour on St Mary Lake
      – Many Glacier: take a boat tour on Swiftcurrent Lake and Lake Josephine

      I hope this helps!

      Reply

  5. I have been trying to get ticketed entry in to Glacier National Park for months. When you look at their calendar the entire Summer is booked, is this possible? Planning on being in Montanan 6/19 would like to get in that week

    Reply

    1. Hi Terri. Yes, basically all of the entry reservation tickets to Glacier National Park that have been released so far, are gone. However, remember that only 3/4 of all available tickets for each day are released 60 days in advance (those will all be gone). The 1/4 of remaining tickets are released 2 days in advance, on a rolling day window.

      So, if you’re planning on being there on 6/19, I would strongly recommend trying to grab a Going-to-the-Sun Road ticket at 8 am MDT on 6/17. Additionally, those entry reservation tickets are valid for 7 days, so it might even be worth it to get one for a day or two before you plan to arrive (if you’re not spending an entire week on the Going-to-the-Sun Road). As long as your visit falls within that 7-day entry window, you’ll be fine. Alternatively, you do not need a reservation ticket for other areas in the park, such as Many Glacier and Two Medicine, which are among the park’s most beautiful places.

      Reply

      1. @Paul cadovius,
        Actually, the GTTSR ticket is in addition to any other national park pass you may have, including senior passes. So, even if you have a senior national park pass (or an American the Beautiful Pass), you would still need a GTTSR ticket to enter the park during peak hours.

        Reply

    4. @Terri, We made a last minute decision to visit Glacier last year and had to go online to get one of those last minute tickets. We started 5 days before to get tickets. They are good for 7 days and you don’t have to show up on the first day the ticket is good. You have to be signed up on recreation.gov a head of time, the ticket will cost $2.00 for the entry. You have to be fast at the exact minute they. get released and you have to refresh your screen often as TONS of people are trying for the same tickets. We tried for several days before my husband and I each got one on different days but it was frustrating to try each day and not get one. You can go in after 5 pm with no ticket, The going to the sun road is the best part and is much less crowded at that time. We drove it a couple days and the later in the day the better. You can go in early too without a ticket and if you want to hike and not get a ticket that is what you have to do. Flathead lake is beautiful and the boat tour if worth it. Whitefish, MT is great too. Be sure you have hotel reservations as they are a fortune too at the last minute. Lots to do in the area for sure.

      Reply

  6. Thank you so much for the information. We are headed to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons soon. I saw your reply regarding Yellowstone and no reservations required. How about Grand Tetons? My nephew is under the impression we will need them for certain areas. We do have car passes for both areas, not sure if we will need anything else. Thanks in advance:)

    Reply

  7. We have lodging reservations at Lake McDonald cabins for August, 2021. Will we need to purchase a ticket for the GTSR or we covered since we have lodging reservations? Thank You,

    Reply

    1. Hi Lou, if you have reservations at Lake McDonald, you won’t need any other reservation tickets to drive the GTTSR. Make sure to print your accommodation reservation, though, because you’ll need to show it when entering the park.

      Reply

  8. Hi!
    Last min decision to go to Acadia, in your blog, it says we need tickets sunrise to sunset. Of course there are no available tickets for me to purchase as this was a spur of the moment decision. Does this mean we’re ok without tickets if we get there BEFORE sunrise and AFTER sunset? Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi Kimberley! You only need tickets for the Cadillac Summit Road, all other areas in the park can be visited without a reservation.

      The “sunrise” reservations are for a 2-hour window around sunrise (in July between 3.30 and 5.30 am, in August between 4 am and 6 am), so you won’t be able to enter the Summit Road before sunrise. You should, however, be able to go there after sunset (in July after 8.30 pm, in August after 8 pm). Also, you should know that 70% of tickets are released two days ahead at 10 am ET. You might get lucky and grab one of them if you can be online at that time. The link to the park’s website in the blog post has more details about the reservation process.

      Enjoy your trip, it’s a beautiful place!

      Reply

    2. @Bram,

      Hi! I read your article with interest. Thank you for all the important information you provided. I don’t see Sequoia National Park on your list. I plan to visit there this year in early June. Will I need to get a reservation to visit? Thank you, Debbie

      Reply

  9. You mentioned “People who’ve already booked an activity in the park, however, do not need a timed entry reservation. They can use their activity booking confirmation to enter the park, including those for backcountry access, camping, special use and the Fiery Furnace.” What other activities in Arches are available in order to book for entry?

    Reply

    1. Hello Cole. This is what the Arches National Park website says: “Timed Entry Tickets will not be required for those with camping, backcountry, Fiery Furnace, or special use permits; nor those with concessions contracts, commercial use authorizations, or academic fee waivers.” Special use permits include permits for things like commercial photography or videography, scattering ashes, First Amendment events and weddings.

      Reply

  11. While I have no objection to the use of timed entry permits, I find that there is limited information on modifying a permit. I requested a permit for June 2 entry into Arches but all they had was a 12:00pm entry although multiple timed permits were indicated on the web site. Unfortunately, the permit I received was one day too soon and I have not been able to contact anyone to move the date to June 2. I believe a detailed explanation on modifying reservation should be included on the web site. I presume that if I contact recreation.gov at 6:00 pm on June 1, I can procure a timed entry ticket for June 3. Please confirm that that is possible.

    My reservation order number is 0403323847

    Reply

    1. Hello Johno. I’m sorry you’re having a bad experience with the new timed entry system at Arches National Park. It’s a pilot program, so I’m sure there are many other people with the same problem. According to the Arches page on Recreation.gov, it should be possible to modify the date and time of a timed entry reservation (https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088426?tab=fees), although they don’t explain how to do that. Modifications are only possible if other times are available, though. If you want to get a ticket for June 3, you should try to get one at 6:00 pm on June 2, not on June 1 (https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservation.htm).

      Reply

  12. Very sad we will likely not get to visit Glacier due to timed entry. As of today, the calendar shows no availability at all. This was a last minute trip for us to see relatives in Salt Lake and we decided to head north afterward since we would be relatively close. It’s doubtful we would be able to make another trip next year or whenever tickets are available. It’s one of those cases where we would have preferred to take our chances waiting in line. Seems pointless to even head that direction after Yellowstone.

    Reply

    1. Hi! While you do need a Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation during peak hours, you do not need one before 6 am or after 4pm. In early summer, it might be worth driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road after 4 pm, unless you’re planning to do long hikes. It’s still possible to enjoy Glacier even without a reservation. Both the Two Medicine and Many Glacier areas, for example, don’t require any reservations and are arguably the park’s most beautiful places.

      Reply

  13. Hello.

    Do the Red Bus people take care of any reservation tickets we would need to take their tours? We have the Senior Pass. Thanks.

    Reply

    1. Hello Bob. If you have a Red Bus tour reservation, you do not need a separate Going-to-the-Sun Road reservation ticket. It is included in the tour.

      Reply

  14. As I review this list it looks like I don’t need a timed ticket to the Badland or wind cave in July 23

    Reply

    1. That is correct, Sandy! Neither Badlands nor Wind Cave requires a timed entry ticket (you may need advance reservations to tour Wind Cave, though).

      Reply

  15. Helpful website and love the graphics of the regional national park list and month to visit!! I didn’t see Acadia on this list for reservations required… I believe you need a reservation to drive Cadillac Summit Road from May to Oct, correct?

    Reply

  16. Thanks for all the information! Heard Mt Ranier was taking comments about instituting reservations this year 2024 but can’t find any final decision. Do you have any information on this?

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome! Yes, Mount Rainier management has been considering implementing some kind of reservation system for the summer of 2024, but nothing has been decided/finalized quite yet. More information will be added to this overview as soon as they do.

      Reply

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