Visiting Yosemite National Park: Essential Information for 2022

As 2022 continues, Yosemite National Park is expected to experience another record-setting year. In response to pandemic conditions, the park has announced a reservation system to manage overcrowding during peak visitation periods. This system will require reservations for entry from May 20 through September 30, 2022.

Reservation Details

If you plan to visit Yosemite between May 20 and September 30, and wish to enter the park during peak hours (6 AM to 4 PM), you will need an entrance reservation. Fortunately, the reservation is valid for three consecutive days following your entry date.

Reservations will be available on Recreation.gov starting from March 23, and they are not necessary for individuals with wilderness or Half Dome permits, those who have made reservations for overnight stays, or visitors arriving via public transportation or organized tours.

Yosemite’s New Challenges for 2022

Yosemite National Park has faced the challenge of managing increased visitor numbers in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. In addition to this ongoing issue, the park has multiple construction projects underway, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. These projects will repair vital infrastructure, including roads, trails, and visitor facilities.

Some areas of the park, such as Tuolumne Meadows Campground and Crane Flat Campground, are expected to be closed during these projects. Consequently, visitors may experience traffic disruptions while navigating the park.

Yosemite’s Superintendent, Cicely Muldoon, emphasizes that “a visit to Yosemite should be about enjoying the beautiful granite-lined landscape, not sitting in gridlock.” The aim of the peak hours reservation system is to alleviate overcrowding during busy times this summer while still providing access to all visitors.

Do I Need a Reservation for Yosemite?

Visitors planning to enter Yosemite National Park between May 20 and September 30 from 6 AM to 4 PM will require a reservation, in addition to paying the entrance fee or presenting a valid America the Beautiful parks pass.

Additionally, if you hold wilderness or Half Dome permits, have reservations for overnight stays, or plan to utilize YARTS public transit, you will not need a reservation. Moreover, visitation outside of peak hours does not require a reservation.

How to Obtain a Reservation

To secure a reservation, visitors will need to register on Recreation.gov. Given the high demand for reservations, creating an account in advance of the opening date on March 24 is advisable.

Yosemite will release tickets in two batches. The first batch, comprising 70% of total reservations, will become available on March 23 at 8 AM Pacific Time. The second batch will be issued seven days prior to the entry date, also at 8 AM Pacific Time.

A reservation permits one vehicle and its occupants, is valid for three consecutive days, and incurs a nominal fee of $2. A photo ID and the park entrance fee will also be required at the point of entry.

As travel conditions can change rapidly, it is prudent for travelers to consult local authorities for the latest safety recommendations and guidance before their trip.

This article was first published on February 17, 2022, and updated on February 17, 2022.