How America's Top National Parks Plan to Reopen

America's national parks are beginning to reopen in phases, albeit some much quicker than others. With officials encouraging social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19, travelers will need to be patient as the nation's most popular protected lands slowly return to normal operations. Here's where some of the country's top national parks stand on reopening heading into the summer season.

Maine's Acadia National Park is reopening in phases, with Park Loop Road reopening to vehicle traffic on Monday, June 1. "Some of the other services that people want here are gonna look different," the park's Public Affairs Specialist Christie Anastasia told WABI. "So for example, the Jordan Pond House restaurant will be for take-out only. Some of the gift shops in the park will be open. Some of them will be closed or make take time to open. And some of those places will probably have limits on the number of people that can be in at a certain time."

Arches National Park reopened on May 29 and was quickly forced to close its gates due to overcrowding. As a result, the park is eyeing a temporary timed entry program that could be implemented during the park's busiest hours. According to Moab Sun News, the program would likely not be implemented until July.

Everglades National Park reopened trails and made canoe and kayak rentals available again last month. What's more, entry fees have been waived and beach campsites in wilderness areas are open. However, some campgrounds and other facilities remain closed for now. "We recognize that recreating outdoors on our public lands is important to our community," said Superintendent Pedro Ramos, via the Miami Herald. "Acknowledging that our visitors are following public health guidance, we are expanding recreational access just a little more while keeping health and safety a priority."

Glacier National Park has revealed plans to reopen in phases starting this June but has yet to announce an exact date. Only vehicle access to some park roads, restrooms and limited trail access will be available to visitors during phase one while the second phase will see limited access to campgrounds, boating and backcountry permits as well as visitor and ranger stations The phase two plan also calls for the reopening of book stores, lodging and on-the-go food service. Finally, phase three would open additional campgrounds, personal boating and ranger-led programs, among other facilities and services.

Limited daily access to Grand Canyon National Park began late last month and 24-hour access will begin Friday, June 5, when the South Rim will be open round-the-clock and the North Rim will be open for day use. Starting June 5, the South Rim's Mather Campground will open for existing reservations while the North Rim campground will remain closed for construction until July 1. Meanwhile, the Colorado River will begin a phase reopening for recreational use beginning on June 14.

Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park reopened on May 18, offering visitors access to primary roads, including Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road and North Park Road as well as some hiking trails for day-use. Some restrooms and scenic viewpoints are open and Riverbank and lakeshore fishing are also allowed. For now, visitor centers, campgrounds and food services remain closed.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most-visited national park in the U.S., opened trails late last month along with some notable roads and sites, including Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail; Big Creek Road and the Big Creek Picnic Area; Cosby Road and Picnic Area; Greenbrier Road (only to the Ramsey Cascades Trailhead) and Tremont Road. Visitor centers and campgrounds remain closed for now.

Eyeing reduced crowds and improved visitor experiences, Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park is implementing a reserved entry system beginning Thursday, June 4, and lasting through the summer. Visitors will pay an entry fee ahead of time to reserve a two-hour window between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m., during which the park won't exceed 60 percent capacity or 13,500 visitors a day.

Shenandoah National Park in Virginia has been reopened for daytime use since last month. The park's scenic Skyline Drive as well as all backcountry trails will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. beginning on June 30 while visitor centers, campgrounds and some other facilities will remain closed until a later date.

America's oldest national park, Yellowstone is accessible from its Idaho, Montana and Wyoming entrances for day-use while visitor centers and campgrounds remain closed. The Grand Loop Road is open with the exception of the segment between Canyon and Tower, which is under construction.

Yosemite National Park will initiate a phased reopening on Thursday, June 11 with a temporary advance reservation system. The park will offer 1,700 vehicle passes each day that can be used for seven days of entry. Visitors can purchase their pass at Recreation.gov. In addition to trails and popular sites like Yosemite Valley, overnight camping, lodging, retail and food and beverage services will also resume on June 11.

Utah's Zion National Park reopened on May 13 with trails available for hiking during the day. Shuttle service remains suspended and Zion Canyon Scenic Drive will be closed to traffic once parking reaches capacity.