Interior Cancels Successful Reservation Systems at Arches and Yosemite, Makes Major Changes at Glacier

WASHINGTON–Today, the Department of the Interior cancelled the successful seasonal reservation systems at Yosemite and Arches and announced major changes at Glacier for 2026.

The National Parks Conservation Association condemns the Department’s move at Yosemite and Arches, which ignores Park Service leadership and expertise and fails to address years of unsustainable visitation patterns at the parks. NPCA has consistently supported the vehicle reservation system at Glacier, and the 2026 changes raise serious concerns about the park’s ability to manage increasing traffic during peak days and hours.

The pilot programs proved that reservation systems work and multiple seasons help parks adapt, refine their systems and build visitor awareness. This decision eliminates the opportunity to finalize long-term strategies for visitor use management at some of our busiest parks – especially as visitation to parks across the country continues to soar.

Arches National Park

Statement by Cassidy Jones, Senior Visitation Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association

“Today, Interior Department leadership chose chaos over conservation, at the expense of millions of visitors to Arches.

“Interior Secretary Burgum’s misguided action will put park visitors back into traffic jams, limit access due to closed, overcrowded parking lots and trails and make the park experience worse. Ending the reservation programs is an incredible waste of Park Service staff time and expertise, and it ignores the community members, advocates, and visitors whose input helped shape successful, improved visitor experiences at these beloved parks over the last several years.”

Glacier National Park

Statement by Sarah Lundstrum, Senior Glacier Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association

“We know managing access to some of our most visited national park sites makes a positive difference, improving visitor experiences and protecting the views, wildlife and the very reasons people seek out our parks.

“Vehicle congestion within Glacier can dominate the visitor experience and take away from the work rangers are meant to be doing. Traffic, long lines, and blocked views can ruin a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Glacier. While we are eager to see how shuttle reservations and time-limited parking at Logan Pass will address long-standing visitor use challenges, we encourage the Park Service to apply what they’ve learned from the last five years of vehicle reservations that have successfully reduced entrance station lines and congestion on the Going to the Sun Road.”

Yosemite National Park

Statement by Mark Rose, Senior Sierra Nevada Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association

“Eliminating Yosemite’s seasonal reservation system will undoubtedly lead to hours-long traffic jams, damage to park resources, strain on remaining park staff, and ruined experiences for visitors.

“On top of the debilitating 25% forced cuts to park staff across the country, today’s action removes another proven tool for park managers. All of this creates the perfect storm heading into one of the busiest times for the park with massive overcrowding and iconic park resources at risk.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.9 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.