Times are tough for our national parks system.
This year might be one of the most challenging ones yet for our national park system. Park operations continue to face funding and staffing cuts while welcoming more and more visitors. Reservation systems that previously helped reduce crowds have been removed, making it much more expensive for international guests to enjoy our most iconic natural spaces.
Planning a trip to the parks is more complex than ever before and knowing which changes have remained—and what has stayed the same—can help you enjoy your trip even while facing these hurdles.
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Entry Prices Change for Foreign Visitors
While prices remain the same for United States citizens to purchase an America the Beautiful Pass at $80, those visiting from other countries must now pay $250. Normally considered a steal since it allows you to visit the 433 units within the park system without limits for up to four people, the cost discourages international visitors from making the trip. Along with this summer’s current gas prices, expect to see more locals exploring their nearby park and fewer people making the trip abroad.
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Reservation Systems Have Been Dropped
Love them or hate them, there was no doubt that some of our busiest parks, like Glacier and Yosemite, were struggling with crowds. Reservation systems were introduced over the past few years to make visitation more enjoyable, but in 2026, most of them have been dropping. Yosemite, Glacier, and Arches have all decided to pause their programs, already leading to increased traffic and jam-packed trails. This makes planning ahead even more important, especially during the busier summer months when families and vacationers flock to the parks.
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Parks Are Still Underfunded
While our national parks have faced funding shortages for years, 2026 might be one of the leanest yet. Recently, Trump has diverted funds from the sales of national parks passes, one of the main sources of funding for the National Park Service, to his personal projects. So far, he has spent at least $67 million of park funds, including diverting $1.6 million dollars to a Fourth of July fireworks display. As a result, Zion’s toilets are in desperate need of repairs, and Shenandoah’s famed Skyline Drive is crumbling. All of this puts more pressure on staff and threatens some of our most beloved attractions that require upkeep.
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Parks Are Busier Than Ever
Last year showed a record-breaking 323 million visitors to national park units, and with rising gas prices, we’re likely to see even higher numbers this year. Along with reservation systems being discarded and fewer staff on hand to handle the crowds, expect that you will likely be sharing your favorite trail with many others, as well. While you can’t curb the number of people heading to our parks, you can remember to act courteously and lessen your environmental impact by following park rules and packing out your trash. You might also want to consider visiting midweek and avoiding holidays to increase your chances of finding solitude.
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Staff Is Missing
Last year saw massive layoffs of 24% park staff, and this year could potentially come with another cut. This leaves millions of acres unprotected and visitor facilities empty or services slow. As frustrating as this might be, rangers and employees are often doing the best they can with limited budgets and a reduced number of hands. This might mean facing longer lines, limited parking spaces, fewer hours that facilities are open, and more chaos inside the parks in general.
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Don’t Cover the Image on Your 2026 Park Pass
If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass is well worth the $80 fee. However, expect to see a certain face taking center stage this year. Trump has included his own image, along with a seemingly reluctant George Washington, on the pass. Covering his face with stickers invalidates the pass, but there are some removable sleeves featuring NPS sites available to circumvent that problem.
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Leave No Trace Is More Important Than Ever
With fewer staff to keep our favorite natural spaces safe and more visitors than ever, knowing the principles of Leave No Trace is essential for preserving our parks. Before you head to our parks, you might want to review why these principles are so important for maintaining our trails, flora, and fauna for future generations. Remember to leave wildlife and plants alone, stay on the trail and camp on designated sites, dispose of waste properly, and prepare by bringing the proper gear with you.
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Patience Is Key
The most essential tool that visitors will need to bring to parks this year is their patience. Expect everything to take longer, including entrance lines, services, and waiting for a coveted parking space. In order to have a pleasant experience, visitors will need to exercise kindness toward staff and other guests and remember that our incredible national parks are worth the wait–even if they do present more challenges for visitation than they have in the past.