No Reservation? No Problem: Where to Explore When National Parks Are Booked
I’ll never forget rolling up to Yosemite National Park just before sunrise, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs, eager to hike one of it's most iconic hikes—only to be stopped at the entrance. "Do you have a vehicle reservation?" the ranger asked. My stomach sank. I hadn’t realized that this season, entry permits were mandatory.
Fortunately, I had a backup plan. I turned my truck toward Kootenai National Forest, where rugged singletrack wove through old-growth cedar, and alpine lakes mirrored the morning sky. No permits, no crowds—just pure, unfiltered adventure.
National park reservations have become a hot topic among outdoor enthusiasts, often leaving travelers frustrated when plans fall through unexpectedly. As of 2025, more parks than ever require timed-entry permits to manage crowds. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Here’s a breakdown of which parks need advance reservations this year—and where to head if you want to avoid the hassle altogether.
National Parks That Require Reservations in 2025
1. Arches National Park, Utah
When: April 1 – October 31, 2025 (7 A.M. – 4 P.M., except July 7 – August 27)
How to Get a Permit: Reservations open three months in advance on a rolling basis at Recreation.gov
Alternative: Explore Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District or ride the White Rim Trail for an immersive bikepacking experience through Utah’s red rock wilderness.
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
When: June 13 – September 28, 2025 (7 A.M. – 3 P.M.)
How to Get a Permit: Available starting February 12 at Recreation.gov
Alternative: Bike the Gravelly Range Backcountry Byway in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, a remote high-alpine route that offers jaw-dropping views without the traffic.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
When: May 23 – October 14, 2025
How to Get a Permit: Monthly releases on Recreation.gov
Alternative: Skip the permit hassle and ride the Boreas Pass Road near Breckenridge—a high-country gravel route offering panoramic mountain views.
4. Zion National Park, Utah (Angels Landing Hike Only)
When: Year-round
How to Get a Permit: Seasonal lottery on Recreation.gov
Alternative: Kolob Canyons offers stunning red rock formations and solitude just outside the main park, with no permits required.
5. Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
When: Year-round (3 A.M. – 7 A.M. for sunrise entry)
How to Get a Permit: Reservations available up to 60 days in advance
Alternative: If you miss the sunrise permit, sunset at Haleakalā’s summit is just as breathtaking—without the crowds.
6. Yosemite National Park, California
When: February 8 – 23 (weekends for Firefall event), peak summer season TBD
How to Get a Permit: Check NPS.gov for updates
Alternative: Overland through Inyo National Forest, which offers epic dispersed camping and direct access to Yosemite’s less-trafficked eastern side.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
When: May 22 – October 27, 2025 (for Cadillac Summit Road)
How to Get a Permit: Available via Recreation.gov
Alternative: Explore Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land, an off-the-radar coastal hiking area with rugged cliffs and no entry fees.
8. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
When: May 24 – September 2, 2025 (for Paradise & Sunrise Corridors)
How to Get a Permit: Available on Recreation.gov
Alternative: Ride or hike into Goat Rocks Wilderness, which has similar alpine scenery—minus the red tape.
9. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (Old Rag Hike Only)
When: March 1 – November 30, 2025
How to Get a Permit: Available 30 days in advance at Recreation.gov
Alternative: Check out McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, with no reservations needed.
Best Public Lands to Explore Without Reservations
With national parks becoming more regulated, many adventurers are turning to less-restricted areas that offer just as much beauty and freedom.
If securing a national park permit is proving to be a headache, consider these no-reservation-needed public lands that rival the beauty of the big-name parks.
National Forests 🌲
Alternative to Rocky Mountain NP: White River National Forest, CO (High-elevation bikepacking routes with stunning alpine lakes)
Alternative to Glacier NP: Flathead National Forest, MT (Uncrowded wilderness trails with backcountry camping)
BLM Lands & National Monuments 🏜️
Alternative to Arches & Zion: Grand Staircase-Escalante, UT (Epic slot canyons, dispersed camping, and fewer crowds)
Alternative to Yosemite: Alabama Hills, CA (Free camping with views of the Sierra Nevada, plus world-class climbing)
State Parks & Wildlife Refuges 🦅
Alternative to Acadia NP: Baxter State Park, ME (Remote hiking and rugged peaks—no permits required)
Alternative to Mount Rainier: Olympic Peninsula’s Hoh Rainforest, WA (Lush old-growth trails without the reservation system)
Smart Strategies to Access National Parks Without a Reservation
If your dream park is booked solid, don’t give up just yet. These strategies can help you still make the most of your adventure.
Bike or Hike In: Many parks allow cyclists and pedestrians to enter without a permit (e.g., Rocky Mountain NP’s Bear Lake Road is open to bikes without a reservation).
Enter Before or After Peak Hours: Parks like Glacier and Arches allow visitors to enter before 7 A.M. or after 4 P.M. without a permit.
Book a Campsite Inside the Park: Reservations for in-park campgrounds often include park entry, bypassing the need for a timed-entry permit.
Explore in the Off-Season: Visiting in early spring or late fall can help you avoid reservation requirements and peak-season crowds.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Adventure Freely
While national park reservations require foresight, they don’t have to limit your outdoor experiences. Whether you secure a permit or pivot to a less-regulated area, adventure is always within reach.
Reservations aren’t a dealbreaker—but they do require planning. If you’re set on hitting a park that requires them, book early. But if you’re the type who craves spontaneous adventure, the U.S. is packed with alternatives that don’t require a single form to fill out. Whether it’s a rugged BLM landscape, a national forest trail, or a state park with backcountry camping, there’s always a way to escape the crowds and find your own wild place.
Now get out there and ride, hike, and explore—no reservations required. 🚴♂️🏕️
