A $10 million new Yosemite Visitor Center project is currently underway in Yosemite Valley. The new center will occupy the south wing of the Yosemite Village Store building, which was the former home of the Yosemite Village Sports Shop. This facility is expected to open at the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023. The current visitor center will remain open until completion of the project, and will later be converted to an education center.

It’s hoped that the new Yosemite Visitor Center will help improve the visitor experience, as well as offer better accessibility. The current visitor center is located about a half-mile from the parking area; and although the path is wheelchair-accessible, the route can be confusing and it’s easy to make a wrong turn. The new visitor center will be located close to accessible parking, with well-marked signs that lead to the accessible entrance.

The 3,000-square-foot building will include informational videos and interactive touchscreens, and it will be staffed by park rangers who can answer questions and provide visitors with additional information. An expansive plaza with stadium seating, restrooms, and informational signs and maps will be added to the existing building. The goal is to give visitors a place to meet and plan their itineraries at the new Yosemite Visitor Center.

Unfortunately, 300 parking spaces will be temporarily removed during the completion of the project, so expect some congestion if you plan to visit in 2022. Three campgrounds, Glacier Point and Bridalveil Falls will also be closed this season; and entrance reservations are required from May 20, 2022 to September 30, 2022. For more information about the required entrance reservations, visit barrierfreetravels.com/2022/02/yosemite-national-park-moves-to-reservation-system-for-2021. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment!