This news story about February entrance reservations in Yosemite National Park is based on an announcement on the park’s website. You can see the announcement here.
One of the most popular annual events in the National Park System, the orange sunset glow of Yosemite’s Horsetail Fall attracts massive crowds to the park each February.
This entirely natural phenomenon is reminiscent of the historic and man-made “firefall” that used to take place from Glacier Point. The Horsetail Fall glow occurs from mid- to late-February and only on evenings with clear skies and provided that Horsetail Fall is flowing in the first place, which it usually does in winter.
In 2024, due to the increasing popularity of this spectacular event, Yosemite National Park is implementing a temporary entrance reservation system through February.
Yosemite National Park Implements Entrance Reservations For February Weekends in 2024
In order to manage this event, a reservation will be required to enter Yosemite National Park on the weekends of February 10–11, February 17–19, and February 24–25, 2024, even for those not visiting Horsetail Fall.
Visitors who arrive Mondays through Fridays (except Monday, February 19) won’t need a reservation. The $35/car entrance fee is valid for entry for seven days, regardless of day of arrival.
Yosemite National Park Day-Use Reservations February 2024
Beginning at 8 am Pacific time on December 1, 50% of day-use reservations are available for all three weekends at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086745.
Beginning at 8 am Pacific time two days prior to a day-use reservation date, the remaining 50% of day-use reservations will be available. For example, on February 23 at 8 am, day-use reservations for February 25 will be available.
Each user can make one reservation per seven days. An occupant of the arriving vehicle must be the reservation holder (with photo ID). The reservation is then valid for seven consecutive days (including arrival date).
Reservations are taken almost immediately. Be sure to have an account and be logged in and ready to get a reservation promptly at 8 am Pacific time.
The non-refundable reservation fee is $2. You will pay the entrance fee (or show an annual or lifetime pass) when you arrive..
Cancelled reservations become available immediately on Recreation.gov.
Each user can make one reservation per day. Only one reservation is needed per vehicle (regardless of the number of people in the vehicle). An occupant of the arriving vehicle must be the reservation holder (with photo ID).
Day-use permits are valid for seven consecutive days for unlimited entries.
In-Park Camping, Lodging, or Vacation Rentals
If you have a reservation for one of the following, you do not need an additional reservation. You do, however, still have to pay the $35/car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only) unless you have an annual or lifetime pass.
The overnight vehicle permit you receive will be valid for seven consecutive days for unlimited entries. Your overnight vehicle permit is valid for seven days starting on the date of your campground or lodging reservation.
- Day-use reservation (valid for 7 consecutive days for unlimited re-entries)
- Campground reservation at Upper Pines, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow, or Camp 4
- Lodging reservation at The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge or Curry Village
- Private lodging or vacation rental reservation in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta
- Commercial use authorization
You can find more information about the Yosemite National Park entrance reservations for 2024 February weekends here on the park’s website.
Why Does Yosemite National Park Require Reservations on February Weekends 2024?
Historically, the sunset backlight on Horsetail Fall was little known. However, in recent years, visitation around this event has increased dramatically.
For example, on February 19, 2022, 2,433 visitors viewing Horsetail Fall gathered in areas mostly lacking adequate parking and other facilities. In prior years, visitors have spilled onto riverbanks, increasing erosion and trampling vegetation.
As riverbanks filled, visitors moved into the Merced River, trampling sensitive vegetation and exposing themselves to unsafe conditions. Some undeveloped areas became littered with trash, and the lack of restrooms resulted in unsanitary conditions.
SEE ALL NATIONAL PARKS THAT REQUIRE RESERVATIONS IN 2024 HERE