2022 Reservation System for Yosemite National Park - Travel Guide
If you visited Yosemite National Park at all during 2020 or 2021, you’ve probably heard or dealt with the reservation system. The reservation system was originally in place in regards to COVID, but has evolved into more of a crowd control measure due to the extreme visitation during peak season (May-September) as well as helping manage traffic with construction projects that will be happening in the park this year. Before the reservation system, there would be days where you couldn’t find any parking and I mean, absolutely full, so you’d have to spend hours in the car just waiting for a spot to open up. So on the basis that you want to be able to enjoy the place you’re visiting, I understand the reasoning behind the reservations system. Let’s get to all the details you’ll need if you plan on visiting the park between May 20, 2022 - September 30, 2022!
WHO NEEDS A RESERVATION?
A reservation is REQUIRED for anyone who is entering the park between 6AM & 4PM starting May 20th and ending on September 30th. Meaning, if you plan on reaching the park entrance before 6AM, you do NOT need a reservation. Or if you’re heading in the park in the evening after 4PM, you do NOT need a reservation.
WHERE CAN I GET A RESERVATION?
On recreation.gov - you can either follow this link or search for Yosemite National Park Ticketed Entry in the search bar on the home page of Recreation.gov
WHEN CAN I GET A RESERVATION?
On March 23rd, 70% of the available reservations will open up for all dates between May 20 - September 30. Then the remaining 30% of available reservations will be available 7 days prior to your desired dates. For example, if you knew you wanted to go on August 10, but all the reservations were gone, you can check again on August 3 at 8AM Pacific Time when the remaining reservations are released. If you still cannot get one, you can recheck throughout the following days for cancelations or make plans to reach the park entrance before 6AM or after 4PM.
WHAT IS THE RESERVATION FEE?
The fee is $2 per reservation, which covers 3 day of entry. so if you have a Friday reservation, you are granted entry Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This does not include the entry fee ($35 per vehicle), that is a separate fee.
DO I NEED TO ARRIVE ON MY FIRST DAY OF THE RESERVATION TO BE VALID?
No, your reservation gives you the flexibility of entry on any of the three consecutive days. For example, if you got a reservation for May 20, you’re allowed to arrive on May 20, 21, or 22. You are able to go any of those three consecutive days, whether it’s just once, or all three.
WHO DOESN’T NEED A RESERVATION?
There are a few exceptions to reservations:
If you have a wilderness permit, that will count as your reservation into the park.
If you have a permit to hike Half Dome, that will count as your reservation into the park
If you have lodging in any of the Yosemite NP campgrounds or any rental/stay that is WITHIN the park boundaries (Curry Village, Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, White Wolf Lodge, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, or Wawona Hotel).
If you enter the park via a private tour group or YARTS, you do not need a reservation.
WHAT IF I’M JUST PASSING THROUGH TO VISIT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SIERRA?
You can only pass through before 6AM or after 4PM, even if you’re just traveling through to get to the other side of the park. Alternatively, the next closest pass that crosses the Sierra is Sonora Pass (HWY 108) which is typically open around the same time as Tioga Pass (HWY 120). If you need to pass through during the hours of 6AM-4PM, you are REQUIRED to have a reservation.
WHAT IF I AM LOCAL TO THE AREA, DO I NEED A RESERVATION?
In the years past, if you lived in a local zip code of one of the towns outside of any of the highways connecting to Yosemite, you could pass through the park. That is still true with the current reservation system, but you must show your license/ID that shows your address with the appropriate ZIP code. You cannot just say you live in a certain town, you will be turned around without the proof of your address on your license/ID.
Still have questions? Drop your question below in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer! All information collected from Yosemite’s website, another great resource for clarification.
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Tiare Kirkland
Hi! My name is Tiare, but you can just call me ‘T’. I’m a California based hiker and I spend most of my free time taking photos and videos of some of my favorite hikes. You can usually find me ‘Out Hiking’ in the Sierra Nevada mountain range or road-tripping to new areas. Read more about me here and follow along with my adventures by subscribing below!