National Parks requiring reservations in 2024
“National parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst” – Wallace Stegner (1983).
Over the last few years, people have flocked to U.S. National Parks. To preserve the landscape and beauty of these destinations, the National Park Service is requiring reservations to select national parks in 2024. The good news is that most don’t, but if you’re planning to visit the ones listed below, make sure you plan accordingly.
Arches National Park
Over 1.8 million people visit Arches National Park each year to enjoy the stunning red-rock formations that give the park its name. Starting April 1, 2024, the park will require reservations for entry. Each reservation allows entry within a one hour window, and then you can stay in the park as long as you like. The reservation is free, but there is a $2 processing fee for recreation.gov. Reservations are released three months in advance, so April reservations are already open.
Glacier National Park
While not required for all parts of the park, Glacier National Park is requiring reservations for select high-traffic areas during certain times of the year. Vehicle reservations are required from May 24 through September 8 for the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun road and North Fork. Passes are valid for one day. Going-to-the-Sun road can be accessed from the east side of the park without a vehicle reservation. From July 1 to September 8, vehicle reservations are required for Many Glacier Valley. Each pass is valid for one day.
As you’re planning your trip, note that vehicle reservation is required for entry from 6am to 3pm for all three locations. Entering the park outside of that window does not require a reservation.
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the most-visited national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park requires two timed reservations in 2024. Bear Lake Road Corridor requires a pass. The other will grant entry to the rest of the park. Passes allow entry within a two-hour window without any required exit time. The only cost for this booking is a $2 recreation.gov processing fee. Entry passes are required starting May 24th. Tickets for the first block of entry (May 24 – June 30) are released on May 1.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park welcomes more than 4 million visitors each year. It’s no surprise that Yosemite has to implement reservations to manage traffic and ensure preservation of the park. Reservations will be required on weekends from April 13 to June 30 from 5 a.m. and 4 p.m., every day from July 1 to Aug. 16, and on weekends from August 17 to October 27. Passes are available for a half day or a full day and cost $2.
Reservations went live on January 5th for Yosemite.
Zion National Park
The National Park Service requires reservations to visit and climb Angel’s Landing. Each permit costs $3, and the park uses a lottery system for reservations. Angel’s Landing Lottery.
Haleakala National Park
Maui’s national park requires reservations for the exceptional sunrise views from the summit. Entry for sunrise is from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. Sunrise reservations are available two days in advance of entry on a rolling basis.
Entry to the park after 7 a.m. does not require a reservation.
Acadia National Park
Maine’s only national park requires reservations for Cadillac Summit Road from May 22 through September 27. The National Park Service releases passes in two waves. 30% of reservations will be available 90 days in advance, and 70% will be released two days in advance.
Shenandoah National Park
If you want to hike Old Rag, the most popular hiking trail in Shenandoah, you will need a day-use ticket. Tickets are $1.
Conclusion
America has so much beauty to enjoy, and if any of these spots are on your list, make sure you plan accordingly so you don’t miss out.
We want to hear from you. Do you have any national park trips planned in 2024?
