You'll Need a Permit For These National Parks In 2024

Several national parks are re-instating a permit-based system this year, emphasizing the necessity for visitors to acquire permits in advance. This strategic approach to overwhelming high traffic aims to manage and control crowds at popular destinations, ensuring a more organized and enjoyable experience for all.

Here Are The National Parks That Require Permits In 2024:

Arches National Park: 

Starting April 1, 2024, Arches National Park introduces a permit-based pilot program similar to the previous year's model. Permits, released in monthly blocks three months ahead. These permits grant guests a one-hour entry window, allowing flexibility in their duration of stay. 

Permits are free, a $2 processing fee is applicable through recreation.gov.

Glacier National Park: 

Starting May 24, 2024, Glacier National Park reinstates a permit system for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork, extending to the Many Glacier valley on July 1. Note, vehicle permits are now valid for a single day, enhancing the number of available reservations. However, Apgar Village amenities are open without a vehicle permit. 

Permits are free, a $2 processing fee is applicable through recreation.gov.

Rocky Mountain National Park: 

Starting May 24, 2024, Rocky Mountain National Park reintroduces a permit system. Two timed permits for access to Bear Lake Road Corridor and the rest of the park. Entry is permitted within two-hour windows, without a specified departure time. 

Permits are free, a $2 processing fee is applicable through recreation.gov.

Yosemite National Park:

Yosemite National Park expands its permit system with the "Peak Hours Plus" program. Reservations become mandatory for vehicles between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. on specific days, offering flexibility with full-day or afternoon entry options.

Day-use permits are priced at $2, with additional requirements on certain weekends (like Firefalls in February) and Presidents' Day.

Zion National Park: 

Zion National Park maintains a permit requirement for visiting and hiking Angels Landing. Also, permits are obtained through a lottery system, with releases on a rolling basis beginning Jan. 1. 

Each permit costs $3 per person, plus a $2 processing fee is applicable through recreation.gov.

The Bittersweet Reality Of National Park Permits

If you're anything like me, the news of permits for national parks can evoke a mix of disappointment and frustration. These are "our public lands" right? Well, let's take a step back and assess the pros and cons of a permit system:

Pros:

1. Increased Conservation Efforts: Permits are helping manage visitor numbers, protecting and preserving the natural beauty our national parks are known for.
2. Fewer People, More Fun: Reduced crowds lead to a more natural experience, shorter lines, and allowing visitors to reconnect with nature without the hustle and bustle.
3. Access, Access, Access: Holding a permit is like a golden ticket to the Wonka Factory, you're getting in while others wait in line.

Cons:

1. Planning: Securing permits in advance requires planning, months in advance. So, if you are not planned out that far, you might be frustrated.
2. Spontaneity Is Out: The good ole days of "Hey, let's go to Yosemite this weekend" are out the door. Now, you're logging into rec.gov three months, maybe even six moths to a year, ahead of time.
3. Processing Fees: The price of most permits have not changed, however, a permit processing fees via rec.gov is now an added expense, usually between $2-$5.