Want to Visit Yosemite This Summer? You'll Probably Need a Reservation Again

This summer, travelers planning to visit Yosemite National Park — California’s most popular national park — will likely need a day reservation to enter.

Starting Memorial Day weekend, the National Park Service is enforcing a temporary vehicle reservation system for peak summer dates in Yosemite.

This announcement comes after monthslong delays around what was originally intended to be a permanent policy requiring all visitors without camping or lodging reservations to make a separate day-use reservation before driving into the park.

• Jump straight to: When can I avoid having to make a Yosemite reservation?
  

Reservations for Yosemite’s campgrounds, which were also delayed this year, were announced in March.

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 nonrefundable $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.

“To make the most of your Yosemite visit, aim to arrive early, stay late, and plan ahead with a well-thought-out itinerary,” said Kim Lawson, Director of Communications and Content at Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Board. “Having a plan ensures a smoother, more relaxed experience throughout the day.”

Vehicle congestion has long been an issue during the park’s busy months, especially around popular sites like Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Tuolumne Meadows. Park officials say this system is part of Yosemite’s broader effort to protect its ecosystems while ensuring that guests have the best possible experience.

Lawson advises visitors to explore areas outside those most popular spots, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. “There are countless scenic trails, quieter viewpoints, and hidden gems throughout the park that offer a more relaxed experience during peak hours,” she said.

For complete details, reservation instructions, and trip-planning resources, visit the National Park Service’s Yosemite page or the NPS mobile app.