9 National Parks That Require Reservations in 2025: Timed Entry Guide

In 2025, to manage visitor numbers and ensure the protection of delicate ecosystems, several national parks will continue their timed entry reservation systems. This guide will cover all of the national parks that require reservations in 2025, providing essential information about each park, when reservations are needed, how to make them, and useful links.

The United States has 63 National Parks, drawing millions of visitors each year to experience their stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. They are well renowned and each offers a unique and amazing nature experience. The National Parks have become an extremely popular activity, especially lately in the years following COVID-19. As people began looking for outdoor activities that could avoid air travel, the National Parks saw a large increase in visitors.

Due to high demand and the need to preserve these natural treasures, 9 of the 63 national parks have implemented timed entry reservation systems. This means that in order to visit these parks, you must make a reservation in advance or you will be unable to enter the park. This makes it essential to plan ahead. Here, I provide an overview of which national parks require reservations in 2025, including key details and helpful links.

Short on time? Here’s the main takeaway:

The following 9 National Parks need timed entry reservations in 2024 and 2025: Rocky Mountain National Park; Yosemite National Park; Glacier National Park; Acadia National Park; Arches National Park; Mount Rainier National Park; Haleakalā National Park; Zion National Park; and Shenandoah National Park.

Brief Intro to Timed Entry Reservations

Timed entry is a reservation system implemented by certain national parks. Under this system, visitors must reserve a specific time slot to enter the park, ensuring that the number of people in the park at any given time is kept within sustainable limits. These reservations are primarily required during peak seasons or at specific times of day when the park is most crowded.

To make a timed entry reservation you must book online through the National Park Service’s website and select an available time slot. The reservations for each park open up at different times throughout the year (as discussed below), so it is best to mark your calendar with these dates to ensure you get the reservation date you want.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Colorado, is renowned for its majestic mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and over 350 miles of hiking trails.

The timed entry reservation is required for all Rocky Mountain National Park entries.

• Reservation Period: Late May through mid-October.

• When to Reserve: Reservations can be made typically on the first of the month for the following month. For example, you can reserve July 1 through July 31 on June 1.

• Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Note that to access Bear Lake Road you will need a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation. Make sure to select this at the time of purchase if this is something you are interested in. It is one of the more popular hikes within Rocky Mountain National Park.

Where to Stay Nearby

If you need a place to stay near the park, I recommend staying in Estes Park. It is extremely close to the park and a charming little town with lots of food and hotel options. For a luxury stay, I recommend The Estes Park Resort! It is a beautiful lakefront property with great views.

Book Your Stay Near the Park!

For a more affordable stay or one more fitting for families, I recommend the YMCA of the Rockies! They have a bunch of cool cabins and lodges in the mountains that make for a really fun (and spacious) family trip.

Book Your Family Stay Near the Park!

Another cool option is the Stanley Hotel, the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining. It is beautiful and spooky! I would recommend just taking a tour or grabbing a drink here rather than booking a stay. It is also a very quick drive to Rocky Mountain National Park.

2. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park in California is famous for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and diverse ecosystems.

The timed entry reservation is required for all Yosemite National Park entries.

• Reservation Period: April through October.

• When to Reserve: Reservations open for the full reservation period in January.

• Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Where to Stay Nearby

The Ahwahnee hotel is located directly in Yosemite National Park and is stunning. It is a little price; but if you can swing it, I think it’s worth it! Gorgeous 360 degree views. It’s really important to book this hotel far in advance, as it sells out very fast.

Book Your Stay Near the Park!

3. Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, features rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and over 700 miles of trails in a spectacular alpine setting.

Reservations are required for the Going-to-the-Sun-Road, Many Glacier, and North Fork. Each of these three reservations must be made separately.

• Reservation Period: Late May through mid-September.

• When to Reserve: Reservations open on a rolling basis 120 days in advance.

• Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Where to Stay Nearby

I recommend seeing both West and East Glacier. There is some distance between them, so you might want to consider moving hotels. For West Glacier, I stayed in the town of Whitefish at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. It was spectacular, and a perfect hotel for big families. It was easy enough to drive to the park, and we enjoyed the food options in Whitefish. Check it out below.

Book Your (Western) Stay Near the Park!

For East Glacier, I recommend the Many Glacier Hotel! The rooms are not very modern; but the location is perfect for hiking and it has such a wonderful old-school-National-Park vibe to it. Not to mention the views of the lake are so gorgeous. This hotel is directly in the park, so it is important to book early as it sells out quickly in peak season.

Book Your (Eastern) Stay Near the Park!

4. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park in Maine offers breathtaking coastal views, granite peaks, and a rich cultural heritage along the Atlantic coast.

 Reservations are required only to drive the Cadillac Summit Road.

• Reservation Period: Late May through October.

• When to Reserve: Reservations open on a rolling basis 90 days in advance.

• Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Where to Stay Nearby

Last time I visited Acadia, my family and I stayed at the Bar Harbor Inn. We had such a lovely stay, and the ocean views are beautiful. It’s quite close to the park. I highly recommend it; click below to view the hotel.

Book Your Stay Near the Park!

5. Arches National Park

Arches National Park, located in eastern Utah, is renowned for its stunning natural arches, red rock formations, and scenic desert landscapes.

The timed entry reservation is required for all Arches National Park entries.

• Reservation Period: April through October.

• When to Reserve: Reservations are available in block releases 3 months in advance.

• Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Where to Stay Nearby

Moab is the town to be in to see Arches National Park. I think the Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton is the perfect option. It’s just a 10-minute drive to the Arches Visitor Center, and it has a great pool. Click below to check it out.

Book Your Stay Near the Park!

6. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington features the majestic Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano surrounded by lush forests, alpine meadows, and numerous glaciers.

Reservations are required for Paradise Corridor and Sunrise Corridor. These two reservations must be made separately.

• Reservation Period: Late May through early September.

• When to Reserve: Reservations are available in block releases 3 months in advance.

• Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Where to Stay Nearby

There aren’t too many hotel options that close to Mount Rainier; however, Paradise Inn is a great one. It’s an excellent weekend getaway. View the hotel at the link below.

Book Your Stay Near the Park!

7. Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā National Park on the island of Maui in Hawaii offers breathtaking sunrise views, volcanic landscapes, and unique flora and fauna.

Reservations are only required for the famous sunrise visit, which I highly recommend.

• Reservation Period: Year-round.

• When to Reserve: Reservations are available 60 days in advance.

• Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Where to Stay Nearby

Recommending where to stay near Haleakalā National Park is tricky because, unlike most national parks that are the main destination, Maui’s beaches and resorts are the primary draw for most visitors. That means travelers have a wide range of budgets and priorities. Instead of suggesting the best resort on Maui, I’m recommending the most convenient hotel for visiting the park.

For that, the Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport is my top pick. Its proximity to the airport and the Park makes it ideal, but more importantly, staying at an airport hotel on your final night is the (IMO) smartest way to experience the Haleakalā sunrise.

Here’s the itinerary I followed: Spend the week at the Maui resort of your choice, then book a one-night stay at the Courtyard Maui before your flight home. This way, you can wake up early, drive up to Haleakalā for sunrise, then head straight to the airport after, no rushing, no extra backtracking, just an unforgettable final morning in Maui.

Book Your Stay Near the Park!

8. Zion National Park

Zion National Park, located in Utah, is known for its dramatic red rock cliffs, winding Virgin River, and breathtaking canyon vistas.

Only Angel’s Landing requires a reservation. The rest of the park does not. This reservation system is lottery-based only.

• Reservation Period: Year-round.

• When to Reserve: The lottery opens up in April for the summer and in July for the fall. There is also a daily lottery for the subsequent day.

• Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Where to Stay Nearby

A great hotel only 10 minutes from Zion National Park is SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park. It’s a perfect launching point to see Zion, and it’s in the cute town of Springdale. Highly recommend!

Book Your Stay Near the Park!

9. Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its scenic Skyline Drive, forested trails, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Only the Old Rag mountain area requires a reservation. The rest of the park does not.

• Reservation Period: March through November.

• When to Reserve: 400 daily reservations are available 30 days in advance of the reservation date on a rolling basis.

• Reservation Link: Reservations can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.

Where to Stay Nearby

I stayed at the Skyland Hotel and really enjoyed it! It is located directly in the park, right in the center area. It is the most convenient hotel to see the park from, and the mountain views are so incredible. Being a National Park hotel, it is a little dated. However, I think it adds to the old-world charm. Highly recommend. Click below to check it out.

Book Your Stay Near the Park!

How Much Do National Park Reservations Cost?

Most National Parks require an additional fee to enter the park, usually around $30 per vehicle. The price varies from park to park. I’ve summarized the cost of the parks I discussed in this article in the table below.

| National Park | Timed-Entry Reservation Cost | Vehicle Entry Cost | NPS.gov Link | …