Reservations are recommended to visit Yosemite National Park this weekend/NPS file

Unless you arrive before sunrise or wait until mid-afternoon, you'll need a reservation to get into Yosemite National Park this weekend.

And Yosemite staff expect a high volume of visitors to visit over the next three days. All major popular features — including Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and Tioga Road (scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday, May 26) — will be open and fully accessible, offering unforgettable experiences to holiday travelers.

To manage the expected crowds and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, reservations are required for all visitors driving into or through the park from Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26, 2025 between 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.Visitors without a reservation may enter the park before 6 a.m. and after 2 p.m. Visiting Hetch Hetchy does not require a reservation, but visitors may experience delays at the entrance station once parking fills, usually by mid-morning. 

Park officials urge visitors to plan ahead, arrive early or late in the day, and come prepared for extended wait times. During holiday weekends, there are typically long lines during the peak time of mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Please be patient and courteous to National Park Service staff working at entrance stations and throughout the park—they are here to help and ensure a safe, welcoming experience for all.

“We're thrilled to welcome everyone over Memorial Day Weekend as we honor the memory of nation’s fallen service members,” said Yosemite acting-Superintendent Ray McPadden. “The park team has worked super hard to safely reopen every area of the park. We wish visitors a safe and enjoyable weekend.”

Park Roads:

All park roads are open with Tioga Road slated to be opened Monday, May 26 at 8 a.m. Limited services will be available to visitors traversing Tioga Road. Visitors are urged to bring their own appropriate levels of food and water and utilize food lockers if away from their vehicle. Restroom (vaults and portables) along Tioga Road. will be open. No other services will be available along Tioga Road.

Campgrounds:

All Yosemite National Park campgrounds are reserved through Recreation.gov. For campground availability and reservations, please visit the site.

Wilderness Permits:

Wilderness permits are required for all overnight hikes in Yosemite. Wilderness permits are available by reservation on Recreation.gov. Tioga Rd. trailheads will be available by self-registration on the porch of the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center. Bear canisters are required and available for rent at open wilderness permit issuing stations.

Hiking Safety Reminder:

As you venture onto Yosemite’s world-renowned trails, please remember to hike safely. Stay on designated trails (even if muddy or flooded), carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and be aware of your limits. Spring runoff can make some areas slippery or unpredictable — always respect barriers and warning signs near rivers and waterfalls. The rivers are swift and cold. Rocks in and near the water are slick even when dry.

Hikers should pack the 10 essentials and prepare for snowy conditions above 7,500 feet with the appropriate gear. Snow covered trails may be impossible to follow without expert navigation skills and gear.