"Peak-Hours Plus" 2024 Vehicle Reservation Pilot Program

   The "Peak-Hours Plus" Reservation system is designed to enhance your experience during the busiest times. Here's how it works:

• April 13 through June 30: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (May 27 and June 19).
• July 1 through August 16: A daily reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm.
• August 17 through October 27: A reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (September 2 and October 14).

September 19th Update - Yosemite just announced two changes for the balance of the 2024 reservation period:

• Peak-hour reservations will only be required between 5 am and 3 pm (instead of 4 pm) 
• additional Peak-Hours Plus reservations (both full and half-day) will be made available for Sept 21 & 22

Great news for early-evening adventurers! No reservations are required outside these times. Plan a sunset stroll or a peaceful evening in nature. Feel free to arrive after 3 p.m. without a reservation. As for early birds, arrive at the park entrance before 5 a.m. to catch the sunrise and a full day of exploration.

Travelers can enjoy entry without reservation using the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System or a guide for sightseeing, hiking, backpacking, fishing, photography, and more. This is a perfect way to experience Yosemite's wonders without the hassle of planning every detail. 

Review our curated list of companies providing guaranteed access to Yosemite National Park.

Reservations from April 13 through October 27, 2024, are available on Recreation.gov. As some dates fill up, don't worry – additional reservations are released seven days before your planned arrival. For instance, you can book for October 27 on October 20. Choose from full-day reservations or opt for afternoon-only arrivals. Tailor your visit to fit your schedule.

• Reservations open daily at 8 am Pacific time and will be booked quickly; be logged in to an existing account at Recreation.gov for prompt booking.
• There are two reservation types: Full Day (covers entry between 5 am - 3 pm, and Half Day (covers entry between noon - 3 pm)  (as of Sept 19, 4 pm was changed to 3 pm).
• Peak-hours reservations are valid for three consecutive days (including arrival date).
• There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $2 (separate from the $35-per-car park entrance fee). Reservations are valid for three days. One reservation per user is limited to each three-day period. Reservation holders must be in the vehicle with a photo ID.

No computer? Call (877) 444-6777 to make a reservation.

• Be Prepared. Ensure you have an account with www.recreation.gov and are logged in before making your reservation. Being prepared will save you precious time.
• Stay Persistent. Didn't get a reservation on your first try? Don't worry! Check back periodically. When visitors cancel their reservations, those spots return to the system, offering you another chance.
• Take Advantage of Release Times. Yosemite releases 40% of reservations seven days in advance at 8:00 am (Pacific Standard Time), including full-day and half-day slots. Mark your calendar and set a reminder to increase your chances.
• Important Notice. Yosemite requires reservations for through-park driving to other destinations during peak hours on reservation dates.
• Friendly Reminder: Please do not block the roads if you arrive before 3 pm to ensure a smooth experience for everyone and avoid congestion. Vehicles blocking roads will be cited.

No Reservation? No Problem!

For those who find the reservation system daunting or simply missed out, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the surrounding Southern Yosemite region. Check out our article, "What to Do While Waiting to Get into Yosemite," for some great alternatives.

In addition to taking the YARTS bus or joining a specialty guided tour. Travelers may opt to access Yosemite with in-park lodging reservations or with a wilderness or Half Dome permit, which also waives the need for an extra reservation. A $35-per-car entrance fee applies (credit card only) unless you have an annual or lifetime pass. Your reservation grants 24/7 park access for your stay or three consecutive days, whichever is longer.

Options include:

• Yosemite National Park Campgrounds
• Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Wawona Hotel, White Wolf Lodge, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge
• Private lodging or vacation rentals in Wawona, Yosemite West, Foresta
• Yosemite wilderness or Half Dome permits
• Consider visiting a lesser-known area of Yosemite; Hetch Hetchy is open from sunrise to sunset without needing a reservation. 

Don't miss out on Yosemite National Park this year. Get all the information you need to secure your spot. Let's recap...

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