The 2026 national parks season brings the most significant policy changes in decades. International visitors now face a $250 annual pass fee (up from $80) plus $100 per-person surcharges at 11 major parks—effective January 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Glacier National Park is dropping its reservation system for the first time in five years, Denali’s full park road is reopening after a 5-year closure, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park is becoming a must-visit destination with its new Presidential Library opening July 4, 2026. This guide covers everything you need to plan your 2026 national park adventures.
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Major 2026 NPS Policy Changes Reshape Park Access
The Department of the Interior’s November 2025 announcement fundamentally changed how international visitors experience America’s national parks. The new fee structure, stemming from a July 2025 Executive Order, aims to generate over $90 million annually to address the system’s $23 billion deferred maintenance backlog.
The $250 Non-Resident Annual Pass replaces the universal $80 America the Beautiful pass for international visitors beginning January 1, 2026. U.S. citizens and permanent residents continue paying $80. Visitors must present government-issued photo ID at entrance stations to verify residency—acceptable documents include U.S. passports, state driver’s licenses, or green cards.
Beyond the annual pass increase, 11 high-visitation parks now impose a $100 per-person surcharge for non-residents aged 16 and older. These parks are:
- Acadia National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
Important exemption: Passes purchased before January 1, 2026, remain valid for 12 months and cover non-resident fees for all vehicle occupants, worth noting for international visitors planning 2026 trips.
Fee-free days have also changed dramatically for 2026. The calendar now includes 10 days (up from 6), but these now apply only to U.S. residents. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, and National Public Lands Day have been removed.
2026 Free Entry Dates
- February 16 (Presidents Day)
- May 25 (Memorial Day)
- June 14 (Flag Day)
- July 3-5 (Independence Day weekend)
- August 25 (NPS 110th Birthday)
- September 17 (Constitution Day)
- October 27 (Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday)
- November 11 (Veterans Day)
Parks Requiring Reservations in 2026
The reservation landscape shifts significantly in 2026. Glacier National Park is suspending its vehicle reservation system for Going-to-the-Sun Road after five consecutive summers, citing concerns that early-morning traffic surges endanger wildlife. Mount Rainier has also discontinued its timed-entry requirement for 2026.
Arches National Park (Utah)
- When: April 1 – October 31, from 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
- Cost: $2 non-refundable fee plus $30 vehicle entrance
- Booking: Recreation.gov, releases monthly starting January 2 at 8 AM MST for spring dates
Well Worn Shoes Tip: Enter before 7 AM or after 4 PM to bypass reservations entirely. Last-minute tickets are released at 7 PM the night before.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
- When: May 23 – October 13
- Two permit types: Standard Timed Entry (9 AM – 2 PM for most areas) and Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road (5 AM – 6 PM)
- Cost: Free (reservation only—$30 entrance fee still applies)
- Booking: Recreation.gov, releases May 1 with 40% of daily permits released at 7 PM the night before
Well Worn Shoes Tip: Bear Lake Road permits are the most competitive. Arrive before 5 AM or after 6 PM for unrestricted access.
Acadia National Park – Cadillac Summit Road (Maine)
- When: May 20 – October 25
- Cost: $6 per vehicle (highest among day-use reservations) plus $35 entrance fee
- Booking: Recreation.gov – 30% released 90 days ahead, 70% released 2 days before at 10 AM ET
Well Worn Shoes Tip: Sunrise slots limit one reservation per vehicle every 7 days. Hiking or biking to the summit requires no reservation.
Haleakalā National Park – Summit Sunrise (Hawai’i)
- When: Year-round, 3:00 AM – 7:00 AM daily
- Cost: $1 per vehicle plus $30 entrance fee
- Booking: Recreation.gov, 60 days in advance at 7 AM HST; additional release 48 hours ahead
Well Worn Shoes Tip: Summit temperatures can drop 30°F below sea level—bring warm layers. Sunset viewing requires no reservation.
Zion National Park – Angels Landing (Utah)
- When: Year-round, 24/7 for the chained section
- Cost: $6 lottery application plus $3/person if selected (~43% success rate)
- System: Lottery only, seasonal lottery (apply months ahead) or day-before lottery (closes 3 PM MT)
Well Worn Shoes Tip: Hiking to Scout Lookout, just below the chains, requires no permit and offers spectacular views.
Yosemite National Park – Half Dome (California)
- When: Late May – mid-October (cable season)
- Cost: $10 application fee plus $10/person if selected (~22% success rate)
- System: Preseason lottery (March 1-31) or daily lottery (2 days ahead, closes 4 PM PT) – Half Dome Permits
- Ticketed Entry
Well Worn Shoes Tip: Penalties for hiking without permits include fines up to $5,000. Plan a sunrise start—the 14-16-mile round-trip takes 10-12 hours.
Other reservations to know
Muir Woods National Monument: Year-round parking reservations ($10-45 depending on vehicle size) at GoMuirWoods.com – no cell service at park, download confirmation beforehand.
Shenandoah – Old Rag Mountain: March 1 – November 30, $2 per person via Recreation.gov. The 800 daily tickets release in batches at 30 and 5 days ahead.
Carlsbad Caverns: Year-round timed entry strongly recommended, $1 per person for self-guided tours, ranger-led tours $6-30.
How Timed Entry Systems Work
Unlike general reservations, timed entry requires arriving within a specific window. Understanding each park’s system prevents frustration and missed opportunities.
Arches uses a single 9-hour window (7 AM – 4 PM) – arrive anytime within that period. Once inside, stay as long as you want.
Rocky Mountain uses 2-hour arrival windows (e.g., 9-11 AM). Miss your window, and you’ll need to wait until the reservation requirement ends for the day.
Acadia’s Cadillac Summit Road has tight windows—90 minutes for sunrise, 30 minutes for daytime. No re-entry permitted, but you can stay until the road closes at 9 PM.
Best Booking Strategy Across All Parks: Create your Recreation.gov account well before booking windows open. Have payment information saved. Set phone reminders for exact release times (they differ by park). Use multiple devices for competitive slots. Consider weekday visits—weekend permits are exponentially harder to secure.
Top 5 National Parks To Visit In 2026
1. Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens July 4, 2026, this 93,000-square-foot facility designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta, featuring interactive exhibits and a 1.3-mile walking trail atop a living roof with sweeping Badlands views. The timing aligns perfectly with America’s 250th anniversary celebrations honoring the “Conservation President.”
Adding to the appeal: the South Unit Scenic Loop Drive fully reopened in late 2025 after a six-year, $51 million reconstruction, the first time since 2019 visitors can complete the entire 36-mile loop.
Best Time To Visit: September for warm days, cool nights, and golden Badlands colors; July 4 weekend for library opening celebrations.
Check These Out:
Is Theodore Roosevelt National Park Work A Visit? (Spoiler: I LOVED it!)
12 Incredible Adventures In Theordore Roosevelt National Park
2. Denali National Park (Alaska)
The full 92-mile Denali Park Road is expected to reopen mid-summer 2026 after being closed at the halfway point since August 2021 due to the Pretty Rocks landslide. A new $100 million, 475-foot bridge with 23 thermosyphons (to preserve permafrost) will bypass the unstable section, representing cutting-edge climate adaptation engineering.
For the first time in five years, visitors could access Eielson Visitor Center with its spectacular Denali views, camp at Wonder Lake (famous for Denali reflection photography), and reach Kantishna wilderness lodges by road.
Best time: Late July–August 2026 after the road reopens.
3. Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia) and National Mall (Washington, D.C.)
America’s 250th anniversary culminates July 4, 2026, exactly 250 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall. Both sites will see unprecedented programming, extended hours, and major events.
Philadelphia highlights include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the First Bank of the United States reopening with a restored interior. Washington, D.C. sees the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft Museum opening, Jefferson Memorial accessibility upgrades completed, and the National Air and Space Museum renovations finished by July 1 (its 50th anniversary). Best time: July 4 weekend for Semiquincentennial celebrations; spring for Cherry Blossom Festival with America 250 themes.
4. Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
Named to Intrepid Travel’s “Not Hot List” 2026 as a “hidden gem” alternative to overcrowded parks, Great Basin offers extraordinary experiences with just 152,000 annual visitors compared to Great Smoky Mountains’ 12 million.
The park features ancient bristlecone pine forests (some trees 4,000+ years old), Nevada’s only alpine glacier, Lehman Caves with rare shield formations, and one of the darkest night skies in the continental U.S., certified as an International Dark Sky Park with ranger-led astronomy programs. Budget-friendly too: no entrance fee and $8-10 cave tours. Best time: June–September for alpine access and optimal stargazing.
5. Acadia National Park (Maine)
We spent the Summer of 2025 at Acadia National Park, and while it’s always been one of my favorites, I’m more in love with the park now then I ever have been before. The new $26 million Acadia Gateway Center opened in Trenton with 300 free parking spaces (reducing Mount Desert Island congestion), Island Explorer bus connections for free park transportation, and ranger staffing. Additional 2026 improvements include $33 million in new maintenance facilities and renovated exhibits at Hulls Cove Visitor Center.
Maine ranks among top U.S. travel destinations for 2026, and multiple hiking trails—including Kurt Diederich’s Climb and Cadillac West Face, have undergone rehabilitation.
Best time: Late September–October for stunning fall foliage; May for spring wildflowers and lighter crowds.
Best National Parks For Visitors With Dogs in 2026
National parks are generally restrictive with pets, but several parks stand out for welcoming four-legged family members. Check out this post on 6 Best Dog-Friendly National Parks to Visit This Winter.
Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
The only national park with a dedicated fenced dog park, the Petrified Fur-Rest Bark Park features separate areas for large and small dogs. Dogs are allowed on all developed trails including Blue Mesa, Crystal Forest, and Painted Desert Rim. The park even provides B.A.R.K. Ranger treat kits at entrance stations.
Well Worn Shoes Tip: Extremely limited shade and summer temperatures exceeding 100°F so make sure to visit spring or fall, bring ample water, and consider dog boots for hot surfaces.
New River Gorge National Park (West Virginia)
As America’s newest national park (2020), dogs are permitted on all 70,000 acres of trails, including Endless Wall Trail, Long Point Trail, and Grandview Rim. Free primitive camping along the river welcomes pets, and nearby ACE Adventure Resort offers pet-friendly cabins.
Well Worn Shoes Tip: Watch for ticks, especially in late spring through fall.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
Over 100 miles of pet-friendly trails plus 45 miles of carriage roads make this an East Coast dog-lover’s paradise. Popular dog-friendly options include Ocean Path, Jordan Pond Loop, Ship Harbor Trail, and South Ridge Trail to Cadillac Mountain. Dogs are allowed at Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods campgrounds.
Restrictions: Sand Beach (June 15–September 8), Echo Lake, and ladder trails like Precipice and Beehive prohibit dogs.
Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
With 480+ miles of trails open to dogs (only about 20 miles restricted), Shenandoah ranks among the most dog-accessible parks. Popular dog-friendly hikes include Mary’s Rock Summit, Hawksbill Summit, and portions of the Appalachian Trail. In-park lodges like Big Meadows Lodge accept pets ($30/night fee).
Well Worn Shoes Tip: Bear and snake awareness essential—copperheads and rattlesnakes frequent warm rocks.
Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
While dogs cannot go below the rim, the 13-mile Rim Trail (paved, spectacular views) is fully dog-friendly, as are all South Rim developed areas and three campgrounds. Unique advantage: Grand Canyon offers an on-site kennel (928-638-0534)—day and overnight boarding so you can hike below-rim trails without leaving your pet in a hot vehicle. Reservations strongly recommended.
Universal park pet rules: 6-foot maximum leash at all times, clean up waste, dogs prohibited from buildings and ranger-led programs, and service animals (not emotional support animals) have broader access rights.
Essential 2026 Trip Planning Details
America the Beautiful Pass
The pass remains $80 for U.S. residents and covers entrance to all 2,000+ federal recreation sites managed by six agencies. New for 2026: All pass types (Annual, Senior, Military, 4th Grade, Access) are now available in fully digital format through Recreation.gov, instant purchase with mobile device storage. The pass now covers two motorcycles per entry (previously one vehicle only).
Senior passes: $20 annual or $80 lifetime for U.S. citizens/residents 62+
Military passes: Free for active duty, veterans, and Gold Star families
4th Grade passes: Free for fourth graders and their families
Staffing Impacts To Expect
The NPS has experienced a 24% reduction in permanent staff since January 2025, which are the lowest staffing levels in modern history according to the National Parks Conservation Association. But what does this mean for you? Expect reduced visitor center hours, fewer ranger-led programs, unmanned entrance stations, and potentially delayed maintenance at many parks. Build flexibility into your itinerary.
Climate and Fire Considerations
National parks are warming at double the U.S. average rate, with fire seasons extending year-round at many western parks. Yellowstone, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain face the most significant projected wildfire increases. Check air quality before visiting western parks in summer, and have backup plans for potential closures, park alerts are updated regularly on NPS.gov.
For the 2026 National Park season make sure to book reservations early, verify policies on NPS.gov before traveling (conditions change), bring your dog to parks that welcome them), and consider the less-crowded gems like Great Basin where the night sky rivals any five-star park’s daytime views.
The parks await, and with some planning, you’ll have the time of your life!
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