You'll need a reservation to enter Yosemite National Park during prime time this summer/Rebecca Latson file

In a bid to reduce congestion made worse by construction projects this summer, Yosemite National Park will require reservations beginning May 20 for those hoping to enter the park between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

“A visit to Yosemite should be about enjoying the beautiful granite-lined landscape, not sitting in gridlock,” said Yosemite Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. “Yosemite visitors deserve a high-quality experience in this magnificent place. Our goal with the peak hours system is to ease overcrowding during the busiest times this summer while still offering access for all.”   

The park will benefit from multiple major Great American Outdoors Act and other infrastructure improvement projects in 2022 to repair roads, trails, campgrounds, visitor facilities, and utility systems. This work will involve the closure of several park areas and impact traffic circulation. For example, the Glacier Point Road, Tuolumne Meadows Campground, Crane Flat Campground, and other sites will be closed for extensive repairs throughout 2022.  

The peak hours reservation system will be in effect through September 30, and reservations will be required for all users, including annual and lifetime pass holders. Each reservation is valid for three days and carries a nonrefundable $2 reservation fee. Reservations will be available on www.recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. on March 23. Each peak hours reservation is valid for one vehicle and the occupants of that vehicle.   

Visitors who enter the park before 6 a.m. or after 4 p.m. will be required to pay the park entrance fee and that pass is valid for three days outside of peak hours. For more detailed information, please visit: go.nps.gov/reserve 

Thirty percent of reservations will be available seven days before the arrival date.

Peak hours reservations are included for all visitors staying overnight in the park. This includes reservations for The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, Wawona Hotel, Housekeeping Camp, and NPS-managed campgrounds. Peak hours reservations are also included for all visitors with wilderness and Half Dome permits and visitors entering the park via YARTS buses and on permitted commercial tours.    

“Yosemite’s visitation affects our gateway communities in so many ways,” said Muldoon. “We are grateful for the helping hand our community partners have extended to make this system work better for all.”