Yosemite readies for summer 2025: Update on reservations, services, and road closures
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer? Here’s what you need to know about open services, updated access rules, and seasonal road closures for Summer 2025.
Visitors heading to Yosemite National Park this summer can look forward to a full range of services and open access throughout the season, despite minor staffing changes announced earlier this month.
Mac Douglass
Park Services Operating as Usual Despite Layoffs
In a recent statement, Caroline Beteta, President & CEO of Visit California, reassured travelers that the park’s iconic guest experiences remain unaffected.
"While unfortunate, recent park service layoffs have impacted less than 2% of Yosemite’s peak-season workforce," Beteta noted.
She emphasized that Yosemite Hospitality, which manages lodging, restaurants, retail, tram tours, bike rentals, rafting, and mountaineering school, continues to operate at full capacity.
No Reservation System for Summer 2025
For Summer 2025, Yosemite National Park will not require reservations, allowing for more flexible travel plans. However, Beteta advised visitors to plan carefully to avoid peak weekend crowds, recommending mid-week visits, early arrivals, or stays in nearby gateway communities.
Covering nearly 760,000 acres, Yosemite offers much more beyond the popular Valley Floor. Travelers are encouraged to explore lesser-visited sites such as Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. With over 750 miles of hiking trails and vibrant outdoor activities in surrounding towns, there’s no shortage of adventure for every type of visitor.
Seasonal Road Closures
However, travelers should be aware of seasonal road conditions, especially in higher elevations.
According to the National Park Service, several roads that close each winter remain impacted by snow. Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road — both typically closed from November through late May or early June — remain inaccessible as of late April. Tioga Road’s closure means visitors cannot currently reach Tuolumne Meadows or enter the park from the east. Similarly, Glacier Point Road access is closed beyond Badger Pass Ski Area.
Meanwhile, the Mariposa Grove Road, which services the giant sequoia area, is expected to reopen sometime in April, although no specific date has been confirmed yet. Other major park entrances via Highway 120 (from the west), Highway 140, Highway 41, and Hetch Hetchy Road remain open year-round, although tire chains may still be required through early spring conditions.
The National Park Service encourages visitors to check the latest road conditions and chain requirements by calling 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) before traveling.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Yosemite Adventure
As Beteta summed it up, “Planning ahead helps ensure a smooth experience. Plan now and enjoy the beauty of Yosemite National Park this summer.”
