2021 National Park COVID-19 Restrictions
Although US national parks will be open for the 2021 summer season, there will be a number of restrictions in place, due to COVID-19. Many visitor centers and museums will be closed, and dining choices may be limited in some parks. Visitors will be asked to wear masks in all buildings, and in high traffic areas where social distancing is not possible. Each park has implemented its own COVID-19 mitigation plan, and some parks may limit their hours and program offerings.
These national parks have additional restrictions or requirements in place for the 2021 summer season.
Carlsbad Caverns
Timed entrance tickets are now required in order to visit the caves – even for self-guided tours. These tickets are only available online and they are required even if you have a national park pass. Tickets are available at www.recreation.gov.
Carlsbad Caverns Timed Entry Tickets Required in 2021
Glacier National Park
Timed entrance permits are required for visitors arriving at the West Entrance, Camas Entrance or the Rising Sun Checkpoint, as well as Two Medicine Valley and Many Glacier Valley. These tickets must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. They are not available at the entrance.
Entrance Permits Required for Glacier and Rocky Mountain in 2021
Grand Canyon
Editor’s Note: All shuttle routes in the Grand Canyon are now operational.
Grand Canyon has revised the free shuttle routes in the park for 2021. The Village Route and the Tusayan Route have been eliminated, and the Kaibab Rim Route has fewer stops. The Hermit Road Route will operate at a reduced capacity, so expect longer waits.
2021 Shuttle Operations Adjusted Due to COVID-19
Mammoth Caves
Mammoth Caves will not operate accessible tours in 2021. That said, there are a number of treasures above ground – including several wheelchair-accessible trails – to enjoy at the park.
Access Upgrades Abound at Mammoth Cave
Rocky Mountain
Timed entry permits are required for Rocky Mountain National Park in 2021. The permits are available at www.recreation.gov, and must be purchased in advance. There are two permits available – one for the Bear Lake corridor and the other areas of the park, and another for all areas in the park except the Bear Lake Corridor.
Entrance Permits Required for Glacier and Rocky Mountain in 2021
Yosemite
Day-use permits are no longer required in Yosemite.
The shuttles to Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove will not run in 2021; however visitors with a disabled placard or plates will be able to drive directly to Mariposa Grove. Other visitors will have to hike in due to the lack of shuttles. All visitors who do not have campground or lodging reservations must buy a day-use permit in advance at www.recreation.gov. No permits will be sold in the park.
Yosemite Moves to Reservation System for 2021
Zion
Zion Canyon shuttle ticketing has been discontinued.
Visitors to Zion National Park will need to purchase shuttle tickets at www.recreation.gov in order to access Zion Canyon in 2021. Visitors without tickets are still allowed to hike into the park, but they won’t be allowed to board the shuttles. Visitors who have a reservation at Zion Lodge will receive a pass to drive to the lodge, but they still need a ticket to ride the shuttle bus.
Zion Implements Shuttle Ticketing System for 2021
More Accessible National Park Information
National Park Guidebooks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Tips for Exploring a National Park in a Wheelchair
