Here's when you need a reservation to visit Yosemite this summer (2025)

Yosemite National Park is open this summer—but if you plan to drive in during the busy daytime hours, there's one critical thing you need to know: a reservation is likely required.

Whether you're heading to Yosemite for waterfalls, granite cliffs, or alpine air, here's the essential 2025 visitor guide to ensure you don't get turned around at the entrance.

Note: All information below is sourced directly from the NPS. More details are available here.

When Do You Need a Yosemite Reservation in 2025?

The peak-hours reservation system is in effect on specific dates and times during the summer. If you're driving into or through Yosemite between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the following dates, you must have a reservation:

• Memorial Day Weekend: May 24–26 (Sat–Mon)
• Daily from June 15 to August 15
• Labor Day Weekend: August 30–September 1 (Sat–Mon)

✅ No reservation is required before 6 a.m. or after 2 p.m., or anytime outside of those specific windows.

What Counts as “Driving In”?

A reservation is required even if you're just passing through Yosemite between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.—not just if you're stopping. This includes Tioga Road (Highway 120), even if you're heading toward destinations like Mammoth Lakes or Lee Vining.

Ways to Enter Without a Reservation

If you didn’t score a peak-hours reservation, you can still experience Yosemite. Here’s how:

1. Arrive Before 6 a.m. or After 2 p.m.

• No reservation needed if you enter during non-peak hours.
• Once inside, you can stay for the day—even through peak hours.
• Do not arrive early and wait at the gate. Vehicles blocking roadways will be cited.

2. Have an In-Park Reservation

You do not need a peak-hours reservation if you’ve booked:

• Yosemite National Park campgrounds
• Lodging at Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, or High Sierra Camps
• A wilderness or Half Dome permit
• Private vacation rentals inside Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta

3. Arrive with YARTS or a Tour Group

Entering Yosemite via:

• YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System)
• Authorized tour groups
• Point-to-point transit services

…means no peak-hours reservation is needed. You still pay the park entrance fee.

How to Get a Peak-Hours Reservation

Reservations are made on Recreation.gov, and they’re:

• Released on May 6 for the full summer season
• Also available 7 days in advance of your arrival date at 8 a.m. PDT
• Cost: $2 (non-refundable)
• One reservation covers a single vehicle and is valid for three consecutive days

You’ll also need to pay the $35 park entrance fee, unless you have an annual or lifetime pass.

Travel Timing Tips (for After 2 p.m. Entry)

If you’re entering after peak hours, time your drive carefully. Here are ideal departure times from gateway towns:

Avoid showing up early and idling at gates—you’ll be turned away or ticketed.

What You Can’t Do

• ❌ You can’t sleep in your car unless you have a reserved campground spot.
• ❌ You can’t enter between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. without a reservation—even if you’ve paid the entrance fee.
• ❌ You can’t use someone else’s reservation. The name must match a photo ID.

Quick Checklist:

✔ Have a reservation for peak hours (if visiting on required dates)?
✔ Have a camping or lodging reservation inside the park?
✔ Visiting before 6 a.m. or after 2 p.m.?
✔ Entering with a YARTS ticket or authorized tour?

If none of these apply, you need a reservation—or you’ll have to wait until after 2 p.m. to enter.

Why Is This Happening?

Yosemite’s summer crowds have become overwhelming in recent years. The 2025 pilot reservation system aims to:

• Ease gridlock and parking issues
• Improve safety and emergency response
• Protect trails and natural habitats
• Enhance the overall visitor experience

This system might evolve in future years, but for now, it’s the best way to help Yosemite stay accessible—and spectacular—for everyone.

Final Tips:

Even if you’re visiting last-minute, check Recreation.gov daily at 8 a.m. Pacific. Cancellations do happen—and you might just snag a spot.

If you don't, consider these gorgeous alternatives nearby:

Highway 41 Corridor

• Sierra National Forest
• Mariposa County (Fish Camp)
• Madera County (Oakhurst and Bass Lake)

Highway 140 Corridor

• Sierra National Forest
• Mariposa County

Highway 120 (west of Yosemite) Corridor

• Stanislaus National Forest
• Mariposa County (Buck Meadows and Coulterville)
• Tuolumne County (Groveland and Sonora)

Highway 120 (east of Yosemite) Corridor

• Devils Postpile National Monument
• Inyo National Forest
• Mono County (Lee Vining, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes)

Still have questions? Contact the NPS at Yosemite.