Why most US parks now employ a reservation policy

To develop this piece, we take insights from Alex Schnee, known as "Alex on the Map," a prominent travel and outdoor blogger who is currently assisting thousands of people in making reservations for visits to national parks. Alex has built a successful career and stellar reputation as an outdoor expert, providing comprehensive information and resources related to national parks, thanks to her lifelong fascination with nature and proximity to Glacier National Park as a child.

For all of Alex's travels and years as a blogger and freelance writer for outlets like Fodor's, the Huffington Post, Bustle, and more, the one question she is most frequently asked is, "How do I manage to plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the national parks?" Alex, desiring to help her target demographic bridge the gap, wrote a free guide about national parks that details the various reservation systems and offers advice on how tourists can best navigate the increased difficulty of gaining entry. An industry expert, Schnee, lifts the curtain and explains how to organize the ideal trip to a national park.

Her mission is to demystify the new reservation systems, explain their significance to the parks' conservation efforts, and assist adventurous travelers in creating unforgettable itineraries.

Alex’s mission-driven vision has materialized through proof of concept, commitment to innovation, and an unyielding dedication to a shared passion for the great outdoors, which has allowed her to assist in trip-planning for those headed to the parks. She is also leading tours near Glacier National Park to ease the crowds and to educate visitors on Leave No Trace Principles.

For park staff, this increase in visitation raises a challenging prospect of balancing the interest in the parks, as well as navigating increased pressure on natural resources and outdated infrastructure.

Yosemite National Park instituted a peak hour reservation system in order to increase the number of visitors to the park in 2022. From May 20 to September 30, between the hours of 06:00 and 16:00, park entry was only permitted with a reservation. However, it was still possible to enjoy the park without a reservation if you go in the early morning or late afternoon.

But first, find out if you need a reservation. You can find this information by visiting the park's official website, as well as Recreation.gov and nps.gov.

According to Alex, the aim is not to restrict attendance but rather to limit the number of peak periods. For entry to some national parks, visitors waited in line for hours, while others were turned away due to lack of preparation.

All in all, Alex argues that a reservation system plays an important role in defense of national parks, and while not all parks need them, for those who do it can end up benefitting both visitors and the parks themselves. People have an effect on the park, even if it is unintentional most of the time.