Visiting Yosemite in 2024? Reservations needed again for national park in California

Reservations soon will be required again to enter Yosemite National Park in California.

Starting April 13, 2024, a reservation will be needed for those planning to drive into and through Yosemite between the hours of 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through June.

From July 1 through Aug. 16, a reservation to Yosemite National Park will be required daily for anyone driving from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Then from Aug. 17 through Oct. 27, reservations will be needed for Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The National Park Service said the temporary reservation system will help manage traffic congestion, which was an issue this past summer — particularly during the Fourth of July weekend when numerous Yosemite visitors in their vehicles clogged the roadways and filled parking lots to capacity.

This photo, posted by the National Park Service, shows cars lined up to get into Yosemite over July 4th weekend.

The NPS said the “Peak Hours Plus” reservation system will be similar to the “Peak Hours” system the park had in place in 2022 (the park eliminated the need for reservations in 2023).

While parking reservations won’t be needed until April, reservations will be released beginning Jan. 5 for any arrival dates between April 13 to Oct. 27 at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745.

Reservations will be available until they sell out.

Afternoon entry reservations and additional full day reservations will be released one week in advance. Those interested can learn more at: go.nps.gov/reserve.