America's majestic national parks are some of the most sought-after travel destinations, with adventure seekers from all walks of life being drawn to the breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems found in these natural wonderlands. From dramatic red rock formations to iconic canyons, serene snow-capped mountains, and so much more, it’s no surprise that the nation’s most popular sites are prone to heavy traffic. So, when planning your visit to see these stunning spectacles in 2025, you’ll need to be prepared.
Here's your guide to making the most of your national park vacation, including what you need to know before hitting the trails.
Park Reservations
In recent years, several national parks have instituted reservation or timed entry systems to manage visitor numbers and protect the environment. Reservations to these parks should be made in advance through recreation.gov.
- Acadia National Park (Maine): Reservations required year-round to access Cadillac Summit Road
- Arches National Park (Utah): Reservations required April 1-Oct. 31, 2025
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico): Booking a timed reservation in advance is strongly recommended
- Glacier National Park (Montana): Reservations required for the most popular sections of the park May 24-Sept. 8, 2025
- Haleakala National Park (Hawaii): Reservations required year-round for entry at sunrise only
- Mount Rainier National Park (Washington): Reservations were required for much of 2024 and may be required again in 2025
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado): Reservations required May 24-Oct. 13, 2025
- Shenandoah National Park (Virginia): Reservations are required to access Old Rag during peak season
- Yosemite National Park (California): Reservations required during peak seasons
- Zion National Park (Utah): Reservations required year-round for those interested in hiking the Angels Landing trail
Entrance Passes
Once you’ve secured any necessary reservations, you’ll need to consider entrance fees. Some parks, such as Washington’s North Cascades National Park and Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park are free to enter, while many others charge varying rates depending on your length of stay.
If you’re looking to visit more than one park in the same year, there are several passes available that will save you money, including:
- America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass: This annual pass costs $80 and allows one year of unlimited entrance to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks.
- Senior Pass: This pass costs $20 annually for U.S. citizens and permanent residents ages 62 and older. It provides a 50% discount on some amenity fees.
- 4th Grade Pass: The “Every Kid Outdoors” program provides free admission to over 2,000 federal recreation sites. To obtain the pass, students entering the 4th grade can visit the program's website to download a voucher that’s valid from Sept. 1, 2025-Aug. 31, 2026. The pass allows entry for the student, up to three adults, and any other children under the age of 16.
- Free Entrance Days: For frugal-minded travelers, plan a visit on one of several “Free Entrance Days” throughout the year. Check the website of the park you’re hoping to visit for 2025 dates.
When to Visit
For nearly all of America’s national parks, summer is peak season, and visiting popular destinations like Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park and Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park during this busy time of year will mean you’re jostling for a prime viewing spot alongside crowds of eager adventure seekers. For a more leisurely experience, consider visiting in springtime, when wildflowers are in bloom, or during the fall, when colorful foliage adds to the scenic beauty.
Winter can also be an excellent time to view these natural beauties in a unique light. Beholding the hoodoos at Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park covered in a dusting of snow is a magical sight, and the chilly air is a wonderful reprieve from the desert heat of California’s Death Valley National Park, making these parks an excellent off-season choice. However, other parks prove too icy to visit in the winter, so be sure to check seasonal requirements before hitting the road for your nature-fueled expedition.
Accommodations
Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab
Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort
Because many national parks are in remote settings with few nearby hotel options, securing your accommodations well in advance is essential. Hilton offers numerous options near America’s most popular natural landmarks that provide a comfortable stay between adventures.
Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks are a must see for many travelers, and those looking to explore Zion’s striking scenery can enjoy a stay just outside the park at Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton. The rugged red rocks of Moab make the perfect home base for two of the state’s most beloved destinations—Arches and Canyonlands National Parks—with Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton Moab both offering easy access to these natural wonders.
No matter which destination you choose, consider hotel options with in-suite kitchens that allow you to prepare food for long days of adventure as well as on-site laundry facilities so you can wash your clothes after exploring. Home2 Suites by Hilton and Homewood Suites by Hilton are the perfect options as they offer these amenities, along with large, dog-friendly rooms.
Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton - 1 Bedroom Suite
Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson - Accessible Guest Room
Here are some properties to consider for your next stay.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort and Home2 Suites by Hilton Pigeon Forge are both situated near Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Harrisonburg University, opening in 2025, provides easy access to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Eureka is located just a short drive from California’s Redwood National Park.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Jackson is located just outside Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park and is only 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park.
Enhance Your Visit
After entering a national park, be sure to stop by the visitor’s center to gather everything you need for your day. One of the beautiful things about being immersed in nature is the seclusion you feel, but with that often comes limited cell service and internet access. As such, you’ll want to collect paper maps of the park and trail information guides to serve as your reference while exploring.
Those traveling with children should also pick up a Junior Ranger booklet filled with interactive activities like scavenger hunts and crosswords that your child can complete to earn badges unique to each park. It’s a great way to keep younger hikers engaged and serves as an age-appropriate educational experience.
Whether you're witnessing the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, hiking the trails of Acadia, or exploring the Badlands of South Dakota, America's national parks offer endless opportunities for discovery and inspiration. Be sure to pack lots of water, follow safe hiking practices, respect park rules and wildlife, and be prepared for varying conditions. By following these planning tips, you can ensure an adventure that will live on in your memories for years to come.
