Five More National Parks Now Require Reservations in 2025
Book ahead if you want to catch the sunrise at Maui’s highest peak.
With more than 325 million visitors a year and rivetingly silly social media accounts, the US’s national parks are more popular than ever. So much so, that said popularity has led to substantial overcrowding—think scores of screaming children, unruly visitors trying to snap selfies with wildlife, and clogged trails. In 2023, visitors found themselves sitting in traffic for up to four hours at Yosemite National Park; the National Parks Service responded by reincorporating their reservations system. To combat the congestion, the NPS has announced that even more parks will be requiring timed entry reservations in 2025, which means the time to book is right now. Read below to find out which new ones you have to plan ahead for.
While the majority of the Maine national park will continue to operate without timed entry reservations, those wanting to drive the Cadillac Summit Road must acquire a vehicle reservation to access the highest peak in the park. Most of the reservations will be available two days in advance of visiting and cost $6 per vehicle. Reservations for Cadillac Summit Road will be required from May 22 to October 27 and can be booked here.
From April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31, vehicles entering the Utah national park from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. need to purchase a $2 reservation in advance. Book your slot here.
Reservations to enter the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico cost $1 and are required year-round. Make your reservation for the famous show caves here.
It is free to enter Gateway Arch National Park year-round, however, those seeking to ride the park’s tram to the top of the arch must purchase a ticket in advance, with prices for adults starting at $15 per ticket. Book your tram ride here.
Any vehicles wanting to enter the Hawaiian national park to view Maui’s highest peak at sunrise (from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m.) are required to reserve a spot for $1 year-round. You can book your reservation up to 60 days in advance here.
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