Travelers heading to popular national parks this summer will need to secure a reservation before making the trip to avoid being denied entry. The timed entry system is being implemented at various parks across the country to manage the record levels of visitation and spread out visitors more equitably throughout the day. Park officials emphasize that the reservation system is not meant to limit visitation, but rather to manage the influx of visitors to protect the natural habitats of the parks.
While some may see the timed entry system as an inconvenience, it is necessary to prevent long wait times and congestion at park entrances. In the absence of timed tickets, visitors were experiencing up to three-hour delays at popular parks like Mount Rainier National Park near Seattle and Portland. By requiring reservations in advance, park officials hope to alleviate congestion and improve the overall visitor experience.
National parks like Acadia, Arches, Glacier, Haleakalā, Mount Rainier, Rocky Mountain, Shenandoah, Yosemite, and Zion are implementing the timed entry reservation system for popular areas and activities. The reservations typically cost between $1 and $2 per vehicle and must be purchased online ahead of time. Annual passes are available for those who plan to visit multiple parks throughout the year, offering great value for frequent park visitors.
Acadia National Park in Maine requires timed-entry reservations for the popular Cadillac Mountain drive between May 24 and Oct. 22. Arches National Park in Utah mandates reservations for all vehicles entering the park gates between 7am-4pm daily until Oct. 31. Glacier National Park in Montana requires timed-entry bookings between 6am-3pm, with passes selling out quickly. Other parks like Mount Rainier and Rocky Mountain also have specific areas and time slots that require reservations.
Shenandoah National Park still allows uninhibited driving along the scenic parkway, but day-use permits are now required for the popular Old Rag Mountain hike. Yosemite National Park is implementing timed entry restrictions on weekends and holidays between Jun. 30 and Oct. 27, with permits costing $2. Zion National Park has piloted a new permit program for the Angels Landing hiking trail, accessible through Recreation.gov. Lottery registrations for permits cost $6 per party of up to six people, with permits at $3 per person.
Overall, the timed entry reservation system is being put in place to manage the increasing visitor numbers and protect the natural habitats of these iconic national parks. By spreading out visitation throughout the day, parks are hoping to avoid overcrowding and ensure a better experience for all visitors. For those planning a trip to a national park this summer, it is essential to check the reservation requirements for specific parks and activities in advance to avoid any inconvenience or delays.
