Update March 14, 2025 – Yosemite National Park today announced plans to start Camp Ground Reservations for select campgrounds starting March 24th, 2025 – If you’re planning a camping trip to Yosemite between June 15 and August 14, here’s what you need to know: New Release Schedule for Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, & Upper Pines (Sites 1-124):
March 24 at 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for June 15 – July 14 arrivals
March 31 at 7 AM PDT → Reservations open for July 15 – August 14 arrivals
Reservations will be available at Recreation.gov
Additional Travel Alert from March 17th – Route 140 into Yosemite Valley from Mariposa is closed indefinitely from a rock slide. Cal trans does not have a date for re-opening this popular route. All traffic is being re-routed to either the 40 out of Oakhurst or the 120 through Groveland to enter the park.
According to several News sources in California, Yosemite National Park has indefinitely postponed its online reservation system for the 2025 summer season, creating uncertainty for travelers planning to visit the iconic park between April and October. This unexpected delay, reportedly due to the National Park Service seeking approval from the new administration, has left many visitors wondering how it will affect their plans and whether they will need to make alternative arrangements.
What We Know So Far
Originally introduced in 2020 to manage visitor numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Yosemite’s reservation system continued in subsequent years to address overcrowding, infrastructure repairs, and conservation concerns. However, as of early 2025, no new system has been announced for the upcoming peak season. The park’s website currently states, “Yosemite National Park anticipates sharing details about this year’s reservation system early in 2025,” but no official timeline has been provided.
Update as of Feb 14, 2025 – Yosemite National Park is delaying the sale of camping nights for five campgrounds (Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow). This delay affects reservations from June 15 – July 14. This obviously impacts visitors who are planning camping trips to the park. Yosemite’s goal is to release these campground nights as soon as possible and they say they will provide at least a seven-day advance notice before reservations go on sale. The notice will be posted to the park’s website and social media feeds.
For now, visitors can access Yosemite without reservations on weekdays (excluding holidays and weekends) until the end of March. Beyond that, uncertainty remains regarding whether a new system will be implemented or if the park will operate without restrictions, potentially leading to a surge in traffic and crowding.
Firefall Reservations Still Required
Despite the summer reservation delay, one key event still requires planning ahead: Yosemite’s famous Firefall at Horsetail Fall. Scheduled for select dates in February, this natural phenomenon, where the setting sun illuminates the waterfall to create a fiery glow, draws thousands of visitors. Reservations for the event remain in place to manage crowds and protect the delicate environment around viewing areas. Even those not planning to visit the waterfall directly must still secure a reservation for park entry during these peak weekends.
How This Affects Your Yosemite Trip
Without a confirmed reservation system for summer 2025, visitors should prepare for potential congestion in popular areas like Yosemite Valley & Glacier Point Local tourism experts have expressed concerns about a “free-for-all” scenario where unregulated crowds could strain park resources and impact visitor experiences. However local business community of patrons of Yosemite have also noted that the restrictive nature of the current reservation system is not allowing for great access opportunities in less crowded regions of the park including Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy and Wawona. And that a new reservations system that includes only Valley visits should be considered.
For those planning a trip, here are some ways to navigate the uncertainty:
- Book a Stay at one of the Yosemite Resorts, Hotels, cabins or Camping facilities inside the park. Your Park entrance and reservation are covered by your Reservation to stay. So booking a stay in Curry Village means you don’t need a car reservation for your visit same with a Cabin reservation in Wawona or a Campground reservation in White wolf. Your Reservation to stay, which can be booked now includes all entrance reservations (all though Park entrance fees may still need to be paid).
- Reserve a Backpacking Permit: Like stays on in the parks many properties, backpackers also do not need separate summer reservations to get in the park. Booking a backpacking permit via the lottery program at reservations.gov covers your reservation spot on the dates selected.
- Monitor Official Updates: Keep an eye on Yosemite National Park’s website and social media channels for any announcements regarding summer reservations.
- Consider Alternative Transportation: To reduce parking hassles, use the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) or book lodging with shuttle services. As a reminder your Bus ticket on Yart covers your Reservation and park entry fees, so No additional reservations are needed for your trip. So for example if you Stay in Sonora Ca and use the Yart system you can visit the park any day you like.
- Plan for Crowds: Arrive early in the day to secure parking and access trails before peak hours.
- Explore Lesser-Known Areas: Consider visiting less crowded regions of Yosemite, such as Hetch Hetchy, Tuolumne Meadows (if Tioga Road is open), or the park’s southern entrances in Wawona.
The Bigger Picture
Yosemite officials continue to grapple with balancing accessibility and conservation. With record-breaking visitation numbers in recent years, the debate over how to manage the park’s increasing popularity is ongoing. Whether the delay in implementing a reservation system is temporary or part of a larger policy shift remains to be seen.
For now, visitors should stay informed. Based on the current administrations pace of changes enacted, remain flexible, and be prepared for potential changes as the park finalizes its 2025 plans.
