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Do You Have a Reservation?
Plan Ahead for These National Parks in 2025
Spring is in full swing, which means it’s time to make plans for that national park summer getaway. Have you asked yourself:
Do I need a reservation?
As our national parks see record attendance, some parks are using an advance reservation system. These reservations are separate from park admission, meaning that you’ll need to reserve a spot for the day you want to visit, on top of paying the admission fee.
For 2025, you’ll need reservations to enter the following parks during popular hours. Click on each park for detailed information.
- Arches National Park
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park (recommended)
- Glacier National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
As of this writing, Yosemite National Park hasn’t announced details, but has required a reservation in recent years.
Some parks don’t require a reservation to enter the park, but require a reservation for a popular area or experience.
- Acadia National Park requires vehicle reservations for Cadillac Mountain from May 21 through October 26.
- Haleakala National Park requires a reservation to enter the Summit District between 3am and 7am, for sunrise at the peak.
- Shenandoah National Park requires a reservation to hike the popular Old Rag Mountain trail.
- Zion National Park requires a reservation, released in a seasonal lottery, to hike Angels Landing.
BONUS TIPS:
For all national parks, you can book your reservation or timed entry at reservation.gov. Expect a small processing fee, and two batches of tickets: one released months in advance, and one a couple days in advance.
Need a backup plan? Some helpful workarounds often include staying inside the park, entering early or late, or using an alternative entrance. So remember to check your park’s website for up-to-date information. And get that vacation squared away!
