Keep reading for what you need to know about making a vehicle reservation to visit Yosemite National Park this summer.
When will I need a day reservation to enter Yosemite?
Yosemite officials say that visitors entering the park between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. during specific high-traffic periods will likely need a reservation. Reservations will be valid for three consecutive days.
High-traffic periods include:
- Memorial Day weekend (May 24-26)
- Every day between June 15 and Aug. 15
- Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept. 1).
Even travelers passing through the park between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the reservation period must secure a pass in advance. Officials urge drivers not to queue up early at the entrances if they don’t have a reservation, as doing so can block roads and result in citations.
How do I make a Yosemite vehicle reservation?
Starting at 8 a.m. PT on May 6, visitors can make vehicle reservations through recreation.gov.
Each reservation costs a non-refundable $2 fee, which is separate from the park’s regular entrance fee.
When don’t I need a reservation to visit Yosemite?
While the reservation system affects most daytime vehicle access during peak summer dates, there are several exceptions. For example, no day reservations are required for Yosemite from May 27 to June 14 or from Aug. 16 to 29.
Visitors also do not need a reservation, even for the peak dates above, if they:
- Enter the park before 6:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m.
- Have booked overnight lodging or a campground within the park.
- Arrive via YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System).
- Are taking part in a commercial tour or guided experience.
- Hold a wilderness or Half Dome permit.
- Visit during off-peak seasons in fall, winter, or early spring.
Why is Yosemite bringing this reservation system back?
NPS reported a record 331.9 million visits to its lands nationwide in 2024, with Yosemite accounting for over 4% of all visits to national parks that same year.
Officials say the reservation system is intended to distribute visitor numbers more evenly throughout the day, making the Yosemite experience more enjoyable and sustainable for everyone.
