In case you missed this earlier—this weekend marks the start of the Yosemite National Park entrance reservation system. In an attempt to ease congestion and overcrowding, “Peak Hours Plus” is now in play.
Yosemite entrance reservations on weekends first, all days come July
Here’s how it works. Starting this Saturday, April 13, and on all weekends up to June 30, reservations are necessary. Come July 1 and running through August 16, you’ll need an entry reservation EVERY DAY. That will switch back to weekends only from August 17 to October 27. The operation will be similar to the 2022 “Peak Hours” system. However, there will be more reservations for afternoon entries.
Park officials say the goal of the Yosemite reservation system pilot is to ease overcrowding during peak times and continue to offer access for all to this extremely popular park.
“This summer’s pilot system is built from extensive public feedback, data from three years of pilot reservation systems here in Yosemite, and lessons learned from other national parks,” said Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. “This pilot system will inform how we ensure an equitable and outstanding visitor experience while protecting Yosemite’s world class resources.”
Not required after 4:00 in the afternoon
Visitors will need to make reservations for vehicle entry to the park between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the reservation periods. After 4 p.m., you don’t need reservations to enter the park. Visitors will pick from two types of reservations: reservations valid for a full day, or reservations valid for entry any time after noon.
How much does it cost? The entry fee to the park, $35 per vehicle, remains the same. You will be charged a $2 service fee when making your reservation. Make your reservations through recreation.gov. If you’re away from internet access, you can phone (877) 444-6777.
Snag a cancellation? A big maybe
No, if you don’t have a reservation, driving up to the gate and hoping for a cancellation won’t get you anywhere. Snagging a Yosemite entrance reservation cancellation has to be done through recreation.gov. Park officials warn that internet access around the park is gnarly at best—your celly may not help you there. Best to have an advance reservation.
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It’s too bad this is a necessity, this entire area gets way too overcrowded. Thank you guys for the report.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! 🙂 Many products in the U. S. are allocated by price. In this instance the Park Service is allocating by rationing. Either way this place that is too crowded for my tastes and sensibilities; too claustrophobic. 🙁 Thank you for the information, and safe travels! 🙂
Unfortunately, it’s getting much easier to get hotel reservations than campsite reservations.
How will this affect “Camping” reservations?