Americans love their national parks — maybe a little too much.
Crowded conditions are overwhelming some of these natural treasures, leading to everything from traffic jams to unsafe conditions for wildlife.
The National Park Service has responded to these alarming developments by instituting a system of reservations at some parks. This means you will have to plan your visit in advance.
The upside of this inconvenience will hopefully be a less packed, more enjoyable experience for all.
Following are some of the national parks where reservations are necessary at least some of the time or in particular locations.
Acadia National Park
Where this park is located: Maine
When reservations are required to visit this park in 2023: May 24-Oct. 22 for those driving Cadillac Summit Road.
How to learn more: Visit Acadia National Park’s “Permits & Reservations” webpage.
Arches National Park
Where this park is located: Utah
When reservations are required to visit this park in 2023: April 1-Oct. 31
Tickets are released on a first-come, first-served basis three months in advance, typically on the first of the month at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. For instance, August reservations will be available beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on May 1.
Visitors may enter the park without a reservation before 7 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
How to learn more: Visit Arches National Park’s “Make Your Reservation” webpage.
Glacier National Park
Where this park is located: Montana
When reservations are required to visit this park in 2023:
- May 26 through Sept. 10 (from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for Going-to-the-Sun Road westside entrances and the North Fork
- July 1 through Sept. 10 (from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for east side entrances, including Many Glacier, Two Medicine and Going-to-the-Sun Road from Rising Sun
How to learn more: Visit Glacier National Park’s “Vehicle Reservations” webpage.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Where this park is located: North Carolina and Tennessee
When reservations are required to visit this park in 2023: Reservations may be necessary for anyone who wants to spend a night in the park.
How to learn more: Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s “Permits & Reservations” webpage.
Haleakala National Park
Where this park is located: Hawaii
When reservations are required to visit this park in 2023: Those who plan to visit the park for sunrise must have an advance reservation.
How to learn more: Visit Haleakala National Park’s “Permits & Reservations” webpage.
Muir Woods National Monument
Where this park is located: California
When reservations are required to visit this park in 2023: Anyone who visits the monument must use the parking and shuttle reservation system run by ACE Parking Management.
How to learn more: Visit the official “Muir Woods Reservations” website.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Where this park is located: Colorado
When reservations are required to visit this park in 2023: May 26-Oct. 22
How to learn more: Visit Rocky Mountain National Park’s “Timed Entry Permit System” webpage.
Shenandoah National Park (Old Rag Trail)
Where this park is located: Virginia
When reservations are required to visit this park in 2023: March 1-Nov. 30 for those who want to visit Old Rag Mountain.
How to learn more: Visit Shenandoah National Park’s “Old Rag Day-Use Ticket” webpage.
Chris Kissell
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