YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–During February, thousands of visitors visit Horsetail Fall. This Yosemite waterfall can glow orange when backlit by sunset, making it appear on fire. This unique lighting effect happens only in evenings with a clear sky when the waterfall flows. Also, when the sun is at the right angle in mid– to late February. Read our article “What to Expect When Traveling to Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall” for more about Horsetail Fall.
When Will You Need a Reservation?
This event attracts many visitors to a small area, causing traffic congestion, parking issues, safety concerns, and impacts on natural and cultural resources. To manage this event, Yosemite National Park will require a reservation to enter the park on the weekends of February 8–9, February 15–17, and February 22–23, 2025, even for those not visiting Horsetail Fall.
When Will You NOT Need a Reservation?
Visitors who arrive Mondays through Fridays (except Monday, February 17) won’t need a reservation. The $35/car entrance fee is valid for entry for seven days, regardless of the day of arrival. The park has been implementing a system for this event over the past several years.
You don’t need an additional entrance reservation if you have a lodging reservation for Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Foresta, or Yosemite West.
How Can You Make a Reservation?
Image by Darvin Atkeson.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Pacific time on November 18, 50% of day-use reservations will be available for all three weekends at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745. Two days prior to a day-use reservation date, the remaining 50% of day-use reservations will be available. For example, on February 21 at 8 a.m., day-use reservations for February 23 will be available.
When Will You Need a Campground Reservation?
Yosemite will require campground reservations for Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona Campgrounds from February 8 through February 23, 2025 (these campgrounds typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis in February). The park will release campground reservations on December 15 at 7 a.m. PST on recreation.gov. If you have a reservation for a campground inside the park, you don’t need an additional entrance reservation.
Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm
