For the past few years, accessing Yosemite National Park during its peak seasons has required a reservation.
For visitors hoping to book a visit for late February or beyond, it’s currently impossible to book one.
The backstory: In the wake of the COVID pandemic and a surge of activity, in 2022, Yosemite National Park introduced the reservation system with the goal of preserving the quality of the visitor experience.
- The regulations stipulated that reservations were obligatory for entering the park via vehicle between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. during specific periods, whereas entry after 4 p.m. did not require a reservation.
The big picture: Frequent park-goers were under the impression that the 2025 reservation system would mimic its predecessor from 2024. In November 2024, park officials declared that reservations would be essential for the ever-popular display of Horsetail Falls, which occurs in February.
- The only problem? Bookings for dates after the 26th of February are presently unavailable.
- A report from the San Francisco Chronicle suggested that the National Park Service is awaiting approval from the new administration before outlining the 2025 reservation process.
- The current reservation cliff also coincides with Yosemite National Park announcing the departure of its superintendent, Cicely Muldoon, after serving 40 years with the National Park Service. Muldoon, credited with implementing the reservation system at the park, will be stepping down at the end of February.
What they’re saying: “Yosemite National Park anticipates sharing details about this year’s reservation system early in 2025. We recognize the importance of providing clarity on that system as soon as possible to accommodate peak summer season travel planning. We are grateful for the robust public engagement in this process to shape an improved and sustainable visitor experience,” the National Park Service said on its website.
