By Charlie Pankey, Publisher – Sierra Rec Magazine
Let’s be honest—when Yosemite National Park first rolled out timed-entry systems a few years back, it felt like a punch to the gut for spontaneous Sierra adventurers. For many of us who live nearby or travel often to the park’s quiet corners, the idea of needing a reservation just to drive in felt frustratingly rigid. And while I still believe the system only truly addresses the congestion issues of Yosemite Valley—not the vast, uncrowded rest of the park—I also want to give credit where it’s due.
This year, Yosemite’s 2025 summer reservation system reflects something refreshing: the park listened. They heard feedback from local communities, businesses, and visitors. The result is a much more balanced plan that introduces flexibility while still managing peak-season traffic.
Here’s what you need to know—and how you can still enjoy Yosemite this summer with minimal planning headaches.
🗓️ When Do You Need a Reservation in 2025?
The park’s new “Peak-Hours Plus” system requires a reservation only between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on specific dates:
- May 24–26 (Memorial Day Weekend)
- June 15–August 15 (Every Day)
- August 30–September 1 (Labor Day Weekend)
The rest of the summer—yes, even weekends—is open without a reservation if you enter before 6 a.m. or after 2 p.m.
It’s a massive improvement over past systems, and if you’re planning smartly, it gives you options.
🔐 How to Get a Reservation
Reservations go live on Recreation.gov at 8 a.m. (Pacific) on May 6, 2025 for the entire summer.
More reservations are released seven days before the entry date, so if you miss the first round, there’s still hope.
- Each reservation is $2 (non-refundable) and valid for three consecutive days.
- You can only book two reservations per 3-day period.
- Make sure to log into your account early—reservations disappear within minutes.
- No computer? Call 877-444-6777.
You don’t need a reservation if you’ve booked in-park lodging, camping, or have a wilderness or Half Dome permit. Also exempt? YARTS riders and authorized tours.
🧭 Want to Visit Without a Reservation? Here’s How
Not every trip to Yosemite needs to revolve around a digital countdown clock and lucky clicks. You still have a few smart ways to visit without any reservation at all:
1. Arrive Before 6 a.m. or After 2 p.m.
Yes, the early bird rule is in effect. If you arrive before 6:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m., you’re good to go. Just be strategic about your drive times and don’t show up early hoping to wait in line—rangers will turn you away.
2. Take YARTS
The Yosemite Area Regional Transit System (YARTS) offers bus service into the park from several gateway towns (Merced, Mariposa, Oakhurst, Mammoth Lakes, etc.). Your ticket includes park entry, and no reservation is required.
3. Explore Hetch Hetchy
This lesser-known Yosemite entrance doesn’t require reservations, but is open only during daylight hours. Crowds are light, and hikes like Wapama Falls are stunning in early summer.
4. Book a Stay in Yosemite
Of course the easiest way to visit Yosemite and not worry about day use reservations is to book a stay in one of Yosemite National Parks resorts, Luxury cabins, campgrounds or backpacking routes.
🌄 Reimagining Your Yosemite Trip: Go Beyond the Valley
Yosemite Valley is iconic, but it’s also the core reason this reservation system exists. Want to avoid the crowds and experience Yosemite differently? Here are a few of my favorite summer alternatives:
1. Tenaya Lake: The High Country’s Hidden Gem
If you’ve never spent the day lounging, picnicking, or swimming at Tenaya Lake, you’re missing out on one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Sierra. Nestled along Tioga Road, Tenaya offers stunning views, gentle beaches, and access to peaceful trails like the short walk to Polly Dome Lakes or a more ambitious climb to Clouds Rest.
Visit in the afternoon for a peaceful summer swim with granite peaks reflecting off glassy waters—no Valley traffic required.
2. Tioga Pass Meadows and Waterfalls
The top of Tioga Pass is a wildflower and waterfall wonderland in early summer. Meander around Dana Meadows, hike toward Gaylor Lakes, or explore the outflow creeks below Mount Dana. You’ll often see more deer than people.
It’s a totally different Yosemite—quieter, cooler, and just as jaw-dropping.
3. Pack a Picnic and Take the Long Way
If your goal is simply to drive through the park’s scenic heart—say, from Lee Vining to Groveland—you can do it without a reservation by timing your arrival for after 2 p.m. Bring a dinner picnic, stop at Olmsted Point, Tuolumne Meadows, or Yosemite Creek, and enjoy golden hour in one of America’s most iconic landscapes.
🧒 Family Tip: Pair It With Gateway Adventures
Still want to spend time nearby while you wait for 2 p.m. entry?
- Oakhurst: Grab lunch and stroll the Sierra Mono Museum or the Children’s Museum.
- Mariposa: Walk the historic downtown and explore the Mariposa Museum & History Center.
- Lee Vining: Enjoy Mono Lake, check out the Mobil Mart gourmet tacos, and drive up to the Tioga Gate around 1:45 p.m.
You’ll arrive relaxed—not rushed—and ready to explore.
📝 Final Thoughts: Yosemite’s Making Progress
For years, I’ve been critical of Yosemite’s reservation rollouts—too abrupt, too broad, not nuanced enough. But this year’s version feels different. It reflects listening, adjustment, and local input.
The reality is that managing millions of visitors in a fragile alpine environment is no small task. And while the reservation system still has flaws—especially for areas far outside the Valley—I can appreciate that Yosemite is trying to strike a balance.
Let’s help our readers plan ahead, but also encourage them to think outside the loop. Yosemite is more than just waterfalls and shuttle stops. It’s lakes, meadows, ridgelines, backroads, and quiet mornings under giant pines.
And with a little creativity—and a few off-hour strategies—you can still have a magical Yosemite summer.
📌 Learn More & Book Your Reservation
Visit Recreation.gov on May 6 at 8 a.m. PDT to grab your summer dates. For full FAQs and reservation guidelines, visit nps.gov/yose.
