2026 Guide Updates, Reservations, & Timed Entry Hub

Updated October 2nd, 2026

Planning a national park trip should be easy and fun but there are few things you need to know. Some parks require a reservation, vehicle permit, or timed‑entry ticket and they don’t all announce their rules at the same time.

This page is your one‑stop hub for the latest 2026 reservation and timed‑entry information for the parks covered in our guides. We monitor official park and Recreation.gov announcements and update this page as new details are released.

2026 National Park Entrance Fee & Pass Changes (At a Glance)

On January 1, 2026, the National Park Service made several changes to entrance fees and America the Beautiful passes:

• Motorcycles: America the Beautiful passes will now cover entrance fees for up to two motorcycles traveling together.
• Who can buy which pass: A new America the Beautiful Nonresident Pass will be available for visitors who are not US citizens or permanent residents for $250. All other America the Beautiful passes will only be available to US citizens and permanent residents.
• Fee-free days: Entrance fee-free days in 2026 will apply only to US citizens and residents. Nonresidents will still pay entrance fees and any applicable nonresident fees on those dates.
• Nonresident surcharge at select parks: Some of the most-visited parks will add a $100 per-person surcharge for nonresidents of the US. This will be at: Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion. If you are visiting one of these parks, we recommend getting the America the Beautiful Nonresident Annual Pass for $250, which allows the passholder and everyone in the car entrance to all the national parks for the entire year. Watch our video for more information.

For current pass types, prices, and eligibility, see the official America the Beautiful passes page.

2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

In 2026, the National Park Service has designated the following entrance fee‑free days for US citizens and residents (other fees, including reservations or timed‑entry tickets, may still apply):

• February 16 – Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
• May 25 – Memorial Day
• June 14 – Flag Day / President Trump’s birthday
• July 3-5 – Independence Day weekend
• August 25 – 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
• September 17 – Constitution Day
• October 27 – Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
• November 11 – Veterans Day

If you are not a US citizen or resident, you will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees on these dates.

Parks and Places In Our Guides That Require A Timed Entry (2026)

Park/Area	What needs a reservation	When (2026)	How to reserve (official links)	Notes/Which guides
Columbia River Gorge – Multnomah Falls (Oregon)	Timed‑use permit for vehicle access to Multnomah Falls via Exit 31 parking (Lodge and falls area). A permit is not needed to walk to the falls, just to park there.	Timed-use permits for Multnomah Falls’ I-84 Exit 31 access are no longer required this season. The 2026 permit period ended September 7.	Book Now	Permit required only when visiting via Exit 31. Permit does not guarantee parking. Guides: *Columbia River Gorge *Pacific Northwest Bundle
Maroon Bells (Colorado)	Parking or shuttle reservations are required to visit.	Parking and shuttle reservations for travel now through October 31, 2026 are currently open.	Reservation Info Book Now Park Updates	Guides: * Northern Colorado *Colorado Bundle
Mount Blue Sky (Colorado)	Timed entry tickets are required to drive the road	The road above Summit Lake is closed for the season. Lower-road access to Mount Goliath and Summit Lake is scheduled to continue through October 4, weather permitting.	Reservation Info Book Now	Guides: * Northern Colorado *Colorado Bundle
Pikes Peak (Colorado)	Timed entry tickets are required to drive the road	Reservations are required to drive your personal vehicle on the highway until September 30th.	Reservation Info Book Now Park Updates	A separate day pass per person is also required. Other options to reach the top include the cog train and the shuttle. See guides for more details. Guides: *Pikes Peak *Colorado Bundle
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)	Timed entry vehicle permits (park-wide + separate Bear Lake Road)	Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservations are required to access the Bear Lake Road corridor 5 a.m.–6 p.m. daily now until October 18, 2026 (and include access to the rest of the park).   Reservations are currently open for travel October 1st-18th. Additional reservations are available the night before at 7 p.m. MDT.	Reservation Info Book Now	Guides: *Rocky Mountain *Colorado Bundle
Zion National Park -Angels Landing Trail (Utah)	Permit (lottery) to hike Angels Landing beyond Scout Lookout	Zion’s Fall Seasonal Lottery for Angels Landing hikes now–November 30 is now fully past. Travelers who did not get a fall seasonal permit can still use the day-before lottery for individual hike dates. The next lottery for permits for Dec 1st to Feb 28th will be Oct 1st-20th. Check the ​NPS website​ for updates.	Reservation Info Book Now	Guides: *Zion *Utah National Parks

High-Demand Tours/ Shuttle Tickets In Our Guides That Require Early Tickets (2026)

Park/Area	Details	When to book	How to reserve	Notes/which guides
Arches – Fiery Furnace Permit	Fiery Furnace is a maze-like hike. Entry requires either a ranger-guided tour ticket or a self-guided exploration permit.	7 days in advance at 8 a.m. MT	Recreation.gov	Guides: *Arches & Canyonlands *Utah’s National Parks
Banff National Park – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (Alberta, Canada)	Shuttle / transit reservations are required for access to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, plus the Lake Connector shuttle between the two lakes	40% of the reservations for the Parks Canada shuttle to the Lake Louise lakeshore and Moraine Lake opened on April 15th, 2026. The other 60% of seats are released for last-minute reservations daily at 8 am MDT, two days in advance of scheduled departures. The ROAM bus is another option and advanced reservations are currently available. Some seats are reserved for walk-up tickets as well.	Reservation Info Parks Canada Shuttle Roam Transit	We prefer the Parks Canada Shuttle over the Roam Bus but both are good options. Moraine Lake is closed to all personal vehicles including those with handicap placards. An accessible shuttle will be available but you’ll still need a ticket Guides: *Banff *Banff+ Jasper *Canadian Rockies
Glacier National Park – Parking at Logan Pass (Montana)	You can drive your personal vehicle to Logan Pass, but parking is limited to 3 hours. If you plan to do longer hikes at Logan Pass, you’ll want to use the hiker’s shuttle.	The summer shuttle season and Logan Pass’s seasonal three-hour parking restriction ended September 7.	Book Now	Guides: *Glacier *Canadian Rockies
Hanging Lake (Northern Colorado)	This beautiful lake gets so crowded that it requires a permit to prevent overcrowding.	Now. Permits are currently bookable through all of 2026	Book Now	Guides: *Northern Colorado *Colorado Bundle
Jewel Cave National (Black Hills)	There are a few cave tours to choose from and all of them require a ticket.	(May–November): reservations are available approximately 30–60 days in advance of the tour date. (December–April): reservations for the entire winter season are released at the beginning of December.	Tour Info Book Now	Our guide can help you pick the best tour for you. Guide: *Black Hills
Mesa Verde National Park (Southwest Colorado)	The best cliff dwellings require a ranger-guided tour. They are *Cliff Palace *Balcony House	Tickets are released 14 days in advance at 8:00 am MDT; most tours sell out. Book as soon as your window opens.	Tour Info Book Now	Guides: *Southern Colorado *Colorado Bundle
Minute Men Missile National Historic Site (Black Hills)	Delta-01 Launch Control Facility is underground and led by a ranger. You can see what a missile control center looked like during the Cold War.	Tours can be reserved up to 30 days in advance	Tour Info	Only 6 people are allowed per tour and they only offer a few per day. Guide: *Black Hills
Wind Cave National Park (Black Hills)	All cave tours are ranger-led and require a ticket.	Advanced tickets are released 120 days in advance and close two days prior to the tour. Same-day tours are sometimes available onsite	Tour Info Book Now	There are several tours available. See our guide to select the best tour for you. Guide: *Black Hills

Important Updates for Parks and Places In Our Guides (For 2026)

• Arches National Park (Utah) – Everything in Arches is currently open. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Arches, Canyonlands, and Moab itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple Utah parks on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Utah National Parks bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada) – Bow Glacier Falls are currently closed. You can’t drive your own car to Moraine Lake at any time (shuttle/commercial access only). The summer Canada Strong Pass promotion ended September 7. Regular admission fees resumed September 8, and the camping discount ended. This applies to your Banff, Jasper, and Waterton planning information. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Banff itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple parks in Canada( +Glacier National Park) on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Canadian Rockies Bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado) – All roads are currently open. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Southwest Colorado itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple Colorado parks and mountain towns on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Colorado road trip bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah) – The Bryce Connector Trail to Peekaboo Loop alongside Wall Street are closed until further notice due to damage to the trail. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Bryce Canyon itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple Utah parks on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Utah National Parks bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Canyonlands National Park (Utah) – Everything in the park is open. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Arches, Canyonlands, and Moab itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple Utah parks on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Utah National Parks bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Capitol Reef National Park (Utah) – Capitol Gorge Road is currently closed due to possible snow and mud. Check with park officials before doing backcountry roads to make sure roads are passable. Apples are available for U-pick. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Capitol Reef itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple Utah parks on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Utah National Parks Bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Columbia River Gorge (Oregon) – Parking reservations are required for Multnomah Falls. See the Timed Entry Reservation section above for more information. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Columbia River Gorge itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple parks on the Pacific Coast on the same trip, this guide is also included in our PNW bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Glacier National Park (Montana) – The Going-to-the-Sun Road is expected to remain open until the 3rd Monday in October or until the first major snowstorm hits. Two Medicine Road is closed at Running Eagle Falls Trailhead for construction, cutting off vehicle access to the main Two Medicine Lake area. The closure will move to the Highway 49 junction in mid- to late September. Some hiking access may remain available. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Glacier itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple parks like Banff and Jasper on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Canadian Rockies bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) – The purple shuttle to Tusyan is no longer running for the 2026 travel season. The other shuttles are now on the fall schedule. Grand Canyon has major new inner-canyon impacts after flash flooding on August 29. The hotels at the South Rim have extended their closure through September 30th, but viewpoints are open. South Kaibab Trail below Tip-Off Point, Bright Angel Trail below the Tonto Trail junction, the River Trail east of River Resthouse, Black Bridge, Silver Bridge, all of Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the entire North Kaibab Trail are closed with no estimated reopening date. Corridor water availability has also worsened: Manzanita, Cottonwood, Phantom Ranch Canteen, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Delta Restroom, and Phantom Boat Beach are now listed as water OFF, while Havasupai Gardens, Bright Angel Trail resthouses, Bright Angel Trailhead, and South Kaibab Trailhead remain ON. Phantom Ranch is closed until further notice, Trailer Village RV Campground is closed, and Camper Services laundry/showers are closed. South Rim shuttles remain in operation. The North Rim remains open through November 30th or until the first major snowstorm hits. There are few services here, including no water, as a result of the Dragon Bravo Fire in 2025. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Grand Canyon Bundle. If you’re visiting multiple parks in the area, like Utah’s national parks and Monument Valley on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Grand Circle bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) – Jenny Lake Visitor Center will close for the seaon on October 12th. The Taggart Lake Trail is under construction so visitors will be required to hike about one mile longer to complete the trail. Signal Mountain Boat Ramp, Signal Mountain Marina, and Colter Bay Marina are closed; Colter Bay Boat Ramp is hand-carry only; Leeks Boat Ramp and Leeks Marina remain open. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Grand Teton itinerary guide. If you’re also visiting Yellowstone on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Yellowstone + Grand Teton Bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado) – The park is open. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Pikes Peak itinerary guide. If you’re visiting other national parks in Colorado, plus some cool mountain towns on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Colorado Bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Maroon Bells. (Colorado) Maroon Creek Road is open. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Northern Colorado itinerary guide. If you’re visiting other national parks in Colorado, plus some cool mountain towns on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Colorado Bundle.
• Jasper National Park (Alberta, Canada) – Roads are open. Maligne Canyon and Cavell Road will remain closed for the entire 2026 season. The summer Canada Strong Pass promotion ended September 7. Regular admission fees resumed September 8, and the camping discount ended. This applies to your Banff, Jasper, and Waterton planning information. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Jasper itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple parks in Canada( +Glacier National Park) on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Canadian Rockies Bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Kings Canyon (California) – Everything is open. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Sequoia & Kings Canyon guide. If you’re also visiting Yosemite on the same trip, this is also included in our Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon Bundle. Also, visit this park’s website.
• Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado) – Ranger-guided cave tours require separate tickets; see the High-Demand Tours section above for details. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Southern Colorado itinerary guide. If you’re visiting other national parks in Colorado,plus some cool mountain towns on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Colorado Bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (Utah/Arizona) – Everything is open. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Monument Valley itinerary guide. If you’re visiting Utah’s parks and the Grand Canyon on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Grand Circle Bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Mount Rainier National Park (Washington) – There have been fires at Mount Rainier. Sunrise Road will remain closed to vehicles for the rest of the 2026 season but is open for pedestrians and cyclists. The entire Ohanapecosh Developed Area is closed until November 2026 for construction. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Mount Rainier itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple parks on the Pacific Coast on the same trip, this guide is also included in our PNW bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Mount Rushmore & Black Hills area (South Dakota) If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Mount Rushmore and Black Hills itinerary guide. All the sites listed below are included.
  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Everything is open. Visit the park’s website.
  • Wind Cave National Park – Everything is open. Ranger-guided cave tours for Wind Caves require separate tickets; see the High-Demand Tours section above for details. Visit the park’s website.
  • Jewel Cave National Monument – Everything is open. Ranger-guided cave tours require separate tickets; see the High-Demand Tours section above for details. No tours on Sundays and Mondays currently. Visit the park’s website.
  • Badlands National Park – Everything is open. The Prairie Homestead Museum, located outside the park, is permanently closed Visit the park’s website.
  • Minuteman Missile National Historic Site – Everything is open. Visit the park’s website.
  • Devils Tower National Monument – Everything is open. Visit the park’s website.
• Olympic National Park (Washington) – Mora Road is closed for construction beyond Mora Campground from July 8–October 15, with no pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicle access to Rialto Beach via Mora Road. Mora Campground remains open; NPS suggests Ruby Beach as an alternative. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Olympic itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple parks on the Pacific Coast on the same trip, this guide is also included in our PNW bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Oregon Coast (Oregon) Oregon State Parks require a parking fee. Daily permits are $10 (OR residents) / $12 (non‑residents) and 12‑month permits are $60 (resident) / $75 (non‑resident). The Oregon Coast Passport sold in 2026 will no longer count as a state park parking permit (only 2025 passports remain valid until they expire). At Ecola State Park, the Clatsop Loop Trail, west section (including access toward the Lighthouse viewpoint) is CLOSED until further notice due to an active landslide. Hug Point State Recreation Site is closed due to erosion at the beach access. The Air Museum is closed due to damage from a windstorm. The Circles in the Sand Program is done for 2026. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Oregon Coast guide. If you’re visiting other national parks in Colorado, plus some cool mountain towns on the same trip, this guide is also included in our PNW Bundle. Also, visit the state parks website.
• Pikes Peak (Colorado) Open. See timed-entry tickets for more information. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Pikes Peak itinerary guide. If you’re visiting other national parks in Colorado, plus some cool mountain towns on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Colorado Bundle. Also, visit the website.
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado) – The Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Roads are open for the season. This park requires a timed-entry ticket. See the timed-entry table for more information. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Rocky Mountain itinerary guide.If you’re visiting other national parks in Colorado, plus some cool mountain towns on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Colorado Bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Sequoia National Park (California) – Everything is open. The free summer shuttles serving Giant Forest and Lodgepole ended September 7. See the park website for more details. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Sequoia & Kings Canyon guide. If you’re also visiting Yosemite on the same trip, this is also included in our Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon Bundle. Also, visit this park’s website.
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) – Everything is open, except Biscuit Basin. See the park website for more details. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Yellowstone itinerary guide. If you’re also visiting Grand Teton on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Yellowstone + Grand Teton Bundle. Also, visit the park’s website.
• Yosemite (California) – The Mist Trail is under repair and will continue through October, subject to change. The Mist Trail above the Vernal Fall footbridge will generally be open Friday–Sunday and holidays, and open Monday–Thursday only from 3:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. when safe. Glacier Point Road is temporarily closed due to poor visibility caused by the Dome Fire. It could re-open at anytime so check the parks website for current conditions. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Yosemite itinerary guide. Then, visit the park’s website.
• Zion National Park (Utah) – The shuttles inside the park are running and no private vehicles are allowed in Zion Canyon (unless you are staying at the Zion Lodge). RV and vehicle restrictions are in place for the Zion Mt. Carmel Tunnel. See the Timed Entry Table above if you are interested in hiking Angels Landing. If you’re planning a visit and want a step-by-step plan that hits the best sites at the best times and saves you 10+ hours of planning time, see our Zion itinerary guide. If you’re visiting multiple Utah parks on the same trip, this guide is also included in our Utah National Parks bundle. Then, visit the park’s website.

*Standard entrance fees, campsite/tour bookings may still apply. Always confirm on the official NPS site.

What this page is: A collection of updates for the parks we cover in our guides, updated as new 2026 information is released.

What this page isn’t: A replacement for official park information. Think of this as your shortcut and reminder system so you know what to book and when – then click through to book directly with the park or Recreation.gov.

We do our best to keep this page current, but official park websites, Recreation.gov, and Parks Canada are always the final authority. If anything on this page conflicts with an official source, follow the official source.