Yosemite National Park Announces 2025 Summer Reservation System: What You Need to Know
Big news for anyone planning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer! As of 4/29/25, the National Park Service has officially announced a peak-hours reservation system for the 2025 summer season to help manage crowding and improve visitor experiences. If you're dreaming of seeing Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, or El Capitan this summer, you'll want to pay close attention to these new reservation requirements.
Half Dome and Yosemite National Park seen from Glacier Point
When Are Reservations Required?
Reservations will be necessary to enter Yosemite between May 24 and September 1, 2025, except at Hetch Hetchy, which remains first-come, first-served. Here’s how the new system breaks down:
May 24 - May 26 (Memorial Day weekend): A reservation is required from 6 am to 2 pm on Saturday through Monday.
May 27 - June 14: A reservation is not required at any time.
June 15 - August 15: A reservation is required from 6 am to 2 pm every day.
August 16 - August 29: A reservation is not required at any time.
August 30 - September 1 (Labor Day weekend): A reservation is required from 6 am to 2 pm on Saturday through Monday.
Valid for Three Consecutive Days – One reservation covers three days of entry
If you plan to arrive before 6 am or after 2 pm, you won’t need a reservation. Alternatively, you can enter anytime via the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS busses).
Valley View in Yosemite National Park
How to Make a Reservation
Reservations go live on May 6, 2025 at 8 am (PDT) on Recreation.gov. These are expected to sell out fast, so mark your calendars and book early to secure your spot! Additional reservations will be released to the public seven days before the arrival date on Recreation.gov as well…for example, you can make a reservation for an arrival date of August 31 on August 24 at 8 am (PDT).
Pro Tips: Make sure to be logged on at least 10-15 minutes early (they’ve been known to release reservations a little early on occasion), have your desired dates already in mind, and refresh your webpage often.
Yosemite 360 Tours offered by Tenaya at Yosemite
Who Doesn’t Need a Reservation?
Some visitors are exempt from the reservation requirement, including those who:
Have confirmed lodging or campground reservations inside the park
Hold a wilderness or special use permit
Are on a commercial tour or paid guided program
Are using a hotel shuttle bus service or YARTS bus
Simply show your existing reservation or permit at the entrance station and pay the standard park entrance fee.
Mist Trail in Yosemite National Park
What will this Cost?
Each reservation will cost $2.00, which is good for one vehicle. The reservation holder will need to be present in the vehicle with a valid form of identification. This does NOT however cover the cost of entering the park. There will still be the standard Yosemite National Park entrance fees, which are:
Standard Pass - $35.00 per vehicle
Annual Pass - $70.00 (Yosemite only)
America the Beautiful Pass - $80.00 for one full year (covers all NPS sites)
Senior America the Beautiful Pass - $80.00 for lifetime (covers all NPS sites)
El Capitan and Yosemite Falls seen from Sentinel Dome in Yosemite National Park
Why the Reservation System?
Yosemite has been testing different reservation models since 2020 to help combat issues like:
Long wait times at entrance stations
Overcrowded trails and viewpoints
Limited parking availability
“We are looking to reduce long wait times at our entrance stations, difficulties finding parking, and crowded trails, so visitors can spend more time exploring and enjoying everything the park has to offer,” said Stephanie Burkhart, acting superintendent of Yosemite National Park. The park will monitor how well this system works by tracking gate traffic, wait times, and parking availability to refine future visitor management strategies.
Sunset aspenglow across Half Dome seen from Yosemite’s Tunnel View
Plan Your Yosemite Trip Now
With this new reservation system in place, advanced planning is key to ensuring a smooth Yosemite adventure. Make sure to:
✔ Book your entrance reservation on May 6 if visiting during the affected dates mentioned above.
✔ Secure lodging or campsite reservations early to avoid last-minute stress.
✔ Consider visiting in the off-season (spring or fall) for a more flexible experience.
✔ Take advantage of YARTS or commercial tour companies to skip the reservation requirement and park hassle-free.
Want to stay updated on all things Yosemite? Bookmark YosemiteWins.com for the latest travel tips, itinerary guides, and real-time park updates! And download our Yosemite Wins Summer Itinerary, which provides comprehensive hour by hour recommendations for 2-4 days in the park, taking you to a wide range of hiking trails, dining options, and viewpoints to see Yosemite’s iconic landmarks.
This is a major update for anyone planning a Yosemite trip this summer, and reservations will be in high demand. Be sure to act fast and plan ahead to make the most of your visit to one of America’s most iconic national parks!
