Yosemite Entrance Reservations Required in 2024
In an effort to deal with increased visitation and gridlock, one of America’s most popular national parks will again require entrance reservations in 2024. Yosemite entrance reservations will be mandatory for peak visitation periods from April 13, 2024 to October 27, 2024. This is in addition to the entrance reservations required during peak viewing times for Horsetail Falls in February (emerginghorizons.com/experience-the-yosemite-firefall/).
This reservation program, which began in 2020, was temporarily discontinued in 2023, in order to evaluate its success. The 2024 Peak Hours Plus program differs a bit from those in past years, but the goal is the same — to preserve the park and increase enjoyment for visitors. Here’s what you need to know if you plan to visit Yosemite National Park from mid-spring to late fall in 2024.
Yosemite Entrance Reservations
Entrance reservations will be required on weekends and holidays from April 13 through June 30, and from August 17 through October 27. They will also be required every day from July 1 through August 16. These reservations are required for visitors who enter the park between 5 AM and 4 PM. The holidays that fall within the reservation period include Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Entrance reservations are not required at the Hetch Hetchy Entrance, which is open from sunrise to sunset.
There are two types of entrance reservations. One is good all day, while the other is only good after noon. The all-day reservation is good for three days, and the half-day reservation is good for a day. The three-day reservation does not have to be used on the first day; however it still expires three days from the date of the reservation.
The majority of Yosemite entrance reservations will be available on www.recreation.gov on January 5, 2024 at 8 AM PST. The rest of the reservations will be available seven days before the arrival date at 8 AM. For example, a reservation for an arrival date of October 27 would become available at 8AM on October 20. Reservations can also be made by calling (877) 444-6777.
There’s a $2 non-refundable reservation fee, and this is in addition to the park entrance fee. Even people with a national park pass are required to make an entrance reservation. Additionally, unlike in past years, a entrance reservation is required just to drive through the park, even if you don’t stop. And if past experience is any indicator, reservations are expected to sell out fast, so plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Visiting Yosemite Without an Entrance Reservation
It’s still possible to visit Yosemite without an entrance reservation, but a little advance planning is required. First, you can visit the park during the weekdays in the shoulder season. You can also visit during the peak summer season, or on weekends and holidays in the shoulder season before 5 AM or after 4PM. Vehicles are prohibited from parking on the shoulder of the road near the entrances, so don’t arrive before 4 PM. Here are some suggested departure times from popular gateways to avoid an early arrival.
- Mariposa: 3:15 PM
- El Portal: 3:55 PM
- Oakhurst: 3:30 PM
- Fish Camp: 3:55 PM
- Groveland: 3:25 PM
- Buck Meadows: 3:40 PM
- Le Vining: 3:40 PM
Visitors who have lodging or campground reservations in the park are not required to have a Yosemite entrance reservation. That said, lodging reservations sell out fast, so make them as far in advance as possible. Visitors can also join commercial tours, visit the Hech Hetchy area, or take YARTS to the park in order to dodge the entrance reservation requirement.
So whether you organize a star-gazing trip to Yosemite or plan to have an early breakfast at a trailhead, there are still many ways to visit the park without a Yosemite entrance reservation. You just have to think outside the box. And be prepared to see a few tweaks in this program for 2025. Yosemite entrance reservations are definitely here to stay, however officials refine the program on a yearly basis. And in the end, this all makes for a more pleasant Yosemite visit.
[book_promo name=”yose”]
