Like many tourist destinations in the world, US National Parks are experiencing too many visitors, leading to several parks bringing back timed reservation systems in the New Year 2025. Meanwhile, travelers can often book their preserved national park on recreation.gov.

Which US National Parks plan for timed reservation systems in 2025?

Several US National Parks are planning to bring back timed reservation systems in 2025, meaning travelers should plan ahead. Timed reservation systems have gained popularity and have often been introduced to control crowding in some of the most popular parks. However, specific requirements do vary depending on each park and may require to be booked anywhere from days or months in advance.

The US National Parks Service wrote on its website:

Some national parks use a timed entry system to manage vehicle traffic. Other parks use tour reservations to manage access to a building or natural feature. If you need a reservation, we recommend making it well in advance.

Read on to find out which of the most popular national parks require reservations for 2025.

Arches National Park, Utah

This popular Utah national park is to bring back reservation requirements on April 1, 2025. Those visiting will be required to obtain timed entry tickets between 7 am and 4 pm each day, except for July 7 to August 27. Moreover, they won‘t be required if they hold another camping or tour reservation, or a special use permit.

Visitors can make a reservation through Recreation.gov and reservations are released three months in advance in monthly blocks. While reservations are free, visitors must pay a $2 processing fee. Visit the park’s website for more information.

Glacier National Park, Montana

The equally popular Glacier National Park in Montana is bringing back a vehicle reservation system for the western side of the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork from June 13 to September 28, 2025.

Visitors will be required to make reservations from 7 am to 3 pm, which can be made starting February 12. Moreover, vehicle reservations are available on Recreation.gov, and a separate reservation is required for each area of the park. These bookings are free, but visitors will pay a $2 processing fee. On another note, Glacier National Park plans to close the Swiftcurrent area of Many Glacier Valley in the summer of 2025, due to ongoing construction work.

Haleakalā National Park, Maui, Hawaii

Heading to beautiful Maui, the home to the island’s highest peak, this park requires a reservation for hiking to the summit at sunrise. Tickets are issued per vehicle and are limited to one per customer every three days and the reservation fee is $1 per ticket.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

This Colorado National Park is set to implement a timed entry reservation system from May 23, 2025. As with 2024, two types of timed permits are available in 2025. One allows the visitor to access the entire park, including the Bear Lake Road Corridor, while the other includes access to the rest of the park, excluding Bear Lake Road Corridor.

Meanwhile, reservations for access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor are required from 5 am to 6 pm through October 20. Reservations for the rest of the park will be required from 8 am to 2 pm, through October 14. Moreover, visitors will be able to enter within two-hour periods, but there will be no set time for departure. Reservations will be free of charge, except for a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee. Check the park’s website for more information.

Yosemite National Park, California

This popular California park will require reservations to visit 24 hours per day on Saturdays and Sundays from February 8 through February 23, 2025. They will also be required on Washington’s Birthday on February 17. The park will announce further details for the summer at a later date.

Zion National Park, Utah

Reservations are back for Zion National Park to visit and hike the popular Angels Landing this year. Meanwhile, the park runs a lottery system to make reservations, which are released on a rolling basis. The cost for a permit is $6, which covers an application for up to six visitors and each costs $3 per person. View the national park’s website for more information.

Enjoy the US National Parks this year, but always remember to check on Recreation.gov website or the park’s own website as to whether reservations are required.