America’s popular national parks are limiting visitors – how to plan ahead

National Parks are some of the most popular vacation destinations in the US and peak season is just around the corner.

They saw a combined 312 million visitors last year and demand shows no signs of slowing down this summer. There are 63 national parks across the country and they are busiest between July and September.

Now some require reservations to cope with the sheer volume of visitors where travelers must make reservations in advance to enter or drive through certain parks and areas.

There are seven parks that require advance reservations, which can be made on the recreation.gov website or using the mobile app.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park in Utah was the third most visited national park last year with more than 4.5 million visitors.

It decided to use a reservation system again to accommodate the huge numbers of travelers.

Reservations are not required to enter the park, but are required for those wishing to climb Angels Landing.

There is a seasonal lottery that costs $6 per person or a $3 permit, available the day before.

Glacier National Park

Driving through Glacier National Park in Montana to visit Going-to-the-Sun Road requires a vehicle reservation between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The ticketing system was introduced on May 26 and lasts until September 10, and vehicles require a three-day reservation to access the park entrance on the west side.

Those going to the North Fork area of ​​the park require a one-day reservation.

And between July 1 and September 10, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., the St. Mary entrance of Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and Two Medicine all require reservations.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park requires one of two ticket options to visit between May 26 and October 22.

The first option is to access Bear Lake Road Corridor and the park between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m., while the second option is required to access the park between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bookings started at 8am on May 1st and are open on the first day of each month for access to the following month.

But about 40 percent of tickets are available by 5 p.m. the day before a visit.

Shenandoah National Park

Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park began reservations on March 1 and will run through November 30.

There are 800 tickets available daily to visit the Old Rag Mountain area.

And 400 tickets have been released for park reservations 30 days and five days prior to a visit.

Arches National Park

A reservation to visit Utah’s Arches National Park between 7am and 4pm is a strict requirement.

The booking system began April 1 and lasts through October 31 with tickets open at 8 a.m. on the first day of each month for visits three months in advance.

But a limited number of tickets are released the day before for arrivals at 6pm.

The reservations are free, but require a non-refundable $2 processing fee.

Haleakala National Park

Hawaii’s Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui has had a reservation system for years.

It is known for beautiful sunrise views, making it an incredibly popular place to go.

Those lucky enough to visit will need a vehicle reservation, which costs $1, to enter the park between 3am and 7am.

But those who want to enter outside these hours can enjoy the park without prior reservation.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park in Maine has returned to its reservation system for vehicles going to the Cadillac Summit Road portion of the park between May 24 and October 24.

It is a popular section where motorists can enjoy a ‘beautiful three-mile drive to the top of the highest peak’ for breathtaking views.

In total, 30 percent of vehicle passes can be obtained 90 days before a visit, with the remainder issued two days in advance by 10 a.m.

Each pass costs $6, but those who want to enter a different part of the park or are not in a vehicle do not need to book in advance.