Key Reservation Dates: Park Permits and Reservations

Starting in 2020 the National Park Service began to enforce reservation dates to limit the amount of visitors entering a park at a time. If not the park itself then potentially a popular trailhead or monument. The timing of the pandemic brought in crowds to the parks as people were beginning to travel more and as they continued outdoor recreation. Although it’s incredible to see the interest rise in national parks, some of these visitors tend to forget the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles. If you are planning on visiting a national park this year please remember to leave the parks better than you found them. If you need guidance on what this entails, please visit our blog titled “Ten Ways to Leave It Better” or check out the leave no trace principles here. 

For parks that require these reservations, make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time online. Below is a list of information about these reservations, where you can find them and any extra fees required outside of the National Park Pass. When entering the park, make sure you have your ID and reservation # ready. Although it may seem like a hassle, it is worth it for the clean views once you are on the trails with less people during your designated time. With all this being said, adventure responsibly, and have fun exploring! 

1. Acadia National Park

Acadia does not require a reservation to enter the park itself, but a reservation is required to drive the scenic Cadillac Mountain Summit Road. Many visitors take this route to watch both sunrise and sunset. You can find the reservation information here with a fee of $4 and reservation of $2 from May 25th 2023 - October 22nd, 2023. 

2. Arches National Park

Arches will require a reservation from April 1st, 2023- October 31st, 2023 from 7:00 AM- 4:00 PM through the reservation system here. This means if you are planning on being in the park before sunrise or for sunset, you will not need a reservation. There is a $2 fee for the reservation. 

3. Glacier National Park

Glacier requires a reservation to enter 4 areas including; Going-to-the-Sun-Road, North Fork, Two Medicine, and Many Glacier. All reservations for Glacier National Park can be made here. You can find more information on vehicle reservations here. If you are staying at a hotel, campsite, or booked tour along the Going-to-the-Sun-Road, you will not need a reservation.

• Going-to-the-Sun-Road
  • Arriving from the West Entrance, a reservation is required from May 26th, 2023 - September 10th, 2023 from 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
  • Arriving from the St. Mary Entrance, a reservation is required from July 1st, 2023- September 10th, 2023 from 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM. 
  • Reservations can be made online and will be open 120 days in advance to your trip. Reservations will be valid for 3 days at a $2 fee
• North Fork
  • A reservation is required from May 26th, 2023- September 10th, 2023 from 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM valid for one day, for a $2 fee.
• Two Medicine & Many Glacier
  • A reservation is required from July 1st, 2023 - September 10th, 2023 from 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM valid for one day, for a $2 fee.

4. Haleakala National Park

Haleakala requires a reservation in the afternoon from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM through their reservation system here. It’s a popular spot for golden hour as to the reason they now need reservations. The reservation is $1 per car for that time slot. 

5. Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods requires a reservation fee of $9 per car in addition to the park admission fee which is $15 per person. If you are planning on shuttling in, the reservation is then $3.50 per person. If you are entering by bike, tour, or on foot, no reservation is required. You can reserve your spot here. 

6. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain requires a reservation from May 26th, 2023 - October 22nd, 2023 with two reservation options. One being, entering from Bear Lake Road with access to the entire park from 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM. The second reservation option is a reservation to the entire park without access to Bear Lake Road from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Reservations for both are set at a $2 fee and you can reserve your space here. 

7. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite has let go of their year-round reservations besides February when visitors flock to see the Horsetail Falls. This is when light shoots through the falls causing a bright orange and red color to appear in the falls. Reservations can be made here if you are planning on visiting over a February weekend in 2023. 

8. Zion National Park

Zion is officially off the list of reservations for 2023 but Angels Landing, a famous hike inside the park, requires a reservation. You may remember seeing information on the Zion lottery all over social platforms last year, expect the same this year. You must enter the lottery here under ‘Activities & Experiences’ . There will be a form for you to fill out your information along with the number of permits you need, and the day & time of your visit. The cost of the lottery is $6 per entry which is nonrefundable. If you win, another $3 will be charged automatically to the same payment method for each person who will be taking part in the hike. 
This lottery system opens up two months before the selected dates of travel.

The schedule below lists out the dates for 2023:

• If you plan on hiking Angels Landing between June 1st, 2023 & August 31st, 2023, the lottery will open from April 1st, 2023 at 8:00 AM (mountain time)  - April 20th, 2023 at 11:59 AM (mountain time). The winners will be announced on April 25th, 2023. 
• If you are planning on hiking Angels Landing between September 1st, 2023 & November 30th, 2023, the lottery will open from July 1st, 2023 at 8:00 AM. (mountain time) - July 20th, 2023 at 11:59 AM (mountain time). The winners will be announced on July 25th, 2023.
• If you are planning on hiking Angels Landing between December 1st, 2023 & February 29th, 2024, the lottery will open from October 1st, 2023 at 8:00 AM (mountain time) - October 20th, 2023 at 11:59 AM (mountain time). The winners will be announced October 25th, 2023. 

If you happen to miss the lottery time slot, Zion National Park offers a “Day-Before” lottery from 12:01 AM - 3:00 PM (mountain time) the day before your trip. You’ll find the same fees as above along with an extra $3 charge if you win your spot. Winners will be announced that same day at 4:00 PM (mountain time).

Remember to stay on the trails and leave the parks better than you found them. Happy hiking park lovers!