Which US National Parks Require Reservations in 2023?
Discover the beauty and wonder of our beloved US national parks, treasured by millions of people worldwide. These protected areas offer a wealth of historical and natural attractions just waiting to be explored. However, high visitor numbers can sometimes lead to crowded parking lots and trails.
National park visitation has seen a significant increase in recent years, with a 30% rise in the past three years alone. In response to this staggering growth, the National Park Service (NPS) has implemented a reservation and permit system for crowd control. While opinions may vary on this system, it is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
The good news is that many national parks and monuments do not require any reservations or permits for entry. With over 400 parks and monuments, including Grand Canyon, New River Gorge, and Yellowstone, that don't have reservation systems, there are plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. However, if you're planning to visit some of the most popular parks such as Rocky Mountain, Arches, Acadia, or Glacier, it's essential to plan ahead and secure a reservation or permit in advance.
Each national park has its own set of rules and regulations, so the reservation systems can vary greatly from place to place. With updates and changes happening frequently, it's crucial to check each park's official NPS website for the most current information before planning a visit in 2023. If you have any questions and are not comfortable with computers, many parks are happy to assist you over the phone.
Do I need a vehicle reservation for Glacier National Park in 2023?
Yes!
GNP has seen such incredible success with its reservation system they continue to expand it year after year. This year, you could need up to FOUR separate vehicle reservations if you want to see the entire park. From May 26, 2023, through September 10, 2023, a permit will be required for travel along the Going to the Sun Road - this permit is valid for three days. Continuing from last year, you will also need a separate permit to visit the North Fork/ Polebridge area of GNP - this permit is valid for one day.
New for 2023, between July 1st and September 10th, you will now need reservations for Many Glacier and Two Medicines - these are one-day permits.
Permits will be rolling out on February 1st at 8:00 am MST (March 1st for Many Glacier and Two Medicines) and will be available for purchase on recreation.gov. All permits are $2 on top of the daily $35 entry fee or annual park pass. This is a lot of information and GNP does a great job of breaking down everything on their website, I highly encourage you to visit https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm
On February 1st - the reservation release will be available for entry between May 26-June 30
On March 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of July
On April 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of August
On May 1st - the reservation release will be available for September 1st-10th
A portion of reservations for all areas of the park will be available on a rolling basis at 8 a.m. 24 hours in advance.
TIP: Reservations are only required between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm - because Glacier is so far north it is highly possible that you could enter the park after 3:00 and still have 5-6 hours of daylight in the park. We found that we actually preferred to visit the park after an early dinner because so few people remained in the park. If you miss out on any reservations, we highly encourage you to think outside the box when planning for Glacier.
Do I need a vehicle reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park in 2023?
Yes!
Frequent visitors to RMNP will not see many changes in the 2023 timed entry permit system for access to the park from previous years. Reservations will be required between May 26, 2023, through October 22, 2023.
When headed to RMNP you will need to decide which areas you want to see AND what time you will be arriving. If you’re interested in visiting the Bear Lake area (extremely popular) then you will need a reservation that includes this area as well as the rest of the park. These permits are for entry between 5:00 am and 6:00 pm. If you don’t wish to visit Bear Lake then you will only need a rest of the park pass, these passes will be much easier to obtain just due to the popularity of Bear Lake. These permits are for entry between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Each permit is $2 on top of the daily $30 entry fee or annual park pass. Limited reservations open May 1st at 8:00 am MDT on Recreation.gov
On May 1st - the reservation release will be available for entry between May 26-June 30
On June 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of July
On July 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of August
On August 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of September
On September 1st - the reservation release will be available for October
TIP: one change for 2023 is the number of reservations that are available on release dates will only be 60% of the daily allotment. This means that 40% of the reservations will then be available at 5:00 pm MDT the day before. So, if you miss your chance to get a reservation you still have last-minute options. And if all else fails, you will still have access to Trail Ridge Road and surrounding areas after 2:00 pm which is still plenty of time to visit beautiful areas of the park.
For up-to-date information visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
Do I need a vehicle reservation for Yosemite National Park in 2023?
Probably not!
If you are visiting YNP in February 2023 to see Fire Fall (aka Horsetail Fall) then you will need a day-use entry reservation for certain days. These permits are now available on Recreation.gov. Each permit gives you one day access to the park and is only $2 on top of your daily entrance fee of $35. For more information please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/ planyourvisit/reservations.htm
If you will be visiting YNP this summer you DO NOT need any type of reservation or permit to access any area of the park on any day.
TIP: This is a major change because reservations have been required since 2020 and I expect this will invite big crowds, so please be prepared!
Do I need a vehicle reservation for Acadia National Park in 2023?
It depends on where you’re going!
Reservations will be required once again in 2023 for access to Cadillac Summit Road only. And only if you will be arriving by car (the bus system doesn't go through this area), so if you will be biking or hiking there, reservations will not be necessary. This one-day permit is $6 in addition to your daily park fee of $30 and will be required from May 24th through October 22nd and are necessary between sunrise and sunset. Reservations roll out about 90 days ahead of your visit on Recreation.gov. For more information on Acadia please visit https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/index.htm
TIP: Only 30% of the reservations are available 90 days ahead of time, but 70% will be available TWO days ahead of time at 10:00 am on Recreation.gov
Do I need a vehicle reservation for Arches National Park in 2023?
Yes!
Last year’s pilot timed entry system was a huge success, so Arches has decided to continue with it. A timed entry reservation is required for all 2023 ANP entries between April 1st and October 31st for the entirety of the park. These reservations are available three months in advance and are required for entry between 7:00 am - 4:00 pm (two hours less than in 2022). Reservations are $2 in addition to your $30 entry fee or annual park pass. You can make reservations now for April at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088426.
All reservations go live at 8:00 am MST/MDT as follows:
On January 10th - the reservation release was for the entire month of April
On February 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of May
On March 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of June
On April 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of July
On May 1st - the reservation release will be available for entry between August
On June 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of September
On July 1st - the reservation release will be available for the month of October
If you are unable to get a reservation ahead of time, an unspecified, but limited number of tickets will be available one day prior to entry at 6:00 pm MDT on Recreation.gov.
TIP: Arches NP really requires a full day to truly hike and explore the whole park. So if you happen to be an early riser and cannot get ahold of a reservation I highly encourage you to arrive at the entry gates by 6:30 am, head straight to the Delicate Arch hike (before the heat) and skip the entry system altogether to get the most out of the park. However, you will not be able to get back in without a reservation once you leave, therefore have all your food and necessities with you when you enter.
Do I need a reservation for Zion National Park in 2023?
Maybe!
Last year Zion tested a permit requirement for the Angels Landing hiking trail only and it was a success, so it will continue in 2023. This is a lottery-style permit system and will be awarded “seasonally” about 60 days ahead of time or for last-minute options you can try the day before lottery. The process is very detailed and includes requesting various dates and times that will work for your visit. You can request permits for a party of up to 6 people at once and you will need the confirmation email to hike. Everything you need to know can be found on recreation.gov or https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/angels-landing-hiking- permits.htm
Please note, Angels Landing is not for the faint of heart. This is not your typical hiking trail. If you have children or any kind of fear of heights please watch a few YouTube videos before considering this hike. And do not take a reservation spot that you may perhaps skip at the last minute away from other people.
Or if you will be driving a large vehicle through ZNP you may need a tunnel pass/permit. You can find additional information at https://www.nps.gov/zion/ planyourvisit/the-zion-mount-carmel-tunnel.htm this can be obtained at the park entrance station.
TIP: Zion is a shuttle-only park for the main canyon for the majority of the year. The shuttles do not require reservations, if you see any information that says so, it dates back to 2020 COVID regulations.
Do I need a parking reservation for Muir Wood National Monument in 2023?
Yes!
This national monument has been using a reservation system since 2018 and it’s a great success to reduce an overabundance of visitors and preserve the area. You will need to make a parking reservation for your car or a shuttle reservation to gain entry to the park. Both types of reservations can be made 90 days in advance through https://gomuirwoods.com/ and vary in cost in addition to your $15 per person park entrance fee.
Do I need a vehicle reservation for Haleakalā National Park in 2023?
Yes, for sunrise only!
This is another long-standing reservation system that is working out perfectly. If you want to watch the sunrise from the best spot on Maui you will need a park reservation for HNP. These reservations are required between 3:00 am - 7:00 am (tip: be sure to double-check sunrise the day you plan to go and arrive at the main gate at least 45 minutes before that time). You may only hold one sunrise reservation every three days. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance for $1 at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/253731
As of this writing the summit visitor center is closed due to damage. Please check the website for more information before going.
TIP: Visit the Leleiwi or Kalahaku overlooks instead for a fantastic view without all the crowds!
Do I need a reservation for Shenandoah National Park in 2023?
YES, but only for the Old Rag hiking trail!
In 2022, Shenandoah National Park piloted a reservation for its most popular hiking trail, Old Rag, and they have officially decided to extend that for 2023. Reservations will be required from March 1st - November 30th.
Reservations are only $1.00, but each person hiking must have their own reservations, no matter their age. You may purchase four per day - if your party has more than four people, another person must also make additional reservations. Tickets are released at 10:00 a.m. 30 days out and again 5 days prior to the day of your hike. Everything can be completed online here at Recreation.gov
Shenandoah has done a fantastic job of answering several questions on their FAQ page, I highly encourage you to check it out if you have any further questions.
Tips for going to busy US National Parks in 2023
The good news is most of these parks do not require an entry reservation if you have camping reservations within the park. However, it is recommended you verify directly with the park in advance of your trip
Purchase a National Park System annual pass for faster reservations and entry to the park. Creating a recreation.gov online account well before you make reservations is also highly encouraged.
Photo ID is required with these reservations - your name must match and no reservations are ever transferrable
Print or digital copy of your reservation is accepted at any of the parks, but do be aware most parks do not have reliable cell phone service - screenshots are highly recommended
Many of the parks release a limited number of entry tickets the night before - see park websites for more information
There are still going to be lines and crowds - please do not assume a reservation gets you guaranteed access to anything
Have everything you need before you go into the park - many of these timed entries will not allow you enough time to leave and return
Permits and reservations are not available at any park office - they must be purchased online or by calling ahead of time
Book your reservation as soon as absolutely possible - waiting until the last minute could really ruin a vacation
Every car needs permits - please think ahead if you’re traveling with a large party
It’s not just national parks that are requiring reservations - for example, places like Maroon Bells and Mt. Evans in Colorado required timed entry reservations in 2022 and it sounds like that will continue in 2023
If you prefer to make reservations over the phone or have any questions please call
recreation.gov at (877) 444-6777. For international callers, you can reach recreation.gov (606) 515-6777.
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