Use this strategy to get into the National Parks even if you missed a timed-entry permit
More and more National Parks across America have instituted timed-entry permits or some sort of reservation process to spread out visitors and create a more wholesome experience. Due to this, it can be challenging to make a last-second trip or just less enjoyable if you don’t happen to score an entry permit.
But there is a way to circumnavigate this “issue” and enjoy full days at the National Parks.
Starting your day early
The strategy that has a 100% success rate and allows you to enjoy the national parks is to enter whatever area you need to before the timed entry permits go into effect. For many places, you must get into the park before 6 a.m. or 7 a.m.
This strategy works because no one works the entrance gates throughout the night, and you can just drive through. And because rangers are not checking for timed-entry permits on your dashboards (just your National Park Pass), there’s zero risk of penalty.
So yes, you have to wake up early, but if it’s not overly cumbersome for your trip, it’ll allow you to hike and enjoy the views!
I’ve done this in multiple places, primarily at Glacier National Park. Instead of waiting until 3pm to get in (along with everyone else), starting your day around sunrise lets you experience the park with fewer people.
What parks had timed entry permits in 2024?
- Arches National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Acadia National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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