YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park has announced its entrance reservation requirements for 2025, aiming to manage peak-season congestion while maintaining visitor access. The reservation system applies to vehicles entering the park between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on specific dates.
Key Reservation Dates
(PC: National Park Service)
- Memorial Day Weekend: May 24 – 26
- Summer Peak Season: June 15 – August 15 (daily)
- Labor Day Weekend: August 30 – September 1
During these periods, a reservation is required for vehicle entry between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
No reservations are needed outside these dates and times.
How to Secure a Reservation
Reservation became available on May 6, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. PDT through Recreation.gov. Each reservation costs $2 and is valid for three consecutive days, including the arrival date. Guests must still pay the $35-per-car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only), unless they have an annual or lifetime pass.
Moreover, Visitors can hold up to two reservations within any three days. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show photo ID at the entrance station.
Additional reservations become available seven days before the arrival date at 8:00 a.m. PDT, offering another opportunity for planning.
Exemptions to the Reservation Requirement
Visitors with the following are exempt from the peak-hours reservation:
Campground 4 (PC: National Park Service)
- In-park campground reservations (e.g. Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4)
- Lodging reservations at Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, or High Sierra Camps
- Private lodging or vacation rentals in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta
- Yosemite wilderness permits
- Half Dome permits
- Commercial use authorizations or special use permits
Additionally, visitors entering via YARTS buses, bicycle, on foot, or on horseback do not require a reservation during peak hours.
Important Considerations
- Non-Peak Hours: No reservation is needed for entry before 6:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. However, visitors arriving after 2:00 p.m. should not line up early, as vehicles blocking roads will be cited.
- Entrance Fees: The standard $35 per car entrance fee applies and is valid for three consecutive days. This fee is separate from the reservation fee and is required upon arrival.
- Camping Restrictions: Camping or sleeping in a vehicle is only permitted in designated campsites with a valid reservation.
For more information and to make reservations, visit the official Yosemite National Park Reservation page.
