Three of the busiest national parks in the United States, namely Arches, Glacier, and Yosemite, will no longer require advance reservations during peak seasons this year, as announced by the National Park Service. This decision comes in response to the heavy crowds the parks experienced in previous years, leading to the introduction of timed-entry systems that aimed to manage visitation levels during summer months.

The removal of these timed-entry systems signifies a shift toward increased accessibility for the public, reflecting the National Park Service's commitment to ensuring that America's national parks remain open and accessible to everyone. Additionally, Yosemite National Park will not require reservations for its popular 'firefall' viewing period, which typically attracts numerous visitors each year.

Kevin Lilly, the acting assistant secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, emphasized that the parks belong to the American people and stated, "Our priority is keeping them open and accessible." While the timed-entry systems are being removed, Lilly assured that the agency will continue to use targeted measures to ensure visitor safety and protect park resources, indicating a balanced approach between accessibility and preservation.