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National Park Service Cancels Summer 2026 Timed‑Entry Reservations at Three Parks

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  • In this May 27, 2020, photo provided by the National Park Service, Yosemite Valley School, lower right, stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Jamie Richards/National Park Service via AP)
    In this May 27, 2020, photo provided by the National Park Service, Yosemite Valley School, lower right, stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Jamie Richards/National Park Service via AP)
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    In this May 27, 2020, photo provided by the National Park Service, Yosemite Valley School, lower right, stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Jamie Richards/National Park Service via AP) (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • In this May 27, 2020, photo provided by the National Park Service, Yosemite Valley School, lower right, stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Jamie Richards/National Park Service via AP)
    In this May 27, 2020, photo provided by the National Park Service, Yosemite Valley School, lower right, stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Jamie Richards/National Park Service via AP)
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    In this May 27, 2020, photo provided by the National Park Service, Yosemite Valley School, lower right, stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Jamie Richards/National Park Service via AP) (Credit: AP) Source Full size
  • In this May 27, 2020, photo provided by the National Park Service, Yosemite Valley School, lower right, stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Jamie Richards/National Park Service via AP)
    In this May 27, 2020, photo provided by the National Park Service, Yosemite Valley School, lower right, stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Jamie Richards/National Park Service via AP)
    Image: WBNS (Columbus, OH)
    In this May 27, 2020, photo provided by the National Park Service, Yosemite Valley School, lower right, stands in Yosemite National Park, Calif. (Jamie Richards/National Park Service via AP) (Credit: AP) Source Full size

Three iconic parks eliminate timed‑entry reservations for summer 2026. The National Park Service announced on 19 February 2026 that Arches (Utah), Glacier (Montana) and Yosemite (California) will not require timed‑entry reservations during the peak season, aiming to broaden public access while maintaining safety and resource protection [1][2]. Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly highlighted the move as a “responsible expansion of access.” Yosemite superintendent Ray McPadden added that data indicate a season‑wide reservation system would be less effective this year.

Rocky Mountain National Park continues reservation system through October. Unlike the three parks dropping reservations, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado will keep its timed‑entry reservation program from May through mid‑October [1][2]. The policy is coordinated with Colorado state officials and has been in place for several years, reflecting regional traffic and resource management needs.

All four parks will increase seasonal staffing and operations. The NPS plans to boost staff numbers at Arches, Glacier, Yosemite and Rocky Mountain to handle higher visitor volumes [1][2]. Additional personnel will support short‑term traffic‑management actions, such as dynamic parking controls, when roads or lots reach capacity, preserving a positive visitor experience.

Kevin Lilly stresses access balanced with safety and preservation. In his remarks, Lilly said the priority is keeping parks open and accessible, using targeted tools only where necessary to protect visitors and natural resources for future generations [1][2]. He emphasized that the reservation rollback is a measured response, not a blanket removal of all controls.

Yosemite superintendent cites data against full‑season reservations. Ray McPadden explained that analysis of past visitation patterns shows a season‑wide reservation requirement would not optimally manage crowds or protect resources, prompting the decision to forego such a system for the upcoming summer [1][2].

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Timeline

Before 2026 – Yosemite requires reservations and parking restrictions on peak weekends for Firefall viewing, limiting access to protect the waterfall and surrounding resources [1].

Jan 13, 2026 – The National Park Service announces that no reservations are needed to view the Firefall in February 2026, allowing visitors to park at Yosemite Falls and walk 1.5 mi to the El Capitan Picnic Area, with overflow parking and a free shuttle at Yosemite Village and Curry Village [1].

Jan 13, 2026 – NPS projects a mid‑to‑late February 2026 viewing window that depends on water flow, clear skies, and precise sun angles, warning guests to dress warmly for cold, icy conditions and noting that visibility cannot be guaranteed [1].

Feb 19, 2026 – The National Park Service drops timed‑entry reservations for Arches, Glacier, and Yosemite for the summer 2026 season, aiming to broaden public access while maintaining safety and resource protection [2].

Feb 19, 2026 – Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly states, “Our priority is keeping parks open and accessible, using targeted tools only where necessary to protect visitor safety and preserve these sites for future generations” [2].

Feb 19, 2026 – Yosemite Superintendent Ray McPadden explains that data show a season‑wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for the upcoming season, reaffirming the service’s commitment to access, safety, and resource protection [2].

Summer 2026 (June‑Sept) – NPS boosts seasonal staffing at Arches, Glacier, Yosemite, and Rocky Mountain and prepares short‑term traffic‑management actions to handle capacity exceedances and maintain a positive visitor experience [2].

Summer 2026 (May‑mid Oct) – Rocky Mountain National Park continues its reservation system through mid‑October, coordinated with Colorado officials, while the other three parks operate without reservations [2].

Summer 2026 – Targeted traffic measures, such as reduced vehicle access on Northside Drive and other road restrictions, are planned to manage parking and road congestion when demand exceeds capacity [1].

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