Tourism Officials Offer Advice for Snagging Park Reservations in Yosemite's Southern Gateway
Yosemite National Park's day-use reservation system remains in place through Sept. 30, 2021, but there are still many ways travelers can access the grandeur.
OAKHURST, CA, (JUNE 23. 2021) – California's tourism sector is roaring back to life, and although the rest of the state is easing restrictions, Yosemite National Park has not announced changes to the temporary day-use reservation system. Yosemite seekers in 2021 must get savvy to the ways in which they can gain access to Yosemite National Park.
At the time of this news release, 52 days of August and September are available to book. Additionally, every day this summer, more than 1,000 passes are available for those that can plan seven days ahead.
"About 90% of people coming into our Oakhurst Visitor Center are unaware of the need for a day-use reservation," chirped Brooke Smith, spokesperson for Visit Yosemite | Madera County. "If these travelers had only known to look one week in advance, they would have discovered more than 1,000 tickets available per day. The system is frustrating and leaves visitors and locals feeling locked out of their public lands. Everyone on our team is looking forward to the end of the new policy on September 30, 2021, or as soon as possible."
"For those that arrive without a reservation, the visitor center can provide direction and some hope. Travelers can book a guided tour, art or photography classes, a guided hike, or use public transportation to get into the park this summer," explained Smith. "There are ways to sit back and relax and there are adventures for every skill level. This is when a good resource article is helpful. And so, we wrote one!"
Local tour operators have safely guided travelers to Yosemite for decades, and now they are ready to step in and meet the demand. Discover group tours, private tours, jeep tours, caravan tours, horseback excursions, new heights of aviation, climbing adventures and so much more! With spectacular views of El Capitan and Half Dome, this summer's skies and family fun times are limitless.
The tour companies listed can provide access to Yosemite National Park:
Formed in 1985, Visit Yosemite | Madera County's mission is to draw the millions of visitors of Yosemite National Park to the many businesses and attractions in its gateway. Inviting visitors to take a journey from the Fossil Discovery Center to the Madera Wine Trail and onward into the High Sierra. Along the way, discover incredible dining, talented tradespersons, four seasons of water sports at Bass Lake, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, and mighty adventures right up to the massive Giant Sequoia trees. Madera County is the gateway to so much more.
Get a Free Visitors Guide!
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.
