Yosemite announces vehicle reservation system for summer
Yosemite National Park will implement a Vehicle Reservation System for peak days this summer.
Visitors who plan to enter Yosemite National Park between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Memorial Day weekend, any day between June 15 and August 15, or Labor Day weekend are likely to need a reservation, it says.
Travelers can plan ahead by visiting the Yosemite National Park trip planning website or the NPS App to understand how to make a reservation.
This system ensures all visitors, whether they plan in advance or decide last minute, can experience the park each day.
It also spreads visitation across the day so that visitors have a better experience.
With this official announcement, many visitors coming in summer 2025 are likely to need a reservation depending on their date of visit. Here is what we know.
Reservations will be available on Recreation.gov beginning May 6, 2025.
A reservation will be required to drive into or through Yosemite between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the following dates:
May 24 – 26 (Memorial Day weekend): Reservation required daily
June 15 – August 15: Reservation required daily
August 30 – September 1 (Labor Day weekend): Reservation required daily
Reservations are valid for three consecutive days and the standard park entrance fee still applies.
Guests with in-park lodging, campground reservations, wilderness permits, or Half Dome permits do not need a separate vehicle reservation.
No vehicle reservation is required if visitors have confirmed overnight lodging or campground reservations inside the park, or if they plan to enter before 6:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m.
Additionally, no reservation is needed for visitors who are part of a commercial tour or paid guided experience.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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