YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–During February, thousands of visitors visit Horsetail Fall, a waterfall that creates the illusion that the water is on fire. The surge in visitation has led to full parking lots, parking overflowing into traffic lanes, pedestrian-vehicle conflicts causing safety issues, and damage to natural and cultural resources.
Day Use Reservations
In order to manage visitor activity during this event, a reservation will be required to drive into Yosemite National Park on the weekends of February 10th to the 11th, February 17th to the 19th, and February 24th to the 25th, 2024. Visitors who arrive Mondays through Fridays (except Monday, February 19th) won’t need a reservation. The $35/car entrance fee is valid for entry for seven days, regardless of day of arrival. A similar system has been implemented for this event the past several years.
Left: Overcrowded riverbanks create a safety hazard and damage sensitive riverbank vegetation, allowing further erosion during the rest of the year. Right: A section of riverbank collapsed under stress from spectators during February 2017.
Beginning at 8 am Pacific time on December 1st, 2023, 50% of day-use reservations will be available for all three weekends at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745. Beginning at 8 am Pacific time two days prior to a day-use reservation date, the remaining 50% of day-use reservations will be available. For example, on February 23rd, 2024, at 8 am, day-use reservations for February 25th will be available.
Lodging Reservations
If you have a lodging reservation for Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Foresta, or Yosemite West, you don’t need an additional entrance reservation.
Campground Reservations
Campground reservations will be required for Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, and Wawona Campgrounds for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning February 9th through February 25th, 2024 (these campgrounds normally operate on a first-come, first-served basis in February). There will be a 2-night minimum reservation requirement. Reservations will be released on December 15th, 2023, at 7 am Pacific time at Recreation.gov. If you have a campground reservation for Upper Pines, Camp 4, Hodgdon Meadow, or Wawona Campgrounds, you don’t need an additional entrance reservation.
More information is available here: go.nps.gov/faq.
