12 of the Best National Parks in the USA for This Fall
Autumn in the national parks brings vibrant fall foliage, cooler weather, and fewer crowds at popular spots like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. That’s why a fall national parks trip is the perfect chance to see some of these natural gems in the United States. These are our top picks for the best national parks for fall.
The best national parks for fall travel feature colorful forests, cool hiking weather, and fewer crowds.
Autumn in U.S. national parks brings vibrant foliage, cooler weather, and fewer crowds at popular spots like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. That’s why a fall national parks trip is the perfect chance to see some of these natural gems of the United States.
While not all of the parks below are known for their fall colors, they make perfect options for the season for a few different reasons. At spots like Death Valley and Joshua Tree, the temperatures start dropping from fiery hot to comfortable weather for hiking and camping. And super popular parks like Yosemite see dips in visitors during the shoulder season, which makes for a more enjoyable and often cheaper vacation.
Leaf-peepers will get the chance to soak up the crisp air and orange shades in forested settings like Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and Maine’s Acadia, too.
Keep scrolling for our top picks for which national parks to visit in the fall!
Read Next: You’ll Love These Outdoorsy Escapes From Big Cities in the U.S.
Mesa Verde National Park
By Oksana and Max of Drink Tea & Travel
Located in the southwest corner of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park holds the dwelling remains of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The park makes an excellent stop on a Colorado road trip to national parks in fall.
In autumn, the weather is perfect for hiking. Daytime temperatures can soar to the upper 80s in the summer months but drop to the 60s and 70s in September to October.
Petroglyph Point Trail is one of the best hiking paths at Mesa Verde National Park and features rock carvings along its 2.4 miles. Another great trail is the Step House loop. It is about 1 mile long and leads to a ruin that visitors can enter through mid-October.
Stop by the Mesa Verde Visitor and Research Center when you arrive. There is an adjacent museum which offers insight into the history of the park. There are also regular activities and guided ranger walks to dwellings within the park, though most end for the season by mid-October.
Grand Canyon National Park
By Nicole of American SW Obsessed
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is one of the busiest in the country, so fall at the Grand Canyon is an excellent time to visit for fewer crowds along the popular South Rim. Autumn also means cooler temperatures that make hiking safer and more enjoyable.
The South Kaibab Trail is a scenic option to reach the floor of the Grand Canyon in about 7 miles. You can day hike to spots like Ooh-Aah Point or Cedar Ridge before turning back the way you came. Just remember, it can take about twice as long to climb back up as it did to walk down. The views along the hike into the canyon are incredible and different from the lookouts along the rim.
For the best views from the top, follow portions of the Rim Trail or hop on the free park shuttle to reach vistas along Hermit Road — this route on the western end of the park only opens to private vehicles from December through February.
The South Rim is one of the best places to stay in the Grand Canyon, either in Grand Canyon Village or just outside the park in Tusayan, which is only six miles from the entrance.
Acadia National Park
By Tegan and Alex of Why Not Walk
Maine’s Acadia is a true gem at any time of year, but autumn is extra special — the weather is beginning to get a bit chillier, the air is crisp, and fallen leaves crunch beneath your feet. Acadia National Park in fall is a famous “leaf-peeping” destination and this is certainly something to experience at least once in your travels.
The area sees a lot of tourists during the season, though, so it’s imperative that you start your day early to avoid crowds.
While you’re here, you can’t miss visiting the top of Cadillac Mountain, especially to see the sunrise. Make sure you drive or hike up well ahead of dawn, as it can get rather busy. Other great trails and vistas include Bubble Rock, Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, and the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse.
Scenic drives perfect for leaf-peeping can be found on Park Loop Road and Carriage Road.
Last, but not least, for a delicious slice of Maine blueberry pie (with ice cream, of course), check out Jordan’s Restaurant in Bar Harbor, and spend an afternoon exploring the quaint seaside town.
Everglades National Park
By Paula of Paula Pins the Planet
Everglades National Park in South Florida offers an incredible opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the only subtropical preserve in North America. The epic destination is full of things to do, from boating and biking to hiking and camping.
One of the highlights of the Everglades is the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf Coast. You can go on a boat or kayak to view crocodiles and dolphins or walk the trails to see turtles and a variety of birds.
Late fall national park visits are ideal here because the temperatures are milder and humidity lower than in summer. Outdoor activities become much more pleasant when the dry season begins in November, and animals become more visible as they gather around wet patches.
Yosemite National Park
By Erin of The Gal On The Go
Yosemite is one of the best U.S. national parks for fall due to fewer crowds and pops of yellow and orange foliage mixed with the forests of evergreen. The weather in this part of California is also ideal, with temperatures dipping to the 70s and below.
Though the park’s famous waterfalls, including Bridalveil and Nevada, tend to slow down this time of year, there is still so much beauty to see. Cook’s Meadow has an easy walking path that is perfect to take in the scenery.
Mirror Lake Trail is a 5-mile round-trip loop that shows nature lovers a different side of Yosemite in fall with its pristine lake. For a more challenging hike, take the Mist Trail which brings you up close to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall.
One of the best lookouts and photo spots of the park is Tunnel View, which is an easy drive up and has a convenient parking lot.
Death Valley National Park
By Katalin of Our Life Our Travel
Death Valley National Park on the border of California and southern Nevada is a unique place worth a visit in October or November. Although the park is more crowded in fall than during the summer heatwave, it is also more pleasant to explore.
Death Valley is one of the hottest places in the world, with a recent high clocked in at 130 degrees at Furnace Creek in August 2020. After the long, sweltering and dry summer, daytime temperatures finally drop below 90 degrees by October and average in the upper 70s in November, suitable for camping and hiking in the park.
There are plenty of places to visit in the Death Valley National Park in the fall. The lowest point of the continental U.S. lies in the Badwater Basin of salt flats. You can walk across the sand mountains of the Eureka Dunes or explore the Ubehebe Crater formed by volcanic steam. Those who are up for a hike can explore the hilly badlands at Zabriskie Point.
Yellowstone National Park
By Sean of LivingOutLau
With over 10,000 geysers, hot springs, mud pots and other hydrothermal features, Yellowstone National Park stands out among the finest landscapes in the United States. It is no surprise why Yellowstone receives millions of visitors annually.
While most come in summer due to school vacations and warm weather, travelers in the autumn will find a pleasant surprise in this nearly 3,500-square-mile wilderness recreation. Yellowstone in fall is off-peak, with fewer visitors to diminish the beauty of the natural wonders in Yellowstone and Yellowstone accommodations that are much cheaper and less likely to be booked out.
Fall is also one of the best times for observing wildlife as it is the rutting (mating) season for many of the animals, such as elk and bison. During this time, their activity level is high and visitors have a good chance to spot them. If you get lucky, you might also see a bear foraging to prepare for winter hibernation.
Joshua Tree National Park
By Dhara of Roadtripping California
Fall is a wonderful time to visit Joshua Tree National Park, located in Southern California’s Mojave and Colorado deserts. October begins the busy season, as temperatures start cooling down enough that you can enjoy all the epic things to do in Joshua Tree National Park.
Known for its enormous rock formations, the park is a mecca for climbers of all levels. In fall, climbing season gets into full swing and you will see pros scaling vertical walls and other visitors scrambling over easier rock piles.
Hiking trails here come in all lengths and difficulty levels. If you are visiting just for the day, you may wish to attempt a couple of shorter ones like the popular Hidden Valley Nature Trail, which offers both boulders and Joshua trees in abundance. More challenging paths become feasible as fall weather sets in.
You can also drive through the park, stopping to take closer looks at the major sights and the diverse flora and fauna. The nearby towns of Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms have an Old West feel, and are worth exploring if you have the time.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
By Noel of Travel Photo Discovery
Of all the fantastic places to explore and enjoy fall colors, Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeastern Ohio really surprises. The only national park located in the state, Cuyahoga is full of fantastic trails and beautiful waterfalls. In autumn, the entire park’s forests turn shades of orange, red and yellow, making the walking paths a magical experience.
One of the most iconic places to visit is Brandywine Falls, a 60-foot bridal-veil style cascade. The Brandywine Gorge Loop goes through a native forest above the creek until you reach the falls viewpoint.
Take the steps down to the bottom of the falls for a closer look and fantastic photo ops. The stream canyon area is also fun to explore if you have free time to walk along the river bed.
The landscape surrounding the national park is full of scenic Akron and Cleveland Metro parks in the rolling Cuyahoga River valley that connects the two cities.
Zion National Park
By Megan of Red Around the World
Zion National Park is great year-round but particularly wonderful in fall. Not only do you get to see the same amazing canyon landscapes as you would in summer, but you can do so with fewer people around and much more enjoyable temperatures (think 70s and 80s instead of 100-plus).
You can also see some fall colors if you're in the right spots. Head up Kolob Terrace Road just outside of the park near the town of Virgin to get above the main Zion Canyon. Here, you'll have views of the park below with leaves changing on the drive to the top.
The cooler weather will allow you to comfortably do a lot more awesome things in Zion in fall. Make sure you hike one of the iconic trails, like Angels Landing or The Narrows. but make time for some lesser-known ones as well, like Hidden Canyon or Canyon Overlook.
While you're in the area, consider day trips to Bryce Canyon National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument for even lower temps and more fall foliage, especially near Cedar Breaks.
These are the best lodges and hotels near Zion National Park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
By Kay of The Awkward Traveller
Fall is the perfect time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California. While it is already one of the least visited national parks in the state, Lassen is even more peaceful without the normally buzzing summer tourists. The weather is also usually mild, dry but a little chilly, with ample sunlight to enjoy the various orange speckled trails.
One of the most beautiful things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park in the fall is to walk along the Pacific Crest Trail, where the trees are an array of autumn colors and evergreen.
If you want a break from forest trekking, there are also dozens of bubbling mud pools and geothermal areas to explore.
Besides hiking, you can visit the park museum through October on limited days. You are also more likely to snag a time slot for activities like horseback riding at Drakesbad Guest Ranch on the park’s outskirts, though the lodge closes by mid-October.
Shenandoah National Park
By Erin of Go Hike Virginia
There's nothing better than motoring along Shenandoah National Park's famed Skyline Drive in the fall for vibrant bursts of fiery amber and golden yellow leaves. Dozens of viewpoints, including Range View Overlook (mile 17.1) and Jewell Hollow Overlook (mile 36.5) implore park-goers to pause for sweeping vistas across the Shenandoah Valley.
Hikers too will be awed by gram-worthy scenery aplenty as they crisscross the park on hiking trails that wow with waterfalls, rock scrambles, historic sites and summit views. Among Shenandoah National Park hikes, the fully-accessible Limberlost Trail allows everyone, regardless of age or abilities, to revel in the multi-colored forested setting.
See the Shenandoah fall foliage in another way – from atop a horse – by arranging a guided horseback trail ride within the park at Skyland Stables. Or, book a rock climbing adventure in the park with Shenandoah Mountain Guides.
10 of the Best Spring Road Trips in the USA This Year
Looking for fun spring road trip ideas? These bucket list road trips in the U.S. highlight coastal breezes in the Northeast, warm desert landscapes in the West, and blossoming trees in historic Southern towns. Some trips will fill a whole week of spring vacation with national parks and city breaks along the way, while others are short drives with time to relax at your final destination. Use the map and guide to find a road trip near you!
These spring road trips in the USA stretch from coast to coast and cross mountains, deserts, small towns, and more!
Looking for fun spring road trip ideas? These bucket list road trips in the United States highlight coastal breezes in the Northeast, warm desert landscapes in the West, and blossoming trees in historic Southern towns.
Some trips will fill a whole week of spring vacation with national parks, outdoorsy adventures or city breaks along the way, while others are short drives with time to relax at your final destination.
Use the map below to find a road trip near you for this spring or pin these ideas for future travel inspiration!
Catskill Mountains Road Trip
By Neha of Travel Melodies
Late spring is a wonderful time for road trips in the Northeast when winter starts to shed and the weather turns pleasant. Driving from Philadelphia to the Catskill Mountains in New York only takes around four hours, but the route is worth exploring over a span of four to five days.
There are fun places to stop along the way, like Bear Mountain State Park on the west bank of the Hudson River. Follow Perkins Memorial Drive here for gorgeous views of the rugged mountains and the lake. If you are an avid hiker, the trail to Perkins Memorial Tower is also a great option.
As you continue north to the Catskills, green mountains and blooming flowers welcome you with open arms.
The area is perfect for relaxed scenic drives or adventurous activities like mountain biking, ziplining and hiking at Hunter Mountain. There are many trails from easy to difficult for families or seasoned hikers. Kaaterskill Falls trail is an easy path to a 260-foot-tall tiered waterfall.
California Coast to Desert Road Trip
By Ale of Sea Salt and Fog
There’s no better way to enjoy spring than with sunshine, ocean breezes and beautiful wildflower displays. A road trip through Southern California and the Arizona desert will give you the best of all three and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Beginning in sunny Los Angeles, spend a day exploring the beaches on the west side — Venice, Santa Monica and Malibu are all iconic. Must-sees in this part of town include the Santa Monica Pier, the Venice Canals and the Getty Villa.
In LA proper, stop at the Original Farmers Market for an outdoor lunch and shopping. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a must-visit.
The next stop is Palm Springs, where the vibe is mid-century modern all around. You’ll find plenty of shopping and casinos in town, but nothing beats just hanging out next to a pool in the desert.
After Palm Springs, hit the road for about an hour until you reach Joshua Tree National Park. With just one day in Joshua Tree, you can see the Cholla Cactus Garden, Arch Rock and Skull Rock. Wildflowers start to bloom in the desert in March or April, so look out for those.
Leaving Joshua Tree, you’ll drive through the desert until you reach Tucson, Arizona. Your final stop is Saguaro National Park, where a stunning collection of Saguaro cacti line the mountains and usually begin flowering at the end of April.
Denver to the Rocky Mountains Road Trip
By Meg of Fox in the Forest
In the mood for awe-inspiring mountain vistas, unbelievable wildlife sightings and epic hiking trails? This road trip will take you straight into the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and some of the best nature experiences in the USA. As snow melts and temperatures rise, spring is a wonderful time to visit for those who love the outdoors just as much as they enjoy mild temperatures, scant crowds and clear mountain views.
From Denver, stop in the college town of Boulder for art galleries, cafes and museums. Day hikes here in the foothills are great to preview for what’s to come.
Head west from Boulder on Boulder Canyon Drive to take the Peak to Peak Highway to Rocky Mountain National Park for some of the most accessible mountain views in Colorado. Along the way, the Indian Peaks Wilderness area has impressive scenery and iconic mountain vistas without hoards of tourists.
Eventually, you’ll run into Estes Park, a quaint Rocky Mountain gateway town near three access points to the national park. Some of the best hikes in Estes Park include the trails to Dream Lake and Alberta Falls.
This Colorado to Utah road trip includes national parks, mountains and canyons
Southern Capitals Road Trip
By Julia of The Cure for Curiosity
Take full advantage of the cool weather and blooming trees and flowers of spring with a southeastern road trip from Raleigh to New Orleans. This 950-mile drive offers something for everyone, taking you through stunning natural areas and beaches, four state capitals, and some of the most historically significant sites from the Civil Rights Movement, before ending in New Orleans.
Start your trip in Raleigh, the City of Oaks and the heart of North Carolina. Proceed down to Congaree National Park, a lesser-known national park that sits right outside Columbia, South Carolina, another state capital worth a visit.
From Columbia, continue southwest through the charming city of Augusta, Georgia, and into Atlanta, the capital of the state. You’ll find endless tourist activities here from the World of Coca-Cola to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park.
Next up is Montgomery, the capital of Alabama. The city played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, so brush up on your history at the Rosa Parks Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.
Continue south through the port city of Mobile before moving on to Biloxi, Mississippi, to visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore and try your hand at gambling. From there, it’s just 90 miles into New Orleans, home of live jazz and the infamous Bourbon Street.
If you’re circling back to the start, you could hit another Southern capital by diverting south to Tallahassee, Florida, or north to Nashville, Tennessee.
Florida Keys Road Trip
By Megan and Aram of Megan & Aram
The drive from Miami to Key West, Florida, is perfect in spring since it is the tail end of the dry season with warm temperatures. This stretch of highway offers a remarkable number of things to do, allowing a three-hour road trip to take three days or more.
Just outside Miami, consider a detour to Everglades National Park, a must if you're a nature lover or traveling with kids.
From there, venture down to Key Largo and the Upper Keys on the north end of the archipelago. Here you will find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. You can stay overnight in Key Largo or continue on to Islamorada, a collection of islands including Indian Key Historic State Park.
Drive further south over the famous Seven Mile Bridge to reach Bahia Honda State Park, one of the gems of the Keys. This island is protected and a fantastic place to snorkel or enjoy family beach time.
At the end of the road, you will arrive in Key West with its sandy beaches and buzzing Duval Street. From here you can also take a day trip by boat to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Key West is in one of its high seasons during spring, so opt for accommodation in the Middle Keys if you struggle to find it in the Lower Keys.
Southwest National Parks Road Trip
By McKenna of One More Step Travels
Las Vegas is an ideal starting point for tons of spring adventures in the Southwest, but some of the best places to road trip from the city are in southern Utah and northern Arizona. In spring, this part of the U.S. has mild weather with sunny skies, perfect for spending time outdoors in the desert.
It’s a great vacation for adventurous travelers of all ages — from families with young kids to college students on a school break.
Start your Arizona and Utah road trip by driving from Las Vegas to Zion National Park, where you can tackle famous hikes like the Narrows, Angel’s Landing and Canyon Overlook Trail, or stick to easier paths like the Riverside Walk or the Emerald Pools.
Spend the next several days exploring the natural attractions around Page, Arizona. Antelope Canyon is a photographer’s paradise during prime midday lighting and Horseshoe Bend offers dramatic views of the Colorado River wrapping around canyons. Lake Powell is the perfect place to soak in the sun and have fun on the water.
The last leg of the trip is to the marvelous Grand Canyon National Park. Dozens of scenic points along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
You can wrap up the trip back on the Las Vegas Strip, where giant hotels offer casinos, buffets, pools and activities.
California’s Big Sur Road Trip
By Dhara of Roadtripping California
California’s Big Sur is at its most beautiful in the spring, when the hills are bright green and wildflowers carpet the rugged slopes, making it the perfect time for a Big Sur road trip.
One of the most spectacular coastlines on the planet, Big Sur features waterfalls, scenic overlooks, state parks and a historic lighthouse. Daytime temperatures in the spring are pleasant, and while you may run into occasional coastal fog or mist, it often disperses by noon.
Starting in San Francisco, take California’s Highway 1 down the coast to Big Sur. Along the way, you can admire the beaches of Half Moon Bay, check out the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, explore quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, and go whale-watching in Monterey.
In Big Sur, hike the trails in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, snap photos of beautiful Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls, stop for a relaxing spa treatment at the Esalen Institute, and have a meal at the upscale Sierra Mar Restaurant in the Post Ranch Inn.
This California road trip works as a romantic getaway for couples or as a fun trip for outdoor-loving families or groups of friends.
(Editor’s Note: Always check the status of Highway 1 near Big Sur before planning a road trip through here because hazardous conditions cause frequent and lengthy closures.)
North Atlantic Coast Road Trip
By Nicole of The Abroad Blog
Coastal New England is the perfect region for a road trip in late spring because of its crisp weather and blooming flowers. This route is ideal for anyone into quaint small town stays and scenic ocean drives.
Begin your trip by visiting Newport, Rhode Island, a charming seaside town with a downtown shopping district and historic mansion tours at The Breakers and The Elms.
Next, drive about 80 miles north, passing through Providence and stop in Boston, Massachusetts. The largest city in New England and one of the oldest in the U.S., Boston is a can’t-miss destination for Italian food in the North End, shopping in Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and a quick history lesson near the Boston Common in Beacon Hill.
About an hour north, stop in Portsmouth, the crown jewel of New Hampshire’s Seacoast, before ending your trip in Portland, Maine. Be sure to try some fresh Maine lobster and visit the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country.
Southeastern Coast to Mountain Road Trip
By Brittany of Travel by Brit
A Southeast road trip through Charleston, Savannah and Asheville is the ideal spring vacation for gorgeous scenery, excellent food, historic cities and beautiful weather in the 60s and 70s.
Approaching from the south, your first stop will be in the quaint, historic city of Savannah, Georgia. In spring, the beautiful azaleas and trees are in full bloom. Some of the best things to do in Savannah include ghost tours, strolling through Forsyth Park or along River Street, and shopping at the open-air City Market.
Charleston is the next destination, a little over 100 miles northeast on the coast of South Carolina. You can relax on the beach here at spots like Kiawah Island or hop around to Rainbow Row with its pastel houses, the Pineapple Fountain and The Battery promenade on the waterfront, and the Charleston Tea Garden just outside town.
Conclude your road trip in Asheville, North Carolina, about a four-hour drive into the Blue Ridge Mountains. A few top things to do here include hiking to the Craggy Pinnacle overlook, visiting the Biltmore Estate and exploring Asheville’s breweries.
Virginia’s Eastern Shore Road Trip
By Megan and Aram of Virginia Travel Tips
One of the best short road trips to take in spring is between Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This jut of land is connected to Virginia Beach by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a 17-mile engineering marvel that is one of just a few bridge-tunnels in the world. Virginia Beach is the most populous Virginia city and entering the Eastern Shore will transplant you to a different world.
The first stop after crossing the bridge is Cape Charles, a small community with bay beaches and beautiful buildings in a walkable downtown historic district. Toward the end of spring, as the water warms up and the sun is out and shining, families flock to the coast here for swimming, kayaking and bike riding.
From Cape Charles, make your way toward Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore across the state line in Maryland. The Chincoteague area is known for its salt marshes, historic homes, red and white Assateague Lighthouse, and the NASA Wallops Flight Facility.
Wild ponies roam the islands here freely and in summer, an annual Pony Swim festival draws crowds. Spring is a great option to avoid the busy season.
The 8 National Park Reservations You Will Need This Year
Planning a national park trip this summer? You’ll want to save these national park reservation details and deadlines. Several popular national parks in the U.S. have been experimenting with reservation systems to help with overcrowding and the deadlines are approaching fast.
Planning a national park trip this summer? You’ll want to pay attention to these USA national park reservation details and deadlines.
Want to hike Angel’s Landing? Drive the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road? See Delicate Arch at sunset? You’ll need a reservation for that.
Over the past couple of years, several national parks in the U.S. have been experimenting with reservation systems to help with overcrowding. For some, you only need a reservation for certain popular hikes or roads, but for others, a timed ticket is required to even enter the park.
Since most reservations are released one to three months ahead and fill up quickly, I wanted to share some important information and deadlines so that you don’t miss your chance to visit these national parks. It’s always wise to double check whether you’ll need a reservation at any federal recreation site you’re visiting in advance of your trip, since more and more parks are starting to adopt this practice.
Save this list so that you have the national park reservation dates and booking links handy!
Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain was the 5th most visited national park in 2021, and it’s no surprise why. Alpine lakes, gushing waterfalls, and more than 100 mountain peaks over 10,000 feet high make for some of the most breathtaking vistas in the country.
With everything from easy walks around reflective lakes to exhilarating climbs (including the fourteener Longs Peak), there is something to draw in every type of traveler. And the packed parking lots in popular zones like the Bear Lake Corridor show it.
To help curb the crowds, Rocky Mountain National Park will require a timed reservation from May 26 to October 22, 2023. There are two types available — the first is for the Bear Lake Road corridor and the whole park between 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the second is for the rest of the park excluding the Bear Lake section between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Passes are good for a two hour window, and you must enter during that time. You are required to have a pass for all areas of the park.
Reservations are released in month blocks at the beginning of the preceding month beginning May 1 for a small processing fee. Reservations will not be available at the park entrance gates, visitor centers, or offices. A chunk of permits are kept aside and released on recreation.gov the day before at 5 p.m. MDT, but they fill up quickly.
In addition to your reservation, you will need an entry ticket or national parks pass, which can be purchased ahead of time online or at the entrance stations.
2023 Reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park
May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for May 26 to June 30
June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for July 1-31
July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for August 1-31
August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for September 1-30
September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for October 1-22
Additional reservations open the day prior to entrance at 5 p.m. MDT on a rolling schedule.
Book a Rocky Mountain reservation
Yosemite National Park Reservations
Known for its waterfalls and granite cliffs, California’s Yosemite is the most popular national park in California, with over 3.2 million visitors last year. For the past few years, Yosemite required a reservation to visit in summer, but this will not be the case in 2023.
The park is implementing a reservation this year for weekends in February during the popular Horsetail Fall sunset glow natural event. Even if you aren’t visiting Horsetail Fall, you will need a reservation to enter the park on the weekends of February 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26, 2023. Half of the reservations will be released January 13 and the rest will be released two days ahead on a rolling basis.
Click here for reservations at Yosemite. You will need to pay the park’s entrance fee or have a national park pass to visit.
2023 Reservations for Yosemite National Park
January 13 at 8 a.m. PT reservations open for February 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26. Additional reservations open 2 days prior to entry date at 8 a.m. PT on a rolling basis.
Arches National Park Reservations
Home to more than 2,000 sandstone arches in rusty shades, Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, is a popular destination for road trippers and hikers. Some spans like Delicate Arch and Double Arch are even Instagram famous.
With most of the attractions along a scenic 17-mile road, the park got so busy in past years that the entrance gates often closed around 8 a.m. and didn’t reopen until later in the afternoon. To help curb this issue, Arches began testing out a reservation system for the first time in 2022 and is continuing the system this year.
Timed tickets will be required to enter from April 1 to October 31, 2023, between the hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. You must enter during your one-hour reservation window, but you can stay in the park as long as you’d like or enter and exit as long as your timed ticket was validated during your window.
Reservations are released three months in advance for a month at a time, with a few kept aside and available one day before entry at 6 p.m. MDT. There is a $2 processing fee and reservations are not available at the park entrance.
Like all the parks, you will also need to purchase an entrance ticket or national park pass online ahead of time or at the gate.
2023 Reservations for Arches National Park
January 10 at 8 a.m. MST reservations open for April 1-30
February 1 at 8 a.m. MST reservations open for May 1-31
March 1 at 8 a.m. MST reservations open for June 1-30
April 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for July 1-31
May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for August 1-31
June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for September 1-30
July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for October 1-31
Additional reservations open the day before entrance at 6 p.m. MDT on a rolling basis.
Book an Arches National Park reservation
Glacier National Park Reservations
Northern Montana’s Glacier National Park is one of the ten most visited in the country, with over 1,500 square miles of Rocky Mountain peaks and alpine lakes and 700-plus miles of hiking trails.
To help control the crowds and preserve the park, several sections of Glacier will require vehicle reservations this summer. The system is complicated, with various entrance points starting reservations from either May 26 to September 10 or July 1 to September 10, 2023. I recommend carefully reading the reservation page for the most up-to-date information.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, the most popular section of the park along a 50-mile scenic drive, will require a reservation between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. from May 26 to September 10 at the West entrance and from July 1 to September 10 at the St. Mary entrance. Reservations will be valid for three days.
The North Fork section on the northwest side of the park will offer one day tickets that are required between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. from May 26 to September 10. New this year, the Many Glacier Valley and Two Medicine Valley will also implement a one-day reservation from July 1 to September 10 between 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reservations for all sections will be released in blocks 120 days ahead of each month at 8 a.m. MT. A few are kept aside and released the morning before at 8 a.m. on a rolling basis. A processing fee of $2 applies when you purchase your spot.
2023 Reservations for Glacier National Park
February 1 at 8 a.m. MST reservations open for May 26 to June 30
March 1 at 8 a.m. MST reservations open for July 1-31
April 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for August 1-31
May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations open for September 1-10
Additional tickets open one day prior to the entry date at 8 a.m. MT.
Zion National Park Reservations
The second most popular park in the country, Zion is full of beautiful pink and orange cliffs along a canyon of the Virgin River in southern Utah. While you don’t need a reservation to enter the park, one of the hikes here has become so crowded that Zion is using a reservation system to make it safer and more enjoyable.
The famous Angel’s Landing trail leads up a narrow ridge to a breathtaking view over Zion Canyon. Because the rock formation is steep and thin, chain assists are in place for the ascent and descent, but the path is typically crowded with hikers trying to scoot around each other.
You now need a permit to hike Angel’s Landing year-round, with tickets issued through a lottery system that opens for three-month windows at a time. There is a second day-before lottery that opens 12:01 a.m. to 3 p.m. on a rolling basis. Each person in your party needs a ticket. There is a nonrefundable $6 application fee to enter that covers up to 6 people, and if you are selected you will have to pay an additional $3 per person in your party.
2023 Reservations for Angel’s Landing
January 1-20 lottery open for April 1 to May 31, permits issues January 25
April 1-20 lottery open for June 1 to August 31, permits issued April 25
July 1-20 lottery open for September 1 to November 30, permits issued July 25
October 1-20 lottery open for December 1 to February 29, 2024, permits issued October 25
A second day-before lottery opens on a rolling basis and closes at 3 p.m. MT each day. Those permits are issued at 4 p.m. for the next day.
Book reservations for Zion National Park
Shenandoah National Park Reservations
Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park is known for its colorful forests, waterfalls, and Blue Ridge Mountain views along the 105 mile long Skyline Drive. The strenuous trek to the summit of Old Rag is one of the most popular in the park, and with visitation growing to over 1.5 million in 2021, the park implemented a reservation system for the hike in 2022. That pilot program is now in review, and information about 2023 reservations has not yet been released.
The program in 2022 required hikers using the Saddle, Ridge and Ridge Access trails between March 1 to November 30 to make a reservation. Tickets were available for a $1 fee 30 days in advance and 5 days in advance on a rolling schedule.
2023 Reservations for Old Rag Mountain Shenandoah
The pilot reservation program is in review and information for 2023 has not been released.
Acadia National Park Reservations
You need an Acadia National Park reservation for the 3-mile drive up Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak in the park with views of islands and lighthouses. Located on Mount Desert Island, Maine, Acadia has seen a dramatic increase in visitation in the past few, drawing over 4 million people last year.
Watching the sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain is a bucket-list Acadia moment, so the parking lots here are typically full and traffic congested. The reservation system is designed to alleviate some of that. Tickets are available for either sunrise or daytime hours between May 24 and October 22, 2023.
Unlike most of the other parks, Acadia releases a smaller portion of the reservations 90 days ahead of time on a rolling schedule with the rest available two days in advance at 10 a.m. ET. The cost is $6 for the reservation.
2023 Reservations for Cadillac Mountain in Acadia
Reservations open on a rolling 90 day schedule ahead of each date and two days ahead of time at 10 a.m. ET.
Book a reservation for Acadia National Park
Haleakala National Park Reservations
Watching the sunrise from the 10,023-high peak of Haleakala National Park is a bucket list experience on the island of Maui in Hawaii, but traffic at the small parking lots at the top fills up quickly. The park implemented a reservation system for the experience several years ago, but it’s only required for sunrise (3 a.m. to 7 a.m.).
Tickets are available on a rolling schedule 60 days in advance at 7 a.m. Hawaii time, with an additional set released two days ahead. A $1 fee applies for each vehicle.
2023 Reservations for Haleakala Summit
Tickets are released at 7 a.m. HST 60 days and two days in advance on a rolling basis.
Tips and Information for National Park Reservations
Which USA national parks require reservations? National park reservations for 2023 include Rocky Mountain, Arches, Yosemite, Glacier, Zion, Shenandoah, Acadia, and Haleakala. Other national parks require reservations or permits for things like backcountry hiking and camping, so check out the NPS page for the park you’re planning to visit a few months ahead of time to check what you may need. Some other sites managed by the National Park Service require entry reservations as well, including Muir Woods National Monument in California and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada.
Log on at the time reservations open. The best times for national park reservations usually go quickly as soon as they open up, so you want to be ready at the exact time they open if you’re set on certain dates. Pay special attention to the time zones of the reservations that may differ from where you live.
Register for an account on Recreation.gov ahead of time. You have to have an account to claim your national park reservation, so it’s best to create one ahead of time so it doesn’t slow down your booking process.
Print, download or screenshot reservations. Most national parks don’t have great cell service (or any at all), so you’ll need a hard copy or downloaded copy of your reservation to show at the gate and/or display in your car if required.
Pay attention to cancellation/refund policies. Each park does things differently, but typically reservations can be canceled up until a day or so ahead of time. But, the small processing fees you pay will not be refunded. In some of the systems, if you cancel your ticket within 24 hours, you’re not able to reserve another ticket for the same day under the same account. This can be a problem if you’re waiting for a better time to open up when the last-minute tickets are released. You can get around this by having another member of your travel party book the reservation on their account.
Can you enter without a reservation? For national parks with reservations, the only way to get around it is by entering outside of the hours that require a reservation, which is usually very early or late in the day. For most parks, you can also enter if you have a reservation for something else in the park, like camping, a backcountry trail, a horseback riding tour, etc. You’ll want to check the details for each park to see what applies.
