Arches, Glacier and Yosemite National Parks are dropping timed entry reservations

The National Park Service announced this month that Arches, Glacier, and Yosemite National Parks are removing timed entry systems that have been used in recent summers in order to… Manage dense crowds.

Yosemite will also not require reservations for its popular “waterfall” viewing period this season.

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The park service noted that timed entry systems were introduced in recent years to limit the number of visitors entering the parks at one time, especially during the busy summer months.

“Our national parks belong to the American people, and our priority is keeping them open and accessible,” Kevin Lilly, acting assistant secretary of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said in a news release.

Arches National Park, pictured, will end its timed admission reservation system in peak season this year, a change that Arches and Yosemite are also making. (Istock)

Lilly said the agency is working to expand access where conditions allow while continuing to use targeted tools for protection Visitor safety and park resources.

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In Arches National Park, officials confirmed that a timed entry reservation system will not be used in 2026.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, be flexible and explore less crowded areas in case popular sites are full. Arches is also an international dark sky park, and after-hours visits are encouraged.

Timed entry systems have been introduced in recent years to limit the number of visitors allowed in at one time, especially during the busy summer months. (Istock)

Glacier National Park It will also eliminate park-wide vehicle reservation requirements this summer.

However, the park will continue to manage congestion in high-demand areas such as Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass.

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Temporary vehicle diversions may be used if safety limits are reached.

Yosemite National Park will No advance reservation required In 2026, including during the rainy period in February and March.

Yosemite will also drop reservation requirements for its popular “waterfall” viewing period this season. (Abu Gomez/Getty Images)

Instead, the park will rely on real-time traffic controls, increased seasonal staffing, and temporary parking management in case too many spots reach capacity.

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Rocky Mountain National Park The limited-access reservation system will run from late May until mid-October.

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“The tailored approaches reflect each park’s unique infrastructure, visitation demand, and coordination with state and local partners,” the agency said.