Planning a trip to a U.S. National Park in 2025 can be an exciting and enriching experience. With over 63 National Parks across the country, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. But with careful 2025 National Park trip planning, you can make the most of your time in nature. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned park-goer, this guide covers everything you need to know, from purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass to navigating the 2025 National Park Free Entrance Days. Follow these steps, and you’ll be prepared for an unforgettable 2025 National Park adventure.
Step 1: Purchase an America the Beautiful Pass for 2025 National Park Trip Planning
For those planning a 2025 National Park trip, the America the Beautiful Pass is a must-have. This annual pass provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including National Parks.
Cost and Benefits of the Pass:
The pass costs $80 and covers entrance fees for all visitors in a vehicle for an entire year. If you plan to visit more than two National Parks within a year, this pass quickly pays for itself and offers great savings.
Where to Buy the Pass:
Purchase the pass online through the U.S. Geological Survey website, at REI (order online here), or at entrance stations in most National Parks.
Step 2: Check for 2025 National Park Reservations or Permits
As part of your 2025 National Park trip planning, it’s important to know which parks require reservations or special permits. Some parks use timed-entry systems or specific hiking permits to help manage crowds and protect resources.
Types of Permits to Watch For:
- Timed Entry Reservations: Required for high-traffic areas (e.g., Arches, Zion).
- Vehicle Reservations: Some parks require reservations to access certain areas, like Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Hiking Permits: Certain trails, such as Angels Landing in Zion and Half Dome in Yosemite, require permits.
Parks That Require Extra Permits in 2025 National Park Trip Planning:
- Acadia: Vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit Road from May 22 through October 27.
- Arches: Timed entry required April 1 to July 6 and August 28 to October 31, 7 am to 4 pm.
- Carlsbad Caverns: Timed entry reservation required year-round for cave entry.
- Glacier: Vehicle reservation required for Going-to-the-Sun Road from June 13 to September 28, 7 am to 3 pm.
- Haleakala: Vehicle reservation required to access the park early enough to watch the sunrise.
- Mount Rainier: Timed entry reservation required for Paradise Corridor (May 24 – September 2) and Sunrise Corridor (July 3 – September 2).
- Rocky Mountain: Timed entry required May 23 to October 19, 9 am to 2 pm. Separate timed entry is required for Bear Lake Road, 5 am to 6 pm.
- Shenandoah: Hiking permit required for Old Rag from March 1 to November 30.
- Yosemite: Timed entry reservation required February 8-9, 15-17, 22-23, and April 13 – October 27; hiking permit required for Half Dome year-round.
- Zion: Hiking permits required for Angels Landing, the Subway, and the Narrows top-down.
- Redwoods: Reservation required for Tall Trees Trailhead year-round and Fern Canyon Trailhead from May 15 to September 15.
Booking Tips:
- All of these reservations/permits can be found on recreation.gov
- Except for Redwood hikes. Please visit Redwood Parks Conservancy for permits.
- Look at each park’s NPS website for more details
Step 3: Plan for Weather Conditions in 2025 National Park Trip Planning
Weather conditions vary greatly between National Parks. As you continue with your 2025 National Park trip planning, make sure to pack accordingly based on the expected weather for the time of year and location.
Mountain Parks (e.g., Glacier, Rocky Mountain National Park):
Expect rapidly changing weather, especially at higher elevations. Be prepared for rain or snow even in summer, and bring layers and waterproof gear.Desert Parks (e.g., Death Valley, Joshua Tree):
Temperatures can soar, especially in summer months. Plan to hike early or late in the day to avoid the extreme heat.Coastal Parks (e.g., Olympic National Park):
These parks often receive rain, particularly in winter and spring. Waterproof clothing and boots are essential.
Resources to Monitor Weather:
- Check the National Weather Service and NPS weather pages for up-to-date forecasts.
- Apps like AllTrails and MyRadar can provide trail-specific weather information.
Step 4: Book Your Lodging Early for 2025 National Park Trip Planning
For the most successful 2025 National Park trip planning, secure your accommodations well in advance. National Parks have limited lodging options, and they fill up quickly, particularly during peak season.
Inside vs. Nearby Accommodations:
Staying inside the park offers convenience but can be pricey and hard to book. Nearby towns offer alternatives, often at more affordable rates.
Booking Tips:
- For inside-park accommodations, visit official websites like Xanterra.
- For private stays, try Airbnb or Booking.com in towns like Moab (for Arches) or Gatlinburg (for Great Smoky Mountains).
- Camping: National Parks offer a variety of campgrounds. Book through recreation.gov or the park’s official site.
Step 5: Plan Your Route and Timing for 2025 National Park Trip Planning
Planning your route is essential to minimize crowds and make the most of your 2025 National Park trip:
Travel During Shoulder Seasons: If possible, plan your trip during the spring or fall when parks are less crowded.
Visit Popular Sights Early: Get to iconic spots at sunrise to avoid the crowds and enjoy them at their best.
Don’t Over-plan Your Day: Allow extra time for longer drives and unpredictable hike durations to avoid rushing.
Stay Inside the Park: Spend your time within the park as much as possible before leaving for the day to avoid wasting time on the roads.
Step 6: Pack the Right Gear for Your National Park Adventure in 2025 National Park Trip Planning
Packing the right gear is essential for a successful 2025 National Park trip planning. Depending on the park and the time of year, you’ll need to adjust your packing list.
Weather-Specific Gear:
- Waterproof gear for rainy parks like Olympic and Great Smoky Mountains.
- Layered clothing for cooler mountain parks like Rocky Mountain or Glacier.
Hiking Essentials:
Bring sturdy hiking boots, a first-aid kit, trekking poles, trail maps, sunscreen, and extra water.
Emergency Preparedness:
For remote parks, consider carrying a satellite phone or personal locator beacon.
Step 7: Check Local Amenities and Resources Around Your Park for 2025 National Park Trip Planning
While planning your 2025 National Park trip, know where to find essential resources like gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores. Some parks, like Big Bend or Death Valley, have limited services inside.
Gas and Supplies:
Fill up on gas and grab supplies in nearby towns before heading into the park.
Offline Maps:
Download maps if you’re heading to areas with limited service. Apps like Gaia GPS and AllTrails are great for offline navigation.
Step 8: Take Advantage of National Park Free Entrance Days in 2025
2025 National Park trip planning becomes more affordable with free entrance days, when you can visit most parks without paying the usual entrance fee.
2025 Free Entrance Days:
- January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- April 19: First Day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
- September 27: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Top Parks to Visit on These Dates:
- January 20: Everglades, Saguaro, or Death Valley for unique experiences.
- April 19: Great Smoky Mountains, Zion, and Arches for spring hikes.
Step 9: Be Aware of Construction and Closures in 2025 National Park Trip Planning
A few parks will experience significant construction projects that may impact your 2025 National Park trip planning. These projects can lead to longer delays, road closures, or the unavailability of certain areas.
Parks with Major Construction in 2025:
- Mount Rainier: Major construction projects at campgrounds and along State Route 123 from April to October. Expect delays and possible campground closures.
- Big Bend: The Chisos Basin area will be closed indefinitely starting May 1, 2025. This area includes key amenities and trailheads, so be sure to check before your trip.
- Yellowstone: Multiple construction projects are ongoing as part of a major overhaul. Check the park’s construction map for updates and to avoid traffic.
- Glacier: Going-to-the-Sun Road is scheduled to be fully open, but the Swiftcurrent area will be closed in 2025. Parking will be more crowded, and some trailheads may be unavailable.
Check for Ongoing Projects:
Always check the NPS construction updates before you go to make sure nothing unexpected interferes with your plans.
Get Ready for Your 2025 National Park Adventure
With a little planning, your 2025 National Park trip can be a smooth and unforgettable experience. From picking the right time to visit and getting permits to avoiding crowds and navigating construction, being prepared will help you make the most of your time in the parks. Be sure to plan your route, visit popular sights early, and leave some flexibility in your schedule. And if possible, aim for the quieter shoulder seasons for a more peaceful trip.
Enjoy the journey, and check out my other posts for more tips on avoiding crowds and finding the best times to visit!
