National parks are some of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, and peak season is just around the corner.
They welcomed 312 million visitors combined last year and demand shows no signs of slowing down this summer. There are 63 national parks across the country and they are busiest between July and September.
Now some require reservations to cope with the large number of people visiting where travelers must book in advance to enter certain parks and areas or drive through.
There are seven parks where you must make an advance reservation which can be made on the Recreation.gov website or using its mobile app.
Some national parks have turned to a reservation system to cope with the large number of people visiting where travelers must book in advance to enter certain parks, areas
Zion National Park
Zion National Park in Utah was the third most visited national park last year with more than 4.5 million visitors.
He decided to use a reservation system again to cope with the large number of travelers.
Reservations are not required to enter the park, but are required for those wishing to hike to Angels Landing.
There is a seasonal lottery that costs $6 per person or a $3 permit, available the day before.
Zion National Park in Utah was the third most visited national park last year with 4.5 million visitors and has decided to use a reservation system again to keep up with the numbers.
Glacier National Park
If you are driving through Glacier National Park in Montana to visit Going-to-the-Sun Road, you need a vehicle reservation between 6am and 3pm.
The ticketing system was introduced on May 26 and will last until September 10 and vehicles need a three-day reservation to access the park entrance to the west.
Those heading to the North Fork area of the park need a day reservation.
And between July 1 and September 10, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Mary’s entrance at Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier and Two Medicine will all require reservations.
If you are driving through Glacier National Park in Montana to visit Going-to-the-Sun Road, you need a vehicle reservation between 6am and 3pm.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado requires one of two ticket options to visit between May 26 and October 22.
The first option is to access the Bear Lake Road Corridor and the park between 5am and 6pm while the second is required to access the park between 9am and 2pm.
Reservations started at 8am on May 1 and open on the first day of each month for entry the following month.
But about 40% of the tickets are available the day before a visit at 5 p.m.
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado requires one of two ticket options to visit between May 26 and October 22
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, Va., began reservations March 1 and will run through November 30.
There are 800 tickets available to visit the Old Rag Mountain area daily.
And there are 400 tickets released for park reservations 30 days and five days before a visit.
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park began reservations March 1 and will continue through November 30
Arches National Park
A reservation to visit Utah’s Arches National Park between 7am and 4pm is a strict requirement.
The reservation system started on April 1 and will last until October 31 with tickets accessible on the first day of each month at 8 am for visits three months in advance.
But a limited number of tickets are released the day before for arrivals at 6 p.m.
Reservations are free but require a $2 non-refundable processing fee.
A reservation to visit Utah’s Arches National Park between 7am and 4pm is a strict requirement
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park in Hawaii on the island of Maui has had a reservation system in place for years.
It is famous for its magnificent sunrise views, which makes it an incredibly popular spot.
Those lucky enough to visit need a vehicle reservation, which costs $1, to enter the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m.
But those who wish to enter outside these hours can enjoy the park without prior reservation.
Haleakala National Park in Hawaii on the island of Maui has had a reservation system in place for years
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park in Maine has returned to its reservation system for vehicles heading to the Cadillac Summit Road section of the park between May 24 and October 24.
It’s a popular part where drivers can enjoy a “scenic three-mile drive to the top of the highest peak” for jaw-dropping views.
A total of 30% of vehicle passes can be obtained 90 days before a visit, while the rest are set up at 10 a.m. two days in advance.
Each pass costs $6, but those who want to enter another area of the park or are not in a vehicle do not need to make advance reservations.
Acadia National Park in Maine has returned to its reservation system for vehicles heading to the Cadillac Summit Road section of the park between May 24 and October 24
