National Park Service removes reservation requirements at major parks in 2026
Environment · 3 July 2026
Written by AI from multiple news reports
The National Park Service dropped its reservation requirements at several major parks in 2026, including Yosemite, Glacier, Arches, and Mount Rainier. The systems had been introduced in previous years to control long queues and protect natural resources. Rocky Mountain National Park kept its timed-entry system through the summer season.
The change came as visitor numbers reached record levels. The NPS recorded 323 million visits in 2025, with 26 parks attracting more visitors than ever before. Problems followed quickly. During Memorial Day weekend, drivers waited over an hour to enter Yosemite, and car parks filled completely.
Staff shortages made the situation harder to manage. Seasonal workers who would normally maintain trails were moved to handle traffic and parking instead.