Park-Specific Activity Permits: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025
Welcome to Part 2 of our Guide to U.S. National Parks with Timed or Ticketed Entry in 2025. If you're looking for general National Park entry requirements, check out Part One. This guide covers park-specific permits required for accessing specific roads, hikes, activities, or even viewpoints. While this post focuses on front-country or single-day adventures, please let me know in the comments if you’d like a more in-depth look at backpacking permits.
Why Are National Park Permits Needed?
As the popularity of U.S. National Parks continues to rise, many parks have adopted managed access systems to maintain sustainability and visitor safety. These systems, such as ticketed entry, timed entry, and lottery permits, help spread out crowds and reduce the environmental impact of over-visitation.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common permit systems:
Ticketed Entry: Think of it like buying a ticket to a concert—once you secure it, you can enter at any time during the day.
Timed Entry: To avoid overcrowding, you must enter within a designated time window.
Lottery Systems: A randomized selection process where you apply months in advance to secure a permit.
U.S. National Park Sites Requiring Permits 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.
Acadia National Park: Cadillac Summit Road Vehicle Reservations
Located near Bar Harbor, Maine, Acadia National Park sees over 4 million visitors annually. Due to heavy traffic and parking congestion, particularly around Cadillac Mountain, vehicle reservations are required to access Cadillac Summit Road.
Map of Cadillac Summit Reservation Area, NPS
Permit Type: Timed Entry
When Are Permits Required? May 22–October 27, 2024 (2025 dates to be updated)
Where? Cadillac Summit Road
Booking Information:
30% of permits available 90 days in advance
70% available two days in advance at 10 am EST
Pro Tip: Book early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons!
Haleakala Sunrise
Haleakalā National Park on Maui, Hawaii, offers a world-renowned sunrise experience from the summit. Due to limited parking and the high demand to view this spectacular event, a timed entry permit is required.
Permit Type: Timed Entry
When Are Permits Required? 3:00 am – 7:00 am (year-round)
Where? Crater Road to Summit Observation Deck
Booking Information:
Book up to 60 days in advance at 7 am HST
Alternatively, you can book two days in advance at 7 am HST.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for cold, windy, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Hiking Old Rag
Old Rag Mountain’s challenging hike has become extremely popular, leading to safety concerns. A ticketed entry system is in place to limit the number of hikers on the trail.
Permit Type: Ticketed Entry
When Are Permits Required? March 1–November 30
Where? Old Rag Mountain Loop Trail
Booking Information:
50% of tickets will be released 30 days in advance
50% of tickets will be released five days in advance
Yosemite National Park: Half Dome Permits
The iconic Half Dome hike is one of the most challenging and rewarding in Yosemite. Due to high demand, permits are required for this challenging 14–16 mile hike with a 4,800-foot elevation gain.
Permit Type: Lottery
When Are Permits Required? May 23–October 15 (dates may shift)
Where? Half Dome Trail
Booking Information:
March 1–31: Preseason lottery
May 21–October 13: Daily lotteries, two days in advance
Yosemite National Park: Horsetail Fall Ticketed Entry
Visitors must obtain a ticketed entry reservation on weekends due to overcrowding to see the spectacular Firefall at Horsetail Fall (when the waterfall appears to be on fire at sunset).
Permit Type: Ticketed Entry
When Are Permits Required?
February 8-9 At All Times
February 15-17 At All Times
February 22-23 At All Times
Where? All of Yosemite National Park
Booking Information:
General release begins in November
Additional tickets available two days in advance
Zion National Park: Angels Landing Permit
The famous Angels Landing hike in Zion is known for its steep drop-offs and chains. Permits are now required to ensure visitor safety. A timed entry system regulates crowding on this popular hike.
Permit Type: Timed Entry
When Are Permits Required? March 1–November 30
Where? Angels Landing Trail (from Scout's Lookout to Angel’s Landing)
Booking Information:
Zion National Park: Left Fork North Creek (Subway) Seasonal Lottery
The Subway hike in Zion’s Left Fork of North Creek is a popular and strenuous canyoneering and hiking adventure. A seasonal lottery system controls access to limit visitor impact.
Permit Type: Lottery
When Are Permits Required? Year-round
Where? Left Fork of North Creek
Booking Information:
February 1st to February 25th lottery : April 1st to June 30th
March 15th: Unclaimed permits for April 1st to June 30th become available
May 1st to May 25th lottery: July 2st to September 30th
June 15th: Unclaimed permits for July 1st to September 30th become available
August 1st to August 25th lottery: October 1st to December 31st
September 15th: Unclaimed permits for October 1st to December 31st become available
20 spots are issued via the Canyoneering Daily Lottery two days before the desired hike.
Tips for Securing National Park Permits
Book Early: Permits often sell out quickly, especially for popular parks and activities.
Use a Permit Calendar: Keep track of essential permit dates using our 2025 National Permit Calendar.
Consider Alternative Activities: If your preferred permit is unavailable, explore lesser-known trails or times to visit.
Would you be interested in More Permit Guides?
Let me know what other permit round-ups you'd like to see! I can dive into backcountry permits, wilderness permits, or activity-specific permits for canyoneering, climbing, and more.
Conclusion
Planning a U.S. National Park visit with timed or ticketed entry requires careful preparation. By securing the proper permits, you can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience while protecting the natural beauty of these treasured spaces. Bookmark this guide for reference, and let us know your favorite parks or hiking adventures in the comments below!
