entrance

Yosemite Entrance Reservations Not Required in 2026, But Plan Ahead!

Yosemite Entrance Reservations Not Required in 2026, But Plan Ahead!

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The powers that be just announced that Yosemite entrance reservations will not be required for the popular national park 2026. What does this mean? Well although visitors won’t have to buy a special entrance reservation permit for a specific time to gain entrance to the park, there will still be a few restrictions.

2026 Yosemite Entrance Plan

Although you will be able to pass through the entrance gate to Yosemite National Park without any additional documentation in 2026, the park will “will continue to utilize strong traffic management strategies to support visitor safety, access, and resource protection.” More specifically, “If Yosemite Valley reaches capacity, vehicles will be redirected to other areas of the park, including Wawona, the Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, and Glacier Point Road.”

So what does that mean? Even though you will be able to get in the gate, you may not be able to access Yosemite Valley (where the bulk of the favorite attractions are) if there’s too much traffic. And with Yosemite Valley being a favorite destination, this could be a daily occurrence.

So, the best advice to visitors is to get an alpine (early) start if you are planning to visit Yosemite Valley. To be honest, that’s the best plan of action anyway, as the afternoon crowds tend to detract from the Yosemite experience. And if you want a real time update on parking , text YOSEMITE to 333111. Additionally, for information about wheelchair-accessible things to do in Yosemite, visit Accessible Yosemite.

And although it hasn’t been officially announced, it’s assumed that folks with campground and lodging reservations will be allowed access to their accommodations.

So, get there early, park your car and take the wheelchair-accessible Yosemite shuttle to enjoy Yosemite Valley.

 

National Park Entrance Reservations Required for 2026

National Park Entrance Reservations Required for 2026

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Because of increased visitation to many popular US National Parks, advance entrance reservations are now required during peak visitation periods. These reservations must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov, or by using the mobile app (https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app) or calling (877) 444-6777. They will not be available for purchase at the parks; and visitors who arrive without national park entrance reservations will be turned away. It’s a good idea to print or save a digital copy of your reservation on your phone, as cell service is not available at many national park entrance stations. A photo ID is also required, and it must match the name on the reservation.

Entrance reservations are not required if you have lodging, camping or tour reservations; however you must show confirmation of those reservations at the park entrance. Entrance reservations are required even if you have a national park pass. And if you don’t have a national park pass, you will still need to pay the entrance fee even if you have an entrance reservation. Questions about the entrance reservations can be directed to the specific national park you intend to visit.

Here’s what you need to know about the 2026 national park entrance reservations. More information will be posted as soon as it becomes available from the National Parks Service.

Mount Rainier National Park

No entrance reservations will be required for any part of Mount Rainier National Park in 2026.

Yosemite National Park

After a comprehensive review of the 2025 traffic patterns, Yosemite National Park officials announced that there will be no vehicle or day-use reservations required in Yosemite in 2026.

That said, advance planning is still necessary as they also announced that “While a season-long reservation system will not be implemented, the park will continue to utilize strong traffic management strategies to support visitor safety, access, and resource protection. If Yosemite Valley reaches capacity, vehicles will be redirected to other areas of the park, including Wawona, the Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, and Glacier Point Road.”

In short, just because you get past the entrance gate, doesn’t mean you will be able to access Yosemite Valley. It should be noted that Yosemite Valley is home to the bulk of the popular visitor attractions like Yosemite Falls and the miles of bicycle paths that wind through the valley. So plan to get to Yosemite Valley early to avoid disappointment. And for suggestions on wheelchair-accessible things to do in the park, visit https://emerginghorizons.com/barrier-free-travelyosemite-sequoia-and-kings-canyon-national-parksfor-wheelers-and-slow-walkers/#itins.

Visitors with camping or hotel reservations will be allowed access to their accommodations.

For real-time parking updates, text YOSEMITE to 333111. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment!

Acadia National Park

Vehicle reservations are required for Cadillac Summit Road in Acadia National Park from May 20, 2026 to October 25, 2026. This scenic three-mile drive leads up to highest peak in the park. The Island Explorer Bus does not run along this road, so they only way to access it during peak visitation times is by a personal vehicle with the appropriate vehicle reservation. Recreational vehicles, trailers and vehicles over 21 feet long are prohibited along this road.

There are two type of vehicle reservations available – Daytime Reservations and Sunrise Reservations.

Daytime Reservations have a 30-minute entry window,  while Sunrise Reservations have a 90-minute entry window. Sunrise times range from from 4:45 AM in mid-June to 6:15 AM in mid-October.

Thirty percent of the Daytime Reservations and Sunrise Reservations will be available for purchase at 10 AM (ET) 90 days prior to the reservation date. The remaining 70 percent of the Daytime Reservations and Sunrise Reservations will be available for purchase at 10 AM (ET) two days prior to the reservation date.

One Daytime Reservation is allowed per day, and one Sunrise Reservation is allowed per seven days.  

Daytime Reservations and Sunrise Reservations are priced at $6 each. A park entrance pass is required along with the vehicle reservation. It’s also important to note that vehicle reservations do not guarantee a parking space, and parking is prohibited outside of designated spaces.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park has lifted the timed entry reservation requirement for 2026; however they may limit access or close roads if it becomes necessary. 

Glacier National Park

Vehicle reservations will not be required anywhere in Glacier National Park in 2026. That said, new parking restrictions are in place for Logan Pass, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle will require advance tickets.

Logan Pass Parking

All private vehicles will only be allowed to park at Logan Pass for a maximum of three hours. Overnight parking will not be permitted, except for visitors with a backcountry permit or for guests of Granite Park Chalet.

Going-to-the-Sun-Road Shuttles

Shuttles to Logan pass are no longer free, and they will not pick up passengers who do not have tickets. Tickets are not available in the park and they must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. All passengers aged two and up will need a ticket in order to board the shuttle. There will be a $1 processing fee for each ticket.   

Starting on May 2, 2026 at 8 AM MDT Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle tickets will be available for purchase 60 days in advance at www.recreation.gov. The remaining tickets will be available at 7 PM MDT, for next day entry beginning on June 30, 2026.

West side routes will provide express service to Logan Pass, departing from Apgar Visitor Center and Lake McDonald Lodge with stops at the Loop (in the afternoon) and Logan Pass only. West side shuttles will not make stops at Avalanche in 2026. If you wish to explore the Trail of the Cedars or Avalanche Lake you must have a private vehicle.

The East side routes will provide express service to Logan Pass, departing from St. Mary Visitor Center and Rising Sun.

And as in previous years, shuttle riders will be able to transfer between routes at Logan Pass.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park are required to have a timed entry permit to enter the park beginning May 22, 2026. There are two Rocky Mountain Entry Permits.

The Timed Entry Permit will allow access to all areas of the park, except the Bear Lake Corridor. It will be valid from 9 AM to 2 PM. It is required until October 12, 2026. All permits will be timed, and will require the permit holder to enter the park within a 2 hour window.

The Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Permit will allow entry to the Bear Lake Corridor, as well as the rest of the park. It will be valid from 5 AM to 6 PM. It is required until October 18, 2026. Once you enter the park, you can stay as long as you like; however if you try to enter the park outside of your two-hour designated entry time (ie: you arrive late), you will be told to turn around and return after 2 PM. 

Both entry reservations can be purchased at www.recreation.gov. There is a $2 charge for each reservation.  If you plan to visit the park for more than one day, you will need an entry permit for each day. 

Reservations for the majority of the permits will be released on 8 AM MDT on the following dates.

  • May 1, 2026 for permits from May 22 to June 30
  • June 1, 2026 for permits for the month of July
  • July 1, 2026 for permits for the month of August
  • August 1, 2026 for permits for the month of September
  • September 1, 2026 for permits for  the month of October

The remaining entry permits will be available for purchase at 7 p.m. the day before the planned visit. 

Carlsbad Caverns

Last but not least on the list of national park entrance reservations is Carlsbad Caverns. Although technically you don’t need a reservation to get in to the park, you do need one if you actually want to see the famous caverns.

Every person — even children — needs a timed ticket to enter the caves. Tickets are good for entrance within the hour specified on the ticket. Late comers will not be admitted, so give yourself plenty of time to travel to the caverns and park.

These tickets are priced at $1 each, and like the park entrance reservations they are only available at www.recreation.gov. And again, make sure you print out your tickets or save a screen shot of them, as cell service is spotty in the park.

Plan ahead to avoid disappointment, and get your national park entrance reservations as soon as you make your travel plans.

Barrier-Free TravelGlacier, Yellowstoneand Grand Teton National Parksfor Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

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Glacier, Yellowstone
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Browning, Montana

Browning, Montana

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Population 1,005
Browning is located about an hour southeast of the Saint Mary Entrance to Glacier National Park, and it makes a nice stop on the way to or from the park. Although there’s really not much to the town, the excellent Museum of the Plains Indian (www.doi.gov/iacb/museum-plains-indian) is definitely worth a visit. Although the exterior of the museum is unimpressive, don’t be dissuaded by the lackluster front façade, as the artifacts inside are first-rate. There’s barrier-free access to the galleries that are filled with everything from cradleboards and toys, to weapons, ceremonial clothing, toys and lots of jewelry. The unusual bag made from a cow hoof, the buffalo hunt mural and the collection of woven cornhusk bags definitely stand out. There’s also accessible seating in the theater, where a short movie about the Plains Indians is shown. And don’t miss the excellent gift shop, the artist demonstrations, and the gallery filled with works by tribal artists.

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Arches National Park

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Located in Eastern Utah just five miles north of Moab, Arches National Park is known for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches. The main park road runs from the visitor center to the Devils Garden Trailhead, and connects with side roads to the Windows Section and Wolfe Ranch. And although the major sites are marked on the park map, there are also a number of unmarked pullouts along the way that offer spectacular windshield views of the beautiful red rock landscape.

Insider Tips

  • Don’t miss Balanced Rock – one of the most accessible sites in the park. It offers a nice .2-mile out-and-back accessible stroll around the seemingly precariously perched namesake rock, with a killer view from an overlook located midway along the route.
  • Although the main trail to Skyline Arch is not accessible, due to steps and rocks. wheelchair-users and slow walkers can easily access the other side of the arch from the Needles Campground. Just drive to the amphitheater, park in the accessible parking area, and take the level sidewalk over to the amphitheater. There’s an absolutely beautiful close-up view of Skyline Arch from just about anywhere in the amphitheater.
  • In addition to an entrance fee or a park pass, a day use vehicle entrance reservation is also required for Arches National Park, for visits from April through October between 7 AM and 4PM. Reservations are released in monthly blocks on recreation.gov beginning in January. Print out the reservation or do a screen capture, as cell phone service is spotty in the park. Entry reservation are not available at the park, and visitors who don’t have one will not be admitted.
  • If you don’t have an entrance reservation, consider entering the park before 7 AM. You’ll dodge the crowds and the park is absolutely beautiful as things begin to come to life for the day.

Arches National Park Accessible Itinerary

Nearby National Parks

Canyonlands National Park
Capitol Reef National Park

More About National Parks in Utah

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas

More Wheelchair-Accessible National Park Ideas
Barrier-Free TravelUtah National Parksfor Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers Buy the Book

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Utah National Parks
for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers

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america-the-beautiful-access-pass

How to get a Lifetime National Park Pass 

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The National Park Service offers a number of lifetime passes for free admission to national parks and other federal lands. They are available to anyone with a permanent disability, members of the military, veterans, Gold Star Families and people over 62 years old. These passes can be obtained in person at national parks and federal recreation areas across the country (nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm). The passes are also available online at the USGS store (store.usgs.gov/recreational-passes); however there’s a fee for processing and shipping. And although the national park pass application is pretty straightforward, specific documentation is required for each pass. With that in mind, here’s what you need to have in hand to get your lifetime national park pass.

America the Beautiful Access Pass

This free lifetime pass is available to US citizens or residents with a permanent disability. Applicants must provide documentation of a permanent disability and residency or citizenship.

A physician’s letter that states that the applicant has a permanent disability is the most common documentation provided. Documents issued by a federal or state agency are also accepted, but they must include the nature of the disability, and state that the disability is permanent. If the documentation is issued by the Veterans Administration, it must also include the percentage of the disability. Examples of acceptable documentation include a notice of disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, a summary of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or an award letter from the Veterans Administration.

It’s important to note that an accessible parking placard is not accepted as proof of a permanent disability for the America the Beautiful National Park Pass. Additionally, using a wheelchair or other assistive device is not considered proof of a permanent disability.

A driver’s license, passport or state issued ID is also required to document residency or citizenship.

America the Beautiful Senior Pass

This lifetime pass is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or older. The cost of the pass is $80. An annual America the Beautiful Senior Pass is also available for $20, and the cost for this annual pass can be applied to the purchase of a lifetime pass.

This is probably the easiest pass to document, as a driver’s license, passport or state issued ID are all accepted as proof of age and residency or citizenship.

America the Beautiful Military Pass

Last but not least, the free America the Beautiful Military Pass is available to active duty service members and veterans of the US Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves. It’s also available to Gold Star Families who have lost a family member in the line of duty.

Accepted documentation for this pass includes a Department of Defense identification card, a veteran health identification card or a veteran ID card. A veteran designation on a state issued US driver’s license or identification card is also accepted.

Gold Star Families can self-certify that they meet the required criteria by downloading and signing a voucher at https://www.nps.gov/customcf/goldstar/voucher.htm. Once they arrive at the park they can exchange the voucher for an America the Beautiful Military Pass.

So plan ahead, and pack along the right documentation to get your national park pass.

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National Parks
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