Forecasts indicate that this anniversary weekend is set to be particularly busy, with travel expected to hit record levels not seen in 20 years. A significant number of Americans are anticipated to take to the roads, largely incentivized by some of the lowest gas prices in recent years.
While the exact destinations of these travelers remain unclear, popular spots across the country are bracing for increased visitor numbers.
Various national parks are reportedly preparing for what feels like an unofficial kickoff to summer in their areas.
Zion National Park, for instance, warned visitors last week about expected heavy traffic at its South Utah site. Parking might be full, and long wait times could become the norm. The entrance stations have been known to experience “intermittent temporary closures” and delays in boarding the park shuttle.
“In 2024, we had over 92,000 people visit during the anniversary weekend,” mentioned a park official. This number exceeds the annual attendance for over 150 other National Park Service sites.
Nearby parks like Arches and Canyonlands are also advising visitors to prepare for congestion, limited parking, and crowded trails. In some instances, entry waits could stretch to an hour or more.
Arches National Park is one of the locations requiring advance reservations for entry. As of Tuesday, no immediate openings were available for Memorial Day weekend, but more tickets will be released daily at 7pm MDT. So, if you’re looking to visit on Memorial Day, you’ll need to check back for availability on Sunday evening.
If reservations aren’t part of your plan, entering before 7am or after 4pm might be your best bet—though even that won’t guarantee avoiding crowds.
For those heading to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, authorities suggest purchasing a park pass in advance. This can grant access to a faster lane at the entrance and similar to other parks, arriving before 9am or after 3pm could help in dodging traffic.
In addition, several smaller National Park Service sites are planning commemorative events for the anniversary.
At the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Honouliuli National Historical Site, a free guided tour will be held, along with a memorial ceremony and opportunities to honor veterans.
At Petersburg National Battlefield, volunteers will lay flags at graves, with a guided walking tour set for Friday and Monday that shares the inspiring stories of the soldiers buried there. Additionally, an anniversary ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at Stones River National Cemetery in Tennessee while Fredericksburg National Cemetery will host moments of remembrance on the holiday.
Visitors heading to these busy national parks should, as the saying goes, “pack your patience” and consider themselves stewards of the park.
