Complete Guide to U.S. National Parks with Timed or Ticketed Entry in 2025: How to Plan Your Visit
As national parks across the United States continue to experience record-breaking visitation, many have implemented managed access systems, including ticketed entry, timed entry, and lottery systems, to help preserve the natural beauty and enhance visitor experiences. If you're planning a trip to one of these parks in 2025, it’s crucial to understand how these systems work and when you need to book. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about national parks requiring timed or ticketed entry in 2025, including how to "hack" the system for the best experience.
What Are Managed Access Systems?
Managed access systems help manage the increasing number of visitors to popular national parks, ensuring that crowds are spread out and the environment is protected. Here are the most common systems:
Ticketed Entry: Think of ticketed entry as a ticket to an event—once you’ve secured your ticket, you’re free to enter anytime during the day. No specific time window is required, providing flexibility to explore the park on your schedule.
Timed Entry: Timed entry means entering the park within a designated time window. This system helps reduce overcrowding by staggered visitor influx throughout the day.
Lottery Systems: Some parks use a lottery system, where visitors apply for permits months in advance. You’ll learn whether you’ve received access via a random drawing. Lotteries can help ensure a more equitable distribution of permits.
U.S. National Parks Requiring Ticketed or Timed Entry in 2025
Several popular national parks have introduced or will continue timed entry and ticketed access in 2025. Below are the key parks and their requirements.
Use my 2025 permit calendar to track all 2025 permit dates in one place and ensure you don't miss anything.
Permit Type
Timed Entry Tickets
When are permits required:
April 1st to July 6th and August 28th to October 31st from 7 am to 4 pm daily
Where are permits required:
For the entire park! Arches is a relatively small park with only one fee booth entrance.
When to book:
January 2nd at 8 am MST: April 1st to June 30th reservations
February 1st at 8 am MST: July 1st to 6th reservations
March 1st at 8 am MST: August 28th to 31st reservations
April 1st at 8 am MST: September 1st to 30th reservations
May 1st at 8 am MST: October 1st to 31st reservations
Day Before: A limited number of permits are available one day before entry at 7 pm MST through Recreation.gov.
Glacier National Park
Permit Type
Timed Entry Tickets
When are permits required:
June 13th through September 28th from 7 am to 3 pm
Where are permits required:
West Entrance/Going-to-the-Sun-Road: required June 13th through September 28th from 7 am to 3 pm
North Fork: required June 13th through September 28th from 7 am to 3 pm
How to visit the park without reservations
Many Glacier Valley: No reservations required in 2025!
Vehicle reservations are not needed to access Going-to-the-Sun-Road from the East
When to book:
In advance: A portion will be available 120 days or approximately four months in advance starting February 12th, 2025, at 8 am MST on a daily rolling basis.
Day Before: Vehicle reservations are available at 7 pm MST for next-day Entry starting June 12th, 2025
Mount Rainier National Park
Permit Type: Timed Entry Tickets
When are permits required: This has not yet been announced for 2025, but timed entry is expected to continue for the Paradise and Sunrise Corridors.
NEWS: Rocky Mountain has made timed entry permanent, and permits will be required annually.
Permit Type
Timed Entry
When are permits required:
Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road: May 23rd to October 20th from 5 am to 6 pm includes Bear Lake Road Corridor and the rest of the park
Timed Entry (excluding Bear Lake Road): May 23rd to October 14th from 9 am to 2 pm
Where are permits required:
All or Rocky Mountain National Park with an additional Bear Lake Road access permit.
When to book:
May 1st at 8 am MST: May 23rd to June 30th reservations
June 1st at 8 am MST: any remaining days not booked for June and July 1st to 30th
July 1st at 8 am MST: any remaining days not booked for July and August 1st to 31st
August 1st at 8 am MST: any remaining days not booked for August and September 1st to 30th
September 1st at 8 am MST: any remaining days not booked for September and October 1st to 20th
Day Before: Reservations can be made the night before, available at 7 pm MST
Yosemite National Park
Permit Type: Timed Entry Tickets (For specific areas)
When are permits required: Exact details for summer 2025 are still pending, but Yosemite will likely continue using timed entry, particularly for peak times.
Note: Stay updated on the latest announcements from Yosemite on their NPS website.
How to "Hack" the Reservation System
Getting a timed entry reservation or ticket can be challenging, but several strategies can increase your chances of securing access to your dream park.
1. Stay Inside the Park
One of the best ways to guarantee access is by securing in-park accommodations, such as campsites or lodges. Most accommodations within national parks are located past the timed entry checkpoints so that you won’t need a separate reservation. Plus, staying inside the park gives you incredible wildlife viewing opportunities and front-row access to stunning sunrises and sunsets.
2. Enter Before or After Peak Times
If you’re willing to wake up early or stay late, you can avoid the crowds and the reservation system. Many parks allow entry before or after peak times, such as before guard booth staff arrive or after they’ve left for the day. However, this may not be an option in all parks.
3. Refreshing the Page (Yes, Really!)
It may sound obsessive, but refreshing the reservation page on Recreation.gov or other booking platforms has proven effective. People often cancel their reservations, and if you’re quick enough, you can snag a spot.
4. Set Up Availability Alerts
Availability alerts are a great way to get notified when a permit becomes available. You can set alerts on Recreation.gov for specific parks or campsites. However, keep in mind that these spots can disappear fast.
5. Consider Alternative Entrances
Some parks have backcountry or less trafficked entrances that might not require timed entry permits. While these may require more research and planning, they can offer an excellent way to avoid the reservation system entirely. Be sure to check with the park for any updates regarding road access and conditions.
Other Parks to Watch in 2025
While this guide focuses on parks with timed entry for general access, several other parks also require permits for specific areas or activities, such as popular hikes or backcountry camping. Check each park’s website for the most current information on permit requirements.
Conclusion
With national parks across the U.S. continuing to implement timed entry and ticketed systems in 2025, planning your visit in advance is more important than ever. By understanding the reservation systems, booking your permits early, and employing a few tricks to secure your spot, you can ensure an unforgettable trip to some of America’s most stunning natural wonders.
Stay updated with announcements from the National Park Service, and good luck securing your permits for the ultimate national park adventure in 2025!
