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Here’s the thing: Visiting a national park isn’t just “show up and explore” anymore. In 2025, eight major US national parks require reservations for entry, specific roads, or popular hikes. Without planning ahead, visitors risk being turned away. This blog guides you through those parks, explains their reservation rules, and shows how to book so your trip won’t hit a dead end. Plan early to secure your spot and enjoy the adventure without hassle.
1. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park continues its timed‑entry reservation system in 2025 for popular areas. From June 13 through September 28, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., travelers need a reservation to drive the west side of Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road and the North Fork. Tickets cost $2 and are available via Recreation.gov, opening February 12 on a rolling release 120 days ahead, with a small pool of next‑day passes released the prior evening. Arriving before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m. means no ticket required. To avoid disappointment, plan your entry window carefully and reserve well ahead.
2. Arches National Park
Arches National Park requires timed‑entry tickets during peak hours in 2025. From April 1 to July 6 and again August 28 through October 31, entry between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. is by permit only, with a $2 processing fee in addition to park entry. Most tickets are released six months in advance on Recreation.gov, while limited same‑day spots drop online at 7 p.m. MDT the night before. Visitors may freely enter outside reservation hours, making early morning or late evening arrivals flexible alternatives. If your goal is midday exploration of Arches, getting your permit months in advance is the safest bet.
3. Acadia National Park
At Acadia, reservations are only required for one hotspot: Cadillac Summit Road. From May 21 through October 26, 2025, a $6 vehicle reservation is mandatory for driving the road. Visitors choose between sunrise tickets—ensuring arrival before dawn—and daytime permits, valid for a 30‑minute start window. Reservations open 90 days ahead on a rolling basis, with 30% of slots released two days in advance. Only Cadillac Summit Road requires permits; the rest of Acadia remains open without restrictions. If your trip involves watching a famous Acadia sunrise by car, secure this ticket early.
4. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Carlsbad Caverns uses timed‑entry reservations year‑round for cave access. Every visitor entering the cave system needs one for a specific hour, costing an additional $1 alongside the regular entry fee. Reservations are released 30 days prior on Recreation.gov and fill up quickly for busy midday and late‑afternoon slots. This system keeps crowding manageable and protects fragile cave formations. For a smooth visit—whether touring mid‑day or aiming to pair with the evening bat flight program—reserve as soon as your 30‑day window opens to ensure entry.
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain continues its timed‑entry permits for 2025, with slightly different rules depending on your destination. From May 23 through October 20, most visitors need a timed entry between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. However, access to the Bear Lake Corridor requires a stricter 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. window. Two types of permits exist: one for Bear Lake plus the rest of the park, and another excluding Bear Lake. Permits open in advance on Recreation.gov, with a nightly last‑minute release. If your itinerary includes Bear Lake, secure the stricter version otherwise the standard will work.
6. Zion National Park
In Zion, reservations apply only to the park’s famed Angels Landing hike. All 2025 hikers must have a permit, secured through an online lottery. Seasonal lotteries distribute the bulk of permits months ahead, while a daily lottery opens at midnight and closes at 3 p.m. the day before, with results announced in the evening. This lottery system helps reduce crowding and maintain safety on the chain‑section ridge. For those hoping to conquer Angels Landing, entering (and winning) the lottery is the only ticket onto the trail.
7. Haleakalā National Park
At Haleakalā on Maui, vehicle reservations are required from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. daily for visitors hoping to catch the sunrise from the summit. The fee is $1 per car in addition to park entry, with slots released 60 days in advance and some last‑minute reservations available 48 hours before. Outside early morning hours, no permit is required for general entry. Because sunrise viewing is one of the park’s most iconic experiences, demand runs high. To avoid missing this highlight, secure your ticket as soon as reservations open.
8. Mount Rainier National Park
In 2025, Mount Rainier requires timed reservation entries for the Sunrise Corridor, one of the most popular regions with high seasonal demand. Timed reservations apply daily from July through September, continuing on weekends and holidays through October. Unlike previous years, the Paradise Corridor has returned to a first‑come, first‑served system without permits. Travelers headed to Sunrise must book through Recreation.gov in advance, while Paradise remains open without timed entry. Always confirm current rules before visiting, since Rainier’s system is still evolving year by year.