Want to visit Yosemite National Park this summer? You might need a reservation

Planning to visit Yosemite National Park this year?

From Saturday throughout Oct. 27, visitors will need to make a reservation to drive into or through the park on some dates and times, according to the National Park Service.

As park officials work on the Visitor Access Management Plan, “the temporary reservation system will help manage congestion and provide a quality visitor experience,” the National Park Service said on its website.

For those wanting to see Yosemite’s steep waterfalls, giant sequoias and granite cliffs this summer, here’s what you need to know in advance:

Water from Fern Spring calmly flows over small rocks in this long exposure photographed in Yosemite National Park on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS/ckohlruss@fresnobee.com

What days will require a reservation?

Reservations will be required to enter Yosemite National Park on some days between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m., including:

April 13 through June 30: Weekends and holidays will require a reservation. A reservation will not be required on other days.
July 1 through Aug. 16: Reservations will be required every day.
Aug. 17 through Oct. 27: A reservation is required on weekends and holidays. Other days will not require a reservation.

What if I just need to drive through the park?

On days that require a reservation, driving through the park will still require a reservation between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 4 pm,” the National Park Service wrote on its website. “Vehicles blocking roads will be cited.”

Yosemite National Park visitors contemplate crossing a flooded meadow boardwalk across from Upper Yosemite Falls in Yosemite Valley on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS/ckohlruss@fresnobee.com

How do I make a reservation for Yosemite National Park?

Reservations can be made online or by phone at 877-444-6777.

On days that require reservations, be sure to book in advance. Reservations will not be available at the entrance stations, the National Park Service said.

What if I have a reservation for a hotel or campsite?

If you have booked a hotel or campsite inside the park, you will not need an additional reservation to drive your vehicle into the park.

However, you will still be required to pay the $35 entrance fee upon arrival.

What if I have an annual or lifetime pass?

Visitors with annual or lifetime passes will not be charged the $35 entrance fee but will still need to make a reservation on days when required.

The $2 reservation fee will not be waived for pass holders to make reservations.

The Merced River rages with white water down the river canyon outside of Yosemite National Park near El Portal as the snowmelt continues following an historic year for snow, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. CRAIG KOHLRUSS/ckohlruss@fresnobee.com

How much do Yosemite National Park reservations cost?

The current park entrance fee is $35 per vehicle. Reservations will also require a $2 service fee.

Why does Yosemite National Park have days with limited reservations?

As part of the Visitor Access Management Plan, officials have limited reservations to determine how to reevaluate management strategies

The plan aims to address the following issues:

Traffic jams and parking congestion.
Wait times at entrances.
Inadequate amount of staffing levels to handle the upkeep of park facilities.
Damage caused to park vegetation due to visitors parking in unauthorized areas.
Presence of human waste along roads, turnouts and parking lots.

Reservations will only be required up until Oct. 27. The Visitor Access Management Plan is expected to be finalized in December.