2024 Guide to National Park Reservations: Plan Ahead for America’s Treasured Outdoors

As we venture into 2024, the continuing challenge of overcrowding in national parks across the United States calls for strategic measures. To manage the influx of visitors and preserve the natural beauty of these sites, several popular national parks are maintaining their reservation and timed-entry systems. For travelers planning their outdoor adventures, being aware of these regulations is crucial.

Outlined below are the national parks that will continue with timed-entry or reservation systems in 2024, according to information from Outside Online:

Arches National Park: Battling a 73% increase in visitation from 2011 to 2021, Arches will continue its pilot reservation program this year. Reservations, which opened on January 2, are required for visits between April 1 and October 31, 2024, and can be made through Recreation.gov.

Glacier National Park: Specific areas of Glacier National Park require vehicle reservations from May 24 through September 8 for morning visits. This includes the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork, as well as Many Glacier between July 1 and September 8.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Implementing a two-tiered reservation system from May 24, Rocky Mountain National Park offers permits for the Bear Lake Road Corridor and the rest of the park, with different visiting hours for each area. The reservation system applies to all park areas, with a minimal processing fee.

Yosemite National Park: Driving into Yosemite requires reservations during peak periods in the summer of 2024. However, no reservations are needed from January 1 through February 9. The reservation system resumes with varying requirements based on the date and time of year.

Zion National Park: Continuing its pilot lottery permit program, Zion National Park requires permits for the popular Angels Landing hike. There’s a $6 application fee for the lottery, with an additional $3 per person upon confirmation.

Shenandoah National Park: While the park itself does not require reservations, the popular Old Rag Mountain hike necessitates a day-use ticket from March 1 through November 30. Tickets cost $1 and are available through Recreation.gov, with a limited number released in advance and just before the reservation date.

Acadia National Park: General entrance does not need reservations, but driving Cadillac Summit Road might. Specific dates for required reservations in 2024 are yet to be announced, so visitors are advised to check the park’s website for updates.

For travelers looking to explore these iconic national parks in 2024, it’s important to plan ahead and stay informed about the reservation requirements. By doing so, visitors can ensure a smoother experience while also contributing to the sustainable management of these cherished natural landscapes.