No Reservation? No Problem: Where to Explore When National Parks Are Booked
I’ll never forget rolling up to Yosemite National Park just before sunrise, the crisp mountain air filling my lungs, eager to hike one of it's most iconic hikes—only to be stopped at the entrance. "Do you have a vehicle reservation?" the ranger asked. My stomach sank. I hadn’t realized that this season, entry permits were mandatory. Fortunately, I had a backup plan. I turned my truck toward Kootenai National Forest, where rugged singletrack wove through old-growth cedar, and alpine lakes mirrored the morning sky. No permits, no crowds—just pure, unfiltered adventure. National park reservations have become a hot topic among outdoor enthusiasts, often leaving travelers frustrated when plans fall through unexpectedly. As of 2025, more parks than ever require timed-entry permits to manage crowds. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Here’s a breakdown of which parks need advance reservations this year—and where to head if you want to avoid the hassle altogether. Nationa...