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There’s nowhere better to be on a hot summer day than in a beautiful American National Park.
But if you’re planning a spontaneous day out or weekend away, it’s time to think again.
The team of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington just announced that visitors now need advanced reservations to visit this summer.
That makes a total of 11 national parks that are using a reservation system this year. And some reservation spots are going fast!
Here’s the full list:
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is the latest national park to join the pre-booking system.
To enter the park’s famous Paradise Corridor, a reservation is required between May 24 and September 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The same system will be in place to enter the Sunrise Corridor between July 4 and September 2.
Each reservation costs $2 and gives you access to the area for a two-hour access period.
Pedestrians and cyclists are exempt from reservations, so if you can’t get a reservation spot, why not walk or cycle to these areas?
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine is a national park that covers a stretch of rocky coastline. It is the 5th most popular national park in the US
Driving the Park Loop Road to watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is the most popular experience here. But you need a reservation to take a vehicle on Cadillac Summit Road.
Each reservation costs $6 and reservations are required from May 22 through October 27. You can choose from a sunset or daytime reservation ticket, with each ticket offering different entry times.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns is an incredible underground national park that has to be seen to be believed. Here you will find spectacular limestone chambers, stalactites and stalagmites, as well as tunnels to explore.
To enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park, an early entry reservation is required regardless of the time of year. You can book a spot up to 30 days in advance, and reservations cost $1 plus the $15 national park entrance fee.
Arches National Park
Located in the heart of Utah, this national park is best known for its balanced rocks and easily accessible hiking trails.
You cannot enter any part of this national park without a time slot between 7am and 4pm. This applies from April 1 to October 31, 2024. Each reservation costs $2.
If you want to visit the park but there are no more reservation spaces, you can always schedule a sunset walk. No reservation necessary!
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is obscenely beautiful, thanks to its blue lakes and glacial-peaked mountains.
Popular with hikers and cyclists, Glacier National Park also contains what has been awarded the best scenic drive in the US. But to try it yourself, you need a reservation.
Early reservations are required to travel along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Many Glacier and North Fork also require a vehicle reservation.
The cost for each reservation is $2 and your reservation is valid for one full day. These reservation costs are in addition to the entrance fee to the park.
Shenandoah National Park
This national park is actually a preserved part of the larger Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. People come for the views and hiking trails, but it is perhaps best known for the exciting Skyline Drive road.
Old Rag is the most popular trail in the park. But to enjoy it between March 1 and November 30, you need a reservation now.
There are only 800 tickets available each day, with reservations costing just $1.
Haleakala National Park
This is a spectacular volcanic national park on the Hawaiian island of Maui. People travel from all over the US to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise over the clouds.
But because so many travelers are eager to enjoy this bucket list experience, you now need to make advance reservations to drive to the top before sunrise.
If you have this reservation, you can enter the park between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and while the tickets are technically free, you will have to pay a $1 reservation fee.
Do you want to avoid the crowds? Skip the sunrise shift and enjoy a nearly identical sunset experience instead.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Aside from its exceptional natural beauty, Rocky Mountain National Park is known as one of the highest national parks in the US.
It’s a hiker’s dream, while less active outdoor adventurers dream of riding the Ridge Top Trail.
From May 24 to October 20, you will need a permit to access any part of Rocky Mountain National Park. This is to limit the crowds.
Each daily reservation costs $2, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee to the park.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular in the United States.
But the sheer number of tourists this attracts means that reservations are needed to keep visitor numbers in check.
Visitors must make reservations to enter Yosemite in February to see Horsetail Falls, and from mid-April through October.
Reservations cost $2 per person and are available beginning in mid-January for the summer season. With queues exceeding 3 hours on certain days in 2023, this system is definitely worth using.
Zion National Park
Reservations are required to access some parts, but not all, of Zion National Park. Currently, you need a reservation to hike any of the 3 trails in the park.
This is incredibly popular as the Zion Narrows hike is considered one of the highlights of the park.
But all other parts of the park, as well as the park shuttle, can be used without reservation.
If you want to hike here, you must choose your preferred route and apply for a specific permit. These are available through a lottery system and cost $6 each.
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument does not technically require a reservation for entry, but you will need to make a reservation for parking at this incredibly popular attraction.
Reservations are required all year round, but can be booked 3 months in advance.
They sell out quickly, especially during peak periods, so it’s worth booking as early as possible so you don’t get disappointed.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
