Popular national parks now require advance reservations during peak season. The system is confusing but navigable with the right strategy. Here's your guide.
Parks Requiring Reservations (Summer 2026)
- Yosemite: Vehicle reservation required May-September ($2)
- Rocky Mountain: Timed entry May-October
- Glacier: Vehicle reservation required June-September
- Arches: Timed entry April-October
- Zion (Angels Landing): Lottery for specific trail permits
How to Get Reservations
All reservations go through Recreation.gov. Most open 30-60 days in advance at 7:00 AM Pacific. Set alarms and have your account pre-loaded with payment information. Released dates sell out in under 2 minutes for popular parks.
Backup Strategies
Check for cancellations at 7 AM daily — people frequently cancel. Visit before 6 AM (many parks allow entry before reservation hours start). Choose less popular parks — Great Basin, North Cascades, and Black Canyon are stunning and uncrowded.
