Starting this weekend, you won’t necessarily be able to just show up at Yosemite National Park in a vehicle and expect to get in. You’ll need a reservation, depending on the day and time.
While the park announced its plan to temporarily implement a reservation system to manage overcrowding and vehicle traffic late last year, it’s finally about time for the new system to kick in. Online reservations have been available since early January.
Here are the details.
When Will Yosemite Start Requiring Reservations?
Starting April 13 through June 30, 2024, you’ll need a reservation to drive into or through the park between 5 AM and 4 PM on weekends and holidays. That’s every Saturday during this timeframe, every Sunday during this timeframe, plus May 27 and June 19.
Starting July 1 through August 16, 2024, you’ll need a reservation to drive into or through the park between 5 AM and 4 PM every day of the week.
Between August 17 and October 27, 2024, you’ll need a reservation to drive into or through the park between 5 AM and 4 PM on weekends and holidays (Saturdays, Sundays, September 2, and October 14).
How Do I Make a Reservation?
To make an entrance reservation for peak-hour visitation at Yosemite, go here.
Select a date, select the quantity of three-day vehicle passes and/or three-day motorcycle passes you need, choose an entry time window, and then pay the reservation fee.
Reservations cost $2, and this fee is not the same as the entrance fee of $35/vehicle that you’ll pay once you arrive at the park.
Full-day reservations are valid for three consecutive days, which includes your arrival date. Afternoon reservations are also available for entrance after noon on the day.
Can I Still Visit Yosemite Without a Reservation?
You can still visit Yosemite between April 13 and October 27, 2024 without a reservation if you enter the park outside of peak hours (5 AM to 4 PM), or if you arrive on foot or bicycle for day use.
The Dates I Want Are Booked. Now What?
If there are no available reservations on the dates you want to visit, check again seven days before your planned arrival date at 8 AM Pacific. The system releases more reservations a week out.
For even more details on Yosemite’s temporary reservation system, visit the park’s FAQ page.
