The US is home to dozens of national parks and national monuments that collectively draw millions of tourists each year. The vast majority of these parks allow you to enter any time you wish during normal hours of operation. Just drive to the gate, pay any associated fee, and enjoy the scenery.
However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, US national parks got a big boost of traffic. With so many other attractions closed, these natural wonders became some of the only viable vacation options. The result was overcrowding, and damage to sensitive ecosystems.
In response, the National Park Service introduced advanced reservations at certain parks that suffer the worst from overcrowding. These reservations are usually only required at certain times of the year, and often only at certain times of day. The fee is low, but the requirement for reservations does ensure that the park doesn’t become too busy, thus improving the experience for all visitors.
As of this writing, the following US National Parks currently require advanced reservations if you’d like to visit them.
Acadia National Park
Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Acadia National Park will mesmerize you with its deep forests, low mountains, and thundering waves. While you can enter the park itself with no reservation, you are required to have one to drive Cadillac Summit Road; one of it’s most popular attractions. Reservations for the road are only required from May 25 to October 22, and can be made here.
Arches National Park
The incredible sandstone arches and otherworldly landscape of Arches National Park draws thousands of visitors to Utah each year to experience its grandeur. However, if you want to visit between April 1 and October 31 between the hours of 7:00am and 4:00pm, you’ll have to make advanced reservations first. The reservations only cost $2 per car, and you can book them here.
Glacier National Park
With commanding mountain peaks, hot springs, and over 700 miles of hiking trails, it’s no wonder that Glacier National Park in Montana is so popular. But if you want to visit certain areas of the park from May 26 to September 10 between the hours of 6:00am and 10:00pm, reservations are required. They cost $2 per vehicle, and can be made on this website.
Haleakala National Park
Want to see volcanoes and craters on a hiking expedition? Maybe give zip-lining or cycling in Hawaii a try? If so, head to Haleakala to explore the Summit District and Kipahulu District. This national park sees the bulk of its traffic early in the morning, so reservations are mandatory between 3:00am and 7:00am. Get more information here.
Rocky Mountain National Park
With its close proximity to major cities like Denver and Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the US. And with its incredible mountains, signature lakes, and array of outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why. But if you plan to visit from May 26 to October 22 between 5:00am and 6:00pm, you’ll need reservations. Visit this website for up-to-date information.
Zion National Park
Zion captures the essence of Utah’s natural splendor, with expansive canyons, challenging hikes, rock climbing, and stargazing being some of the most popular activities. Thankfully, you can enjoy most of the park reservation-free. However, if you want to hike any portion of Angels Landing, you’ll need to register for a lottery to be awarded a permit. The cost is only about $6, but spots are quite limited. Learn how to register here.
Check Ahead of Time
No matter what National Park you plan to visit, it’s a good idea to check the National Park Service website ahead of time to get current information about reservations and permits. Requirements and dates can change, and you don’t want to be stuck outside the gate after a long journey.
Travel Insurance for US National Parks
We recommend that all visitors to US national parks purchase appropriate insurance for their trip.
Those visiting the US from other countries should look into visitors insurance. If you get hurt or get sick during your national park trip, you won’t be able to utilize your domestic health insurance to pay for treatment. And since the possibility of injury increases when you’re outdoors and trying new things, it’s essential to have protection. Get visitors medical insurance, so a missed step doesn’t result in a massive medical bill.
If you plan to take part in activities like mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, etc. that may not be covered by standard insurance, look into hazardous sports travel insurance. This way, if you get injured taking part in an activity that a normal plan won’t cover, you won’t be stuck footing the bill for the full cost for treatment. However, read the plan wording carefully to make sure it can cover the activity before making a purchase.
Those from the US who are traveling to national parks domestically should consider travel insurance. If you’re required to cancel your trip for a covered reason, your travel insurance plan can reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses like airfare, hotel reservations, rental cars, etc. Since life is unpredictable, a travel insurance plan can take some of the stress out of booking a big trip in advance.