Yosemite Will Require Reservations for Summer Visitation. Click here for more TRAVEL ALERTS and information.
Menu
Visitor Guide
Get Our Newsletter
Search
Yosemite Falls Spring
Menu
Yosemite Reservations
Home Yosemite Reservations

If you plan to visit Yosemite this summer, you may need a reservation! To help preserve the visitor experience and manage crowding, 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.

Peak-Hour Entry Reservations are now open on Recreation.gov and dates are selling quickly! 

A reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park between 6 AM and 2 PM on the following dates: 

  • May 24–26 (Memorial Day weekend)

  • June 15 – August 15 (Every day)

  • August 30 – September 1 (Labor Day weekend)

If you don’t see availability for your desired date, don’t worry—if a date is marked “NR” (Not Released), additional reservations will be made available seven days prior to the arrival date at 8 AM PDT.
Be sure to mark your calendar or set a reminder to secure your entry.

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

  • If your plans change, please cancel your reservation so another visitor or family can enjoy their Yosemite experience.

  • During the summer, sunsets in Yosemite are after 8 p.m. If you want something to do while waiting to enter the park, explore our list of 41 fun things along Highway 41—perfect for filling your day with adventure before your Yosemite visit.

graphic describing the peak-hours reservation requirements.

How to Get a Reservation:

  • Peak-hour reservations are NOW BOOKABLE on Recreation.gov.

  • Don't forget: Additional reservations are released 7 days in advance, also at 8 am.

  • Each reservation is $2 (non-refundable) and valid for three consecutive days.

  • You can book two reservations per three-day window.

No computer? Call 877-444-6777 to reserve by phone.

Already Have a Reservation to Stay Inside Yosemite?

You do not need a peak-hours reservation if you’ve booked:

  • A campground or in-park lodging (e.g., Curry Village, The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, etc.)

  • A vacation rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta

  • A wilderness permit or a Half Dome permit

These allow entry anytime, 24/7, for the duration of your stay or for 3 consecutive days (whichever is longer).

Using YARTS or a Tour Group?

Great news! No reservation needed if you’re entering the park on:

Want to Visit Without a Reservation?

You can still enter Yosemite:

  • You can still enter Yosemite before 6 AM or after 2 PM on reservation-required days. While you wait, check out our blog on 41 things to do along Highway 41 for fun ways to explore the area before your park adventure begins!

  • Anytime on non-peak days

  • Or by visiting Hetch Hetchy, which is open from sunrise to sunset, no reservation needed

Please don’t arrive early and block roadways—vehicles will be cited.

Things to Do Nearby

Have more questions? You can contact us at the Visitor Center.
Call us at (559) 683-4636 or email info@yosemitethisyear.com.

Our annual Visit Yosemite | Madera County Visitors Guide can answer all your questions about visiting California's Gateway to Yosemite. From the park itself to the museums, wineries, art galleries and more throughout Madera County, our guide can help you plan the perfect vacation. Please note that we mail to the USA only, but anyone can download the guide.
Visit Yosemite - Madera County
Oakhurst Visitor Center, 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-4636
Email us!

Hours:
7 days a week: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
FOLLOW US

Developed by Drozian Webworks | ©2025 Southern Yosemite Visitors Bureau. All Rights Reserved.