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These National Parks Will Require Reservations in 2025

Posted on June 1, 2025

National parks all over the country are bringing back timed reservation systems for 2025, which means visitors will need to plan their trips in advance.

Over the last few years, these reservation systems have become more common as a way to control large crowds at some of the most popular parks. The rules differ from park to park—some may require you to book days ahead, while others might need reservations months in advance.

The National Park Service explains on its website: “Some parks use timed entry to manage the number of vehicles coming in, while others require reservations for tours or access to certain buildings or natural landmarks. If you need a reservation, it’s best to book early to avoid missing out.”

Here’s a closer look at some of the most visited national parks that will require reservations in 2025:

Arches National Park (Utah)

Starting April 1, 2025, Arches National Park will once again require timed entry reservations for visitors arriving between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day. However, if you’re visiting between July 7 and August 27, or if you already have a camping reservation, a tour booking, or a special use permit, you won’t need an extra reservation.

You can book your spot on Recreation.gov, where reservations are released three months in advance in monthly batches. While the reservation itself is free, there’s a small $2 processing fee per booking.

Glacier National Park (Montana)

For the 2025 summer season (June 13 to September 28), Glacier National Park will bring back its vehicle reservation system for two key areas: the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork. Reservations will be required between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., and bookings open on February 12, 2025.

Each section of the park requires its own reservation, which can be made on Recreation.gov. Like Arches, there’s no charge for the reservation itself, but there’s a $2 processing fee.

One important note: Due to ongoing construction, the Swiftcurrent area in Many Glacier Valley will be closed during the summer of 2025.

Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii)

This stunning Hawaiian park, home to Maui’s highest peak, requires reservations for visitors who want to hike to the summit during sunrise hours. The reservations are issued per vehicle, and each person can only book one reservation every three days. The cost is just $1 per ticket.

Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)

Starting May 23, 2025, Rocky Mountain National Park will continue its timed entry system with two types of permits:

  1. Full Park Access (including Bear Lake Road Corridor) – Reservations needed from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until October 20.
  2. Park Access (excluding Bear Lake Road Corridor) – Reservations needed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily until October 14.

Visitors can enter anytime within a two-hour window of their reservation time but can stay as long as they like. The reservations are free, except for a $2 processing fee on Recreation.gov.

Yosemite National Park (California)

If you’re planning a weekend trip to Yosemite in February 2025, be aware that reservations will be required 24 hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays from February 8–23. You’ll also need one on Washington’s Birthday (February 17).

Details for summer reservations haven’t been announced yet, so keep an eye out for updates.

Zion National Park (Utah)

Zion’s famous Angels Landing hike will once again require reservations in 2025. The park uses a lottery system, with permits released gradually throughout the year.

It costs $6 to enter the lottery, which covers a group of up to six people. If you win a spot, each person’s permit costs an additional $3.

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