Yosemite has announced plans Peak-Hour Reservations requirements for the Summer 2025 Season. See below for a summery of those requirements. More information can be found on our Reservation Information Page. 

a peak-hours reservation system will be in place from May 24 through September 1, 2025 for anyone driving into or through Yosemite between 6 am and 2 pm on select days.

Dates When Reservations ARE Required (6 am – 2 pm):

• May 24–26 (Memorial Day weekend)

• June 15 – August 15 (Every day)

• August 30 – September 1 (Labor Day weekend)

• No reservation required between May 27–June 14 and August 16–29.

• The Wawona Hotel is closed to the public for a multi-year repair project.  
• Seasonal Closures:
  • Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road (beyond Badger Pass), and Mariposa Grove Road are all still closed for the season. 
  • Half Dome cables are DOWN for the season.
  • Four Mile Trail s closed due to hazardous conditions near Union Point (about halfway up) with no access to Glacier Point.
  • The John Muir Trail between Clark Point and Panorama Trail junction (near the top of Nevada Fall) is closed due to dangerously icy conditions. The Mist Trail provides access to the top of Nevada Fall
• A short section of the Valley Loop Trail at The Ahwahnee remains closed due to rockfall risk, although a short detour is available.
• Trail Crew is planning on performing blasting operations on the Snow Creek Trail (switchback sections) Thursday, May 1.  There will be intermittent trail closures throughout the day.
• Happy Isles Art & Nature Center is open for the season. Hours of operation are be Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for the remaining guide period.
• Campground Status
  • In Yosemite Valley
    • Open - Upper Pines Campground (Reservation Required), Camp 4 (First-come, first served)
    • Closed - North Pines, Lower Pines
  • Outside Yosemite Valley
    • Open - Wawona & Hodgdon Meadow (both First-come, first served)
    • Closed - Bridalveil Creek, Crane Flat, Tamarack Flat, White Wolf, Yosemite Creek, Porcupine Flat, and Tuolumne Meadows 

Essential tips to maximize your experience during your visit to Yosemite:

1. Optimal Visit Times: Arrive early in the morning (Before 5:00 AM) or later in the afternoon (After 4:00 PM) to avoid peak times and reservation requirements. Remember, the park is accessible 24 hours a day (excluding Hetch Hetchy), allowing for flexible planning.
2. Weekday Visits: If possible, visit mid-week. While early Spring is generally less crowded than the Summer, weekends and holidays can still get busy. If your trip includes weekends, explore the diverse activities in Yosemite's Southern Gateway, such as local attractions, historical sites, wine tasting, hiking, axe throwing, and relaxing at Bass Lake.
3. Guided and Adventure Tours: Take advantage of guided tours and hikes. Tours offer a unique perspective of Yosemite, relieve the hassle of parking, and are your ticket to the park during reservation periods.
4. Explore Beyond the Valley: Visit areas like Wawona near the south gate entrance. Rich in history and activities, Wawona offers the Yosemite History Center, stagecoach rides, various hikes, a dog-friendly trail, and dining at the historic Wawona Hotel.
5. Take Public Transportation: May - September, utilize YARTS for convenient travel to Yosemite with daily early buses on Highway 41, departing from Oakhurst at 7:10 AM and 8:55 AM; visit www.yarts.com for schedules and details.
   
6. Stay Informed with Traffic Alerts: Sign up for Yosemite's valley traffic alerts by texting YNPTRAFFIC to 333111 to stay updated on traffic conditions, enhancing your visit planning.

For more information:

VISIT: Yosemite's Current Conditions page
CALL: Oakhurst Visitor Center at (559) 683-4636
STOP BY: Oakhurst Visitor Center located at 40343 Highway 41 (daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

There is so much to do here in the Yosemite and it's Southern Gateway. Click the image strip below to find out more.