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National Parks Drop Reservations for More Access
23 Feb
Summary
- Three major national parks are removing timed-entry systems.
- Yosemite won't require reservations for popular 'firefall' viewing.
- AI technology will enhance engagement at Theodore Roosevelt Park.
Several major U.S. national parks are easing visitor access in 2026 by eliminating timed-entry reservation systems. Arches, Glacier, and Yosemite national parks, previously using these systems to manage peak season crowds, will no longer require advance reservations.
Yosemite National Park is specifically dropping reservations for its popular 'firefall' viewing period in February and March. Instead, the park will utilize real-time traffic controls and increased staffing to manage visitor flow.
Glacier National Park is also removing its park-wide vehicle reservation requirement this summer, though congestion management will continue for high-demand areas like Going-to-the-Sun Road. Rocky Mountain National Park will maintain its timed-entry system from late May through mid-October.
Meanwhile, Theodore Roosevelt National Park will pilot innovative AI technology. This groundbreaking system aims to allow visitors to engage directly with the environmentalist icon, Theodore Roosevelt, a century after his time in office.
