Planning a National Park Adventure in 2025? Read This Before You Go!
If you plan to explore a national park this year, don't make the mistake of showing up without the proper permits—or you might find yourself turned away at the gate or unable to access that dream trail you've been eyeing on Instagram.
As a National Park avid and Adventure Travel Coach, I know that most people plan their big outdoor trips for the summer. That's when families take vacation, school is out, and the call of the wild is too strong to ignore. But before you pack your bags and lace up your hiking boots, you need to know this: Many national parks require permits for entry, specific trails, and camping—and now, some even require parking permits!
Some permits sell out months in advance, while others have daily lotteries or last-minute openings. Either way, planning is key if you want to have a stress-free and unforgettable adventure. Here's what you need to know for 2025 permit requirements across U.S. national parks!
National Park Permit Requirements in 2025
Visiting some U.S. national parks in 2025 requires advance permits or reservations. These measures help manage crowding, protect natural resources, and ensure a better visitor experience. Below is an overview of which national parks require permits, the types of permits needed for hiking or camping, seasonal restrictions and changes in 2025, and how to obtain the necessary permits.
National Parks Requiring Entry Permits
Several highly visited parks have timed-entry reservation systems during the peak season 2025. This means visitors must secure an entry permit (usually a timed ticket for their vehicle) to enter during certain hours. The major parks with entry or vehicle reservation requirements include:
1. Arches National Park (Utah)
When: Timed-entry reservations are required from April 1 to October 31, 2025, between 7 A.M. and 4 P.M. daily.
Exemptions: Due to lower visitation, no reservations are needed July 7–August 27.
Cost: $2 per reservation (in addition to the park entry fee).
Booking: Reservations open three months in advance on Recreation.gov.
Alternatives: Enter before 7 A.M. or after 4 P.M. or visit nearby Canyonlands National Park.
2. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
When: May 23 through mid-October 2025.
Permit Types:
Bear Lake Road Corridor (5 A.M.–6 P.M.)”
"Rest of Pa" k" areas (9 A.M.–2 P.M.).
Cost: Included with entry fee; must be booked in advance.
Booking: Reservations open one month ahead on Recreation.gov.
3. Glacier National Park (Montana)
When: Timed-entry vehicle reservations required from June 13 to September 28, 2025, from 7 A.M.–3 P.M..
Required for:
Going-to-the-Sun Road (West Entrance).
North Fork area.
Exemptions: No reservation is needed for St. Mary, Two Medicine, or Many Glacier entrances, though closures due to overcrowding may occur.
Booking: Available 120 days in advance on Recreation.gov.
4. Yosemite National Park (California)
When: A peak-hours system may be implemented again for summer 2025 (awaiting confirmation).
Booking: If required, reservations will be available on Recreation.gov.
5. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
When: A timed-entry system was tested 2024 for Paradise and Sunrise corridors (7 A.M.–3 P.M.).
2025 Status: Not yet confirmed.
6. Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii)
Special Permit: Required for sunrise viewing at the Summit District (3 A.M.–7 A.M.).
Booking: Reservations are available 60 days in advance on Recreation.gov.
7. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Special Permit: Required to drive Cadillac Mountain Road, especially for sunrise.
Booking: Released 90 days in advance on Recreation.gov.
New in 2025: Some National Parks Now Require Parking Permits
In addition to entry and hiking permits, some parks have introduced parking permit systems to help manage congestion and fund park maintenance.
Parks Requiring Parking Permits in 2025:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)
The Park It Forward program requires a parking pass for any vehicle staying longer than 15 minutes.
Rates: $5/day, $15/week, or $40/year
Can be purchased online or at the park entrance.
Muir Woods National Monument (California)
Parking must be reserved in advance due to limited space.
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
Old Rag Mountain now requires both a hiking permit AND a parking permit (March–November).
🚨 Note: Parking permits are separate from entrance fees, so you may need both an entry pass and a parking permitdepending on the park!
Popular Hiking Trails That Require Permits in 2025
1. Angels Landing (Zion NP, Utah)
Permit Required: Year-round via lottery.
Lottery Types:
Seasonal lottery (apply months in advance).
Day-before lottery (for last-minute openings).
Booking: Apply on Recreation.gov.
2. Half Dome (Yosemite NP, California)
Permit Required: When cables are up (late May–mid-October).
How to Get It:
Pre-Season lottery in March.
Daily lottery for any remaining spots.
Booking: Apply on Recreation.gov.
Camping & Backcountry Permit Requirements
Are you planning to sleep under the stars? Most national parks require backcountry camping permits for overnight backpacking trips. These permits are separate from general park entry and usually need to be booked in advance.
Top Parks Requiring Camping Permits:
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona): A backcountry permit is required for any overnight stay below the rim (Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground).
Yellowstone NP (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho) – Backcountry permits are required for all wilderness camping.
Glacier NP (Montana) – Lottery system for popular backcountry campsites; opens March 15, 2025.
Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming): Backcountry permits must be reserved in advance or obtained as a walk-up if available.
Mount Rainier NP (Washington) – Advance lottery permits are needed for wilderness camping and climbing.
💡 Pro Tip: Many of these camping permits open months ahead and sell out fast—mark your calendar for their release dates! Pro Tip: Get the America the Beautiful Pass for Unlimited Park Access
Before we dive into the permit details, here’s a smart money-saving tip: If you're visiting multiple national parks this year, get an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass.
For just $80 per year, this pass grants you unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all U.S. national parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges.
✅ Entrance fees for everyone in your vehicle at per-car-fee parks
✅ Covers up to 4 people at per-person-fee parks
✅ Valid for one full year from the month of purchase
✅ Pays for itself after just a few visits—especially if you're hitting parks that charge $30–$35 per vehicle!
💡 Where to Buy It?
Online at Recreation.gov
In person at most national park entrance stations
REI and some outdoor retailers. Here is a direct REI link to the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass
🚨 Note: While this pass covers entry fees, you’ll still need to reserve any required permits for trails, parking, camping, and timed-entry areas separately. But at least you won’t have to worry about paying individual park entrance fees each time!
🔗 More info: nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes
Now, let’s talk about those permits you’ll need to secure before your trip!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Missed Permit Ruin Your Adventure!
Nothing kills the excitement of a national park trip like showing up and realizing you need a permit—and it’s already sold out. The best way to avoid that disappointment? Plan ahead, know the rules, and book early!
Whether you’re chasing sunrises on Cadillac Mountain, tackling the cables on Half Dome, or trekking through the Subway in Zion, having the proper permits in hand will save you stress and let you focus on the adventure.
And hey, if this all sounds overwhelming, don’t worry! National park adventures should be about freedom, exploration, and jaw-dropping views—not stressing over logistics. That’s why I put together my newsletter to keep you updated with all the latest permit changes, insider tips, and travel inspiration.
📩 Sign up for my newsletter now so you’re always ahead of the game and never caught off guard! Your future self will thank you when you’re standing at that epic trailhead—with a permit in hand and zero worries!🔗 For more national park tips, subscribe to my newsletter and never miss an update!
🚀 Plan ahead and enjoy your trip! Happy Travels!
🌿 And remember—always follow Leave No Trace principles. Respect wildlife, stay on designated trails, pack out what you pack in, and help keep our parks pristine for future generations!