National Park Reservations & Permits for 2025: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Planning a national park adventure in 2025? Many popular parks now require reservations or permits to manage crowds and protect natural resources. Whether it's a timed entry, vehicle reservation, or hiking permit, here's what you need to know to ensure a smooth trip.

Going-to-the-Sun Road

🏞️ National Parks Requiring Reservations in 2025

Several U.S. national parks have implemented reservation systems for 2025. These may include timed entries, vehicle reservations, or permits for specific hikes. Here's a list of parks with such requirements: Condé Nast Traveler

• Acadia National Park: Vehicle reservations required for Cadillac Mountain Summit. Condé Nast Traveler

• Arches National Park: Timed-entry vehicle reservations needed from April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. National Park Service

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Advance tickets required for cave entry due to high demand. Condé Nast Traveler

• Glacier National Park: Vehicle reservations required for Going-to-the-Sun Road (west side) and North Fork from June 13 to September 28, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. New York Post

• Haleakalā National Park: Reservations needed for sunrise viewing at the summit, between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. New York Post

• Muir Woods National Monument: Parking reservations required. National Park Service

• Rocky Mountain National Park: Timed-entry reservations required from May 23 to October 13. Two types: one for the entire park (excluding Bear Lake Road) between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., and one including Bear Lake Road between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. National Park Service+1New York Post+1

• Shenandoah National Park: Reservations may be required during peak times. Condé Nast Traveler+1National Park Service+1

• Yosemite National Park: Reservations required during weekends and holidays in February; further summer plans to be announced. New York Post

• Zion National Park: Permits required to hike Angels Landing, obtained through a lottery system. The Parks Channel+2New York Post+2Bright Standards+2

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🥾 Popular Hikes and Trails Requiring Permits or Lotteries

Some iconic hikes and backcountry trips require permits, often obtained through lotteries:Bright Standards+1Earth Trekkers+1

• Angels Landing (Zion NP): Permit required via lottery; application fee is $6, covering up to six people. If accepted, a $3 per person fee applies. New York Post+1Earth Trekkers+1

• Half Dome (Yosemite NP): Permits required; details to be announced for 2025.

• Brooks Lodge (Katmai NP): Lottery held each December for reservations two years in advance (e.g., December 2025 for summer 2027 stays). BearVault®+2The Parks Channel+2Balabanova All Over+2

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🎟️ How to Enter Lotteries and Make Reservations

Most reservations and lotteries are managed through Recreation.gov. Here's how to navigate the system:Recreation.gov+4Balabanova All Over+4New York Post+4

1. Create an Account: Sign up on Recreation.gov.New York Post+1Escape Camper Vans+1

2. Find Your Desired Permit or Reservation: Search for the specific park or activity.

3. Apply: For lotteries, submit your application during the specified window.

4. Payment: Application fees vary; for example, the Angels Landing lottery has a $6 application fee.The Parks Channel

5. Confirmation: If selected, you'll receive confirmation and further instructions.

Note: Some permits are released in blocks, and others may have daily lotteries. Always check the specific park's requirements well in advance.New York Post+3Earth Trekkers+3Escape Camper Vans+3

📅 Tips for a Successful Reservation

• Plan Ahead: Reservation windows can open months in advance; mark your calendar.

• Be Flexible: Having alternative dates can increase your chances.GoForth

• Check Time Zones: Reservation releases are often tied to specific time zones.

• Prepare Necessary Information: Have your group's details and payment information ready.

  
  

By understanding and navigating the reservation systems, you can ensure a memorable and hassle-free national park experience in 2025. Happy adventuring!