Four Major U.S. National Parks Drop Reservation Requirements for 2026

Four of the most popular U.S. national parks have dropped their timed-entry reservation requirements for the 2026 summer season. Yosemite, Glacier, Arches, and Mount Rainier will return to walk-up access, ending a multi-year experiment with day-use permits.

The reservation systems were introduced in stages after 2020 to manage record post-pandemic visitor counts and the resulting traffic and parking crises at the busiest entrances. Park managers cited improvements in shuttle capacity, expanded parking, and visitor flow data that no longer justifies the system.

Eight national parks and one national monument still require advance booking for some portion of 2026. The list includes Rocky Mountain, Acadia for Cadillac Summit Road, Haleakala for sunrise, Zion for Angels Landing, and Mount St. Helens for some climbing permits.

Camping reservations on Recreation.gov remain unaffected and are still required at most parks. Entrance fees, including the $35 per vehicle weekly pass at major parks, stay in place. The annual America the Beautiful pass is still the best value for travelers planning three or more park visits.

Even without permits, parking lots at Half Dome Village, Logan Pass, and Devil's Garden routinely fill before 8 a.m. in peak season. Arriving early, using shuttle systems where offered, and aiming for shoulder months will give visitors a smoother experience than mid-summer at the headline parks.