Most National Parks Will Not Require Entrance Reservations This Summer

The National Park Service said most major parks, including Arches, Glacier and Yosemite, will not require advance vehicle-entry reservations this summer; some parks will retain ticketing for shuttles, timed parking, campsites or specific hikes.

The National Park Service announced that most major national parks will no longer require advance vehicle-entry reservations this summer. The change affects parks named by the agency, including Arches, Glacier and Yosemite. Reservation systems were adopted widely after the Covid-19 pandemic to manage visitor crowds and reduce congestion. Officials and advocacy groups have expressed differing views on how to balance access and resource protection. Key details: - The Park Service said Arches, Glacier and Yosemite will not require advance vehicle-entry reservations for summer access. - Glacier National Park will use a ticketed shuttle system and three-hour timed parking limits at Logan Pass; shuttle tickets will be required for travelers aged two and up on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and the park has said more details will be announced. - Some parks will continue other controls: Rocky Mountain National Park will maintain timed-entry during peak hours, Zion National Park will keep its Angels Landing lottery, and campsite reservations remain required. - Parks no longer using entrance reservations could implement other measures to manage congestion, such as limits on motor-vehicle parking. - An analysis cited by advocates said the National Park Service has lost about 25% of its permanent workforce since January 2025, and some park advocacy groups warned that removing reservations could lead to resource damage and delayed emergency responses. Summary: Removing advance vehicle-entry reservations is intended to expand access but will shift emphasis to other management tools like shuttles, timed parking and parking limits. Park officials and the National Park Service have said specific details for some locations will be released soon. Undetermined at this time.