Mount Rainier: Timed Entry Reservations
Mount Rainier National Park, located in west-central Washington, spans 236,381 acres and boasts the iconic 14,410-foot peak of Mount Rainier. As an active volcano, it’s the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., giving rise to five major rivers.
Since 2013, the park has hosted 1.1 to 1.7 million visitors annually, with peak seasons between June and September. To manage congestion, timed entry reservations are mandatory for the Paradise Corridor and Sunrise Corridor from Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2024. Visitors must pay an entrance fee, and various pass options are available.
Reservations for timed entry tickets are available at Recreation.gov. Timed entry reservations are valid only for the specified date and entry time of the reservation.
For more information about Mount Rainier National Park please visit NPS.gov.
Shenandoah: Old Rag Mountain
Shenandoah National Park spans 200,000 acres of breathtaking wilderness—rolling mountains, serene forests and tranquil hollows. It’s a paradise for hikers.
The crown jewel of the park is Old Rag Mountain, the most popular—and most challenging—hike in Shenandoah.
This 9-mile loop climbs more than 2,400 feet, includes a strenuous rock scramble and typically takes seven to eight hours to complete. Nearly 80,000 people visit the trailhead of Old Rag every year—including many students from nearby University of Virginia, where it appears on the before-you-graduate bucket list.
From March 1 to November 30, visitors to Old Rag Mountain need a day-use ticket in addition to a Park entrance pass. Learn more and get your day-use ticket here and your park pass here.
Visit our Shenandoah Park page to see videos and learn more about the park.
If you want to try some of the other hiking trails in Shenandoah, read about Kevin Morgan’s Shenandoah 52 hiking challenge, and watch his videos on the 52 hikes.
Zion: Angel's Landing
Angels Landing in Zion National Park is an iconic, thrilling hike renowned for its breathtaking views. The challenging trail ascends through narrow cliffside paths and steep switchbacks, culminating in a spine-tingling final ascent aided by chains. The reward at the summit is a panoramic vista of Zion Canyon.
The summer lottery is open between April 1- 20 for travel June 1 – August 31.
Learn more and enter the lottery.
Other lottery dates:
Fall: lottery open July 1-20 for travel September 1 – November 30, 2024
Winter: lottery open October 1-20 for travel December 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
Our creators have lots of tips on hiking Angels Landing and planning a trip to Zion.
Top photo of Mount Rainier by Benedek/iStock.
