Planning to visit our national parks and public lands in 2025? We’ve got you covered with some of the essential permits and reservations you’ll need.

America’s national parks and public lands are more popular than ever, making permits and reservations increasingly common. From timed entry reservations to backcountry permits, planning early can ensure unforgettable experiences in America’s great outdoors. We’ve selected a few of the hot tickets you’ll need for this year and when you need to get them. For more ideas and tips on reservations and tickets, check out our Insider’s Guide to Recreation.gov. Also, if your trip involves hotel stays, be sure to try out Parks Channel Member Travel. Free signup will give you access to discounts of up to 50%.

Acadia National Park (Maine): Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain

Experiencing sunrise on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is a life list item for many people. So many, in fact, you now need a vehicle reservation to drive on Cadillac Summit Road during peak season.

Cadillac Mountain Sunrise (Photo by Mayra Talunas/@tekeetravel)

Dinosaur National Monument (Colorado, Utah): Green and Yampa Rivers

Explore the thrill of whitewater rafting at Dinosaur National Monument, where the Green River’s “Gates of Lodore” and the Yampa River’s 44-mile stretch from Deerlodge Park to Echo Park offer rugged canyons, breathtaking scenery and exhilarating rapids. Permits are required and during High Use Season only 300 permits for launches are issued.

  • What do I need? A permit is required year-round. High Use Season for the Green River is May 12 – Sept 12. High Use Season for the Yampa River is May 12 – July 12.
  • When can I get it? Lottery is open December 1 through January 31.
  • Where do I get it? Enter the permit lottery here

Watch Megatherium Club’s “Dinosaur NM: How to Visit and What to See”

Dinosaur National Monument (Photo by M.Reed/NPS)

Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness (Idaho): Middle Fork of the Salmon River

“The River of No Return” earned its nickname because early travelers could only navigate it one-way in wooden scows, dismantling them for lumber at the journey’s end. Today it is one of the most coveted river permits in the rafting world.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River originates in the Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, Idaho, and flows 100 miles through the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness to join the main Salmon River. It features over 100 rapids, ranging from Class II to Class IV, making it a technical and exhilarating whitewater experience. The journey takes rafters through some of the most pristine wilderness in the U.S., with campsites along sandy beaches, riverbanks framed by dense forests, and spectacular canyon walls.

Survey Camp on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho (Photo by Boundary Expeditions)

Glacier National Park (Montana): Going to the Sun Road

This 50-mile masterpiece cuts right through the heart of Glacier, crossing the Continental Divide and showcasing some of the most jaw-dropping views in the country. It’s more than just a scenic drive—it’s an experience.

Going-to-the-Sun Road is an engineering marvel (Photo by NPS)

Watch Going-to-the-Sun Road: A fun and terrifying experience! from We’re in the Rockies

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona): Rafting the Colorado River

Rafting the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering a unique perspective on one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.

Rafting the Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (Photo by Paxson Woelber)

Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming): Teton Crest Trail

The Teton Crest Trail is a stunning 40-mile backpacking route offering panoramic views of the iconic Teton Range. Renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery, it traverses rugged peaks, pristine meadows, and glacial lakes. The trail connects landmarks like Death Canyon Shelf, Hurricane Pass, and Cascade Canyon. A permit is required for camping, and the trail is best tackled in summer or early fall.

Ascent to Paintbrush Divide from Paintbrush Canyon on the Teton Crest Trail (Photo by Phil Armitage)

Check out some of the Parks Channel videos on where to go and what to do in Grand Teton NP. We’ve also got some short wildlife films made during the Jackson Wild Film Festival.

Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii): Haleakalā Sunrise

Few experiences compare to watching the sun ascend above a sea of clouds, bathing the rugged volcanic terrain in shades of orange, pink, and gold.

Sunrise over Haleakala National Park, Hawaii (Photo by iStock)

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (Idaho): Snake River

The mighty Snake River cuts through Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, forming the rugged border between Idaho and Oregon. This incredible landscape is part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, and includes the 215,000-acre Hells Canyon Wilderness. Paddle the Wild section’s thrilling Class II-V rapids or float the scenic, untouched stretches. Start your adventure at Hells Canyon Creek Recreation Site, but plan ahead—permits are required for float trips in this unforgettable destination.

  • What do I need? A river permit and a reservation during primary season (May 23 – Sept 10)
  • When can I get it? Primary season lottery closes January 31
  • Where can I get it? Recreation.gov
Deep Creek entering the Snake River just below Hells Canyon Dam (Photo by Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives)

Superior National Forest (Minnesota): Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northeastern Minnesota lets you canoe, portage, and camp in the spirit of French Voyageurs from 200 years ago. Stretching over a million acres within the Superior National Forest—and adjacent to Voyageurs National Park—this is a place to truly get away from it all.

  • What do I need? A permit is required for all trips into the BWCAW. For overnight paddling trips during quota season—May 1 to September 30—you need to reserve one online. Day-use permits don’t require reservations.
  • When can I get it? January 29th at 9:00am CST for all entry points
  • Where can I get it? Recreation.gov
  • Read our blog post for more information
Morning on Sawbill Lake, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota (Photo by Dan Dische/USFS)

Yosemite National Park (California): Half Dome Cables Route

For adventurers and climbers, Half Dome is a revered challenge. The popular Cables Route requires physical endurance, mental fortitude, and a healthy respect for the mountain.

The Cables Route up Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, California (Photo by Joe Lyon Bird)

Zion National Park (Utah): Angels Landing

Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most iconic hikes in the National Park system. With stunning views and a thrilling ascent, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah (Photo by EyeEm/Freepik)

Top photo of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, Montana, by iStock