As the days lengthen and the promise of summer shimmers on the horizon, many are turning their thoughts towards the majesty and adventure offered by America’s National Parks. The allure of pristine wilderness, breathtaking vistas, and opportunities for outdoor recreation is powerful, drawing millions of visitors each year. However, the surge in popularity has led to increased crowding, prompting park authorities to implement new strategies for managing visitor flow and preserving the natural environment. For those dreaming of exploring these treasured landscapes in 2022, a little advance planning is now more crucial than ever, as several parks are introducing or continuing reservation systems for entry or access to specific areas.
The year 2021 witnessed an unprecedented influx of visitors to many National Parks. Yellowstone, for example, shattered previous records, welcoming an astounding 1,080,767 recreational visitors in July alone. This surge, while a testament to the enduring appeal of these natural wonders, also brought challenges, including traffic congestion, overcrowded trails, and strain on park resources. To address these issues, several National Parks are implementing timed-entry tickets and permit systems, aiming to distribute visitation more evenly throughout the day and season.
These new protocols, while intended to enhance the overall visitor experience and protect park ecosystems, have also raised concerns. As Kevin Gartland, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce in Whitefish, Montana, poignantly stated at a Senate hearing, visitors may face disappointment after investing significant time and money in travel arrangements, only to find themselves unable to access a desired park due to the lack of a required permit.
To help prospective visitors navigate these evolving regulations and avoid potential setbacks, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the National Parks requiring reservations in 2022. It details the specific areas affected, the reservation procedures, and essential information to ensure a smooth and memorable park experience. Remember that timed tickets for roads and hikes do not include entry to the park itself. Always print out the confirmation email or receipt.
Acadia National Park: Summiting Cadillac Mountain
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park offers a captivating blend of granite peaks, rocky shores, and lush forests. From mid-May to mid-October, visitors planning to drive the iconic Cadillac Summit Road will require a timed vehicle reservation. This 3-mile scenic route winds its way to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the U.S. Atlantic coast and a coveted location for witnessing the first sunrise in the United States.
To manage traffic flow and ensure a more enjoyable experience for all, Acadia National Park implements a reservation system for Cadillac Summit Road. Thirty percent of reservations are released three months in advance of each date, allowing for early planning. The remaining seventy percent are made available two days prior to the desired visit date, at 10 a.m. ET, catering to those with more flexible travel schedules. Vehicle reservations can be secured through Recreation.gov. While the prices for the 2022 season are yet to be finalized, they were priced at $6 in 2021. It’s important to note that this reservation is specifically for driving the Cadillac Summit Road and does not include entry to the park itself, which requires a separate entrance pass.
Arches National Park: A Pilot Timed-Entry System
Located in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, Arches National Park is a geological wonderland, boasting over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, along with a variety of unique geological resources and formations. In 2022, Arches National Park is implementing a pilot timed-entry reservation system, a first for the park. From April 3 through October 3, all visitors will need a $2 timed entry ticket, in addition to a photo ID and park entrance fee, to enter the park.
This new system aims to mitigate traffic congestion and visitor crowding, particularly during peak seasons. Reservations are released on Recreation.gov in monthly blocks, three months in advance. For example, reservations for any date between May 1 and May 31 became available on February 1. Once a reservation is secured, visitors receive a timed-entry ticket for entry between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m., with a one-hour window for flexibility.
Park superintendent Patricia Trap explained that the goal of the timed-entry system is to "better spread visitation throughout the day to reduce traffic congestion and visitor crowding," ultimately creating a "higher-quality experience while maximizing access for our visitors."
For spontaneous adventurers, a limited number of reservations will also be made available for next-day entry at 6 p.m. MDT on Recreation.gov. Individuals with camping, backcountry, or other special use permits are exempt from the timed-entry ticket requirement.
Haleakalā National Park: Witnessing Sunrise Above the Clouds
Perched atop the island of Maui, Haleakalā National Park offers a surreal landscape of volcanic craters, otherworldly vistas, and the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunrises above the clouds. Due to its immense popularity as a sunrise viewing destination, visitors entering the park between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. are required to book a vehicle reservation.
Tickets can be purchased on Recreation.gov up to 60 days in advance, allowing ample time for planning. A limited number of tickets are also released two days before the desired visit date, providing a chance for those with shorter lead times. The reservation grants access to parking in one of the four highest-elevation parking lots: Summit, Haleakalā Visitor Center, Kalahaku, and Leleiwi. A nominal $1 reservation fee applies. As with other reservation systems, this ticket is in addition to the standard park entrance fee.
Glacier National Park: Navigating the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Glacier National Park, often referred to as the "Crown of the Continent," is a pristine wilderness of towering peaks, glacial lakes, and verdant forests. For the second consecutive year, Glacier National Park will operate a pilot ticket system to manage congestion in specific areas. From May 27 through September 11, visitors will need a vehicle reservation to access the Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR) at the West, Camas, and St. Mary entrances. The St. Mary entrance typically opens in late June. A separate ticket is also required at the Polebridge Ranger Station to enter the North Fork area.
Reservations are expected to be available on Recreation.gov in early March, with each ticket incurring a $2 service fee. This system aims to regulate traffic flow along the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for all visitors while protecting the park’s sensitive ecosystems.
Rocky Mountain National Park: A Proposal for Timed Entry
Rocky Mountain National Park, a jewel of the Colorado Rockies, boasts stunning alpine scenery, diverse wildlife, and a wealth of recreational opportunities. As of early 2022, Rocky Mountain National Park is seeking approval to implement a timed-entry permit system for its third consecutive summer.
According to reports, permits would likely be required for entry from May 27 through October 10. However, visitors without a reservation may still be able to enter the park during early morning or late afternoon hours without any issues. Should the proposal be approved, permits could potentially be booked as early as May 2. Visitors should stay tuned to the park’s official website for updates and confirmation of the reservation system.
Shenandoah National Park: Hiking Old Rag Mountain
Shenandoah National Park, stretching along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, offers stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley, cascading waterfalls, and serene forests. Shenandoah National Park is introducing a pilot ticketing system for day hikes in the popular Old Rag area, specifically for treks on the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails, between March 1 and November 30.
The park will release 800 tickets on Recreation.gov 30 days in advance of the planned trip date, with an additional 400 tickets made available five days in advance. Each hiker can reserve up to four tickets per visit, at a cost of just $1 per person.
Park superintendent Patrick Kenney explained that the pilot project aims to "evaluate a strategy for managing this highly popular hike in Shenandoah, with a goal of providing a high-quality visitor experience in an area of the Park that continues to see high visitation."
Zion National Park: Permits for Angels Landing
Zion National Park, a sanctuary of towering sandstone cliffs, emerald pools, and the Virgin River Narrows, is a hiker’s paradise. While visitors to Zion National Park do not need a timed ticket to enter the park itself, those aspiring to hike the iconic Angels Landing trail will require a permit starting April 1.
To obtain a permit, prospective hikers must pay a $6 fee to enter either the seasonal or day-before lottery on Recreation.gov. The seasonal lottery will occur four times throughout the year: January, April, July, and October. Lottery windows will remain open for approximately 20 days each, with permits issued on the 25th of the respective month. For instance, the winter lottery, running from January 3 to January 20, covers hike dates between April 1 and May 31, with winners notified on January 25. The application covers up to six individuals, and winners will be charged an additional $3 per registered person.
For those seeking a last-minute opportunity, the day-before lottery is open between 12:01 a.m. and 3 p.m. MT on any given day, commencing March 31. Permits will be issued at 4 p.m. for hikes scheduled for the following day. This system aims to manage the immense popularity of Angels Landing, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for hikers while protecting the fragile environment.
As you plan your National Park adventures for 2022, remember to check the specific reservation requirements for each park you intend to visit. By taking the time to secure the necessary permits and tickets, you can avoid potential disappointments and contribute to the preservation of these magnificent landscapes for future generations. Enjoy your explorations of these national treasures!
