Which National Parks Require Timed Entry in 2024?
Eight US national parks now require reservations for entry to limit traffic congestion and overcrowding.
The most popular parks with these requirements are Yosemite, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain National Park. The additional parks are Acadia, Arches, Haleakalā, Mount Rainier, and Shenandoah.
As of 2024, Yellowstone National Park does not require vehicle reservations.
Read on to learn which parks require reservations and how to bypass the reservation systems from our partner, Good Trip Adventures.
One of Blacksford’s well-vetted and highly-valued travel partners, Good Trip Adventures takes clients on private eco-conscious tours focused on US national parks with trained naturalist guides.
Timed Entry at National Parks: What You Need to Know
You don’t need a vehicle reservation if you have a Service Reservation (for lodging, camping, or tours in specific park areas). Show that reservation upon entry instead. Check each park’s website for details.
Vehicle reservation costs range from $1–$6.
All reservations must be made on recreation.gov. Search by national park name.
Every vehicle needs its own reservation.
Book early! Many open 2–4 months before your entry date and sell out fast. Several have additional release dates, explained below.
These reservations are in addition to the entry fee required by most national parks. You need both.
Most reservations are only good for one day. If you plan to visit multiple days, check the specific national park’s website for details.
Print or take a screenshot of your reservation—internet connection is spotty in many national parks.
Which Parks Have Timed Entry Reservations?
Between the different National Park Service websites, timed entry passes are called permits, tickets, or reservations. No matter what you call them, be sure to book well in advance of your trip.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Only Cadillac Summit Road requires a vehicle reservation. There are two types: Sunrise and Daytime. Sunrise reservations have a 90-minute entry window. Daytime reservations have a 30-minute entry window.
30% of available tickets open 90 days before your entry date. 70% of available tickets open at 10:00 AM EST, two days before your entry date.
Cadillac Summit Road
Dates: May 22–October 27, 2024
Times: See the time chart on the Cadillac Summit Vehicle Reservations page for details.
Arches National Park, Utah
Reserve up to three months in advance. Some reservations are available the day before your entry date at 7:00 PM MDT on the Recreation.gov website.
All Entrances
Dates: April 1–October 31, 2024
Times: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Want a premium RV rental for your trip?
Glacier National Park, Montana
Reservations open about four months before your entry date. Some are available the day before entry at 7:00 PM MST.
Good to know: Access to the Going-to-the-Sun Road from the east side at St. Mary and Two Medicine does not require a vehicle reservation.
New in 2024: Reservations are good for 1 day.
West Entrance of Going-To-The-Sun-Road
Dates: May 24–September 8, 2024
Times: 6:00 AM–3:00 PM
Many Glacier
Dates: July 1–September 8, 2024
Times: 6:00 AM–3:00 PM
North Fork
Dates: May 24–September 8, 2024
Times: 6:00 AM–3:00 PM
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Watching sunrise? You’ll need a reservation for entry from 3:00–7:00 AM every day of the year.
Reservations open 60 days before your entry date at 7:00 AM HST. A few more open two days before your entry date at 7:00 AM HST.
Entire Park for Summit Sunrise
Dates: January 1–December 31, 2024
Times: Sunrise hours, 3:00–7:00 AM
Get Tickets for Haleakalā Sunrise.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Each corridor below requires a separate vehicle reservation—you must enter through the specified location. You can enter either area before 7:00 AM or after 3:00 PM without a reservation.
Reservations open about three months prior to entry date. Check the release date table on the Mount Rainier Timed Reservations page.
Paradise Corridor - Coming From Ashford, WA or Packwood, WA
Dates: May 24–September 2, 2024
Times: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
Sunrise Corridor - Coming From Enumclaw, WA
Dates: July 3–September 2, 2024
Times: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Vehicle reservations are required for all four park entrances. There are two types of reservations: one that includes Bear Lake Road Corridor, and one that does not.
Reserve 1–2 months prior to your entry date. See the timed entry permit chart on the RMNP website.
Some reservations are available at 7:00 PM MDT the day before your entry date on the Recreation.gov website.
Entire Park Plus Bear Lake Road Corridor
Dates: May 24–October 20, 2024
Times: 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Entire Park Without Bear Lake Road Corridor
Dates: May 24–October 14, 2024
Times: 5:00 AM–6:00 PM
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah’s permit is a little different—they’re only required for hikers on Old Rag Mountain. Every hiker, no matter their age, on Old Rag Mountain (including Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails) must get a day-use ticket prior to entry.
Permits open 30 days prior to your hiking date at 10:00 AM EST. More are released 5 days prior to your hiking date at 10:00 AM EST.
Old Rag Mountain Day Use
Dates: March 1–November 30, 2024
Times: 12:00AM–11:59PM
Yosemite National Park, California
Whether you’re driving into or through Yosemite, you’ll need a vehicle reservation on certain days and specific times.
If you enter after 4:00 PM, you don’t need a reservation, but avoid waiting along the roadway—you’ll be ticketed.
Entire Park - Early Season - Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
Dates: April 13–June 30
Times: 5:00 AM–4:00 PM
Entire Park - Peak Season - Every Day
Dates: July 1–August 16, 2024
Times: 5:00 AM–4:00 PM
Entire Park - Late Season - Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
Dates: August 17–October 27, 2024
Times: 5:00 AM–4:00 PM
Get Tickets for Yosemite. There are three options for Yosemite vehicle reservations:
Most reservations were released January 5, 2024 and are sold out.
Additional permits are available seven days prior to entry at 8:00 AM PST on recreation.gov.
A few more permits are available on entry day at 8:00 AM PST on recreation.gov. Log on early—they sell out almost immediately.
Savannah McCauley
Go With a Guide to Bypass Reservations
There's a simpler way to access these parks and bypass all of these timed entries, which typically sell out quickly: by booking a guided trip with our partner, Good Trip Adventures.
With a knowledgeable local leading the way, you’ll make the most of your visit without worrying about entry restrictions, letting your guide take care of all logistics so you can sit back and enjoy your vacation.
What’s Included In A National Parks Day Tour?
Whether you opt for a private or small group tour, you're in for an unforgettable experience. Picture yourself on a journey filled with scenic drives, guided hikes to hidden gems, and wildlife spotting adventures.
Good Trip Adventures’ tours include everything you need for an unforgettable excursion:
Round-trip transportation to the national park in a luxury vehicle stocked with water, snacks, binoculars, guidebooks, and more
Private, medically trained, naturalist guides with unmatched expert knowledge and passion for the parks
Gourmet picnic lunch and refreshments catered to your meal preferences and dietary restrictions
Park entry fees, including the $35-$80 entrance pass and required timed entry reservation
Prior to your trip, your guide will reach out to carefully curate the itinerary to your group’s interests and abilities.
You’ll spend the day hitting the highlights and uncovering hidden gems away from the crowds; connecting with and learning about the parks’ unique ecologies, flora and fauna, and history; hiking, sightseeing, wildlife spotting, and enjoying additional activities; and making memories for a lifetime.
What Clients Love About These Tours
Let a local navigate the roads: With an expert guide at the helm, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery without worrying about directions, traffic, or parking nightmares.
Maximize your time: Your guide will craft the perfect itinerary to ensure you see everything on your bucket list, especially if you're hitting multiple parks in a single trip.
Learning for your whole group: From educational activities like trivia and word searches, to exciting hikes and wildlife spotting opportunities, there's never a dull moment when you're exploring with Good Trip Adventures in a luxury Blacksford RV.
Explore National Parks With Blacksford & Good Trip Adventures
Timed entry systems can present challenges for most national park visitors, but with Good Trip Adventures and Blacksford by your side, you will navigate them with ease.
Whether you're taking a solo adventure or road tripping with family and friends, Blacksford’s luxury RV rentals and Good Trip Adventure’s expert guides will help you unlock the beauty of national parks like never before.
