Yosemite National Park (Finally) Releases 2025 Entrance Reservation Information
It took several months, but Yosemite National Park has finally made a decision on this summer’s reservation system. On its website, the park says that “visitors will likely need a reservation on some days from May 24 through September 1.”
Let’s take a closer look at the specific 2025 reservation requirements in Yosemite National Park below.
2025 Yosemite National Park Entrance Reservations
A reservation will be required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park on some days from May 24 through September 1, 2025, for those driving into the park between 6 am and 2 pm as follows:
- May 24 through May 26 (Memorial Day weekend): A reservation is required from 6 am to 2 pm on Saturday through Monday.
- May 27 through June 14: A reservation is not required at any time.
- June 15 through August 15: A reservation is required from 6 am to 2 pm every day.
- August 16 through August 29: A reservation is not required at any time.
- August 30 through September 1 (Labor Day weekend): A reservation is required from 6 am to 2 pm on Saturday through Monday.
Driving through the park will also require a reservation if entering between 6 am and 2 pm. If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 2 pm; vehicles blocking roads will be cited.
How to Make an Entrance Reservation for Yosemite National Park in 2025
Timed-entry reservations for all dates will be released on May 6 at 8 am PDT on Recreation.gov.
Additional reservations are available seven days before the arrival date (e.g., make a reservation for an arrival date of August 31 on August 24) at 8 am Pacific time on Recreation.gov.
Reservations are available each day at 8 am Pacific time. Reservations sell out almost immediately. Be sure to have a Recreation.gov account and be logged in and ready to get a reservation promptly at 8 am Pacific time. Even if you’re logged on by 8 am, there is no guarantee you will be able to get a reservation.
The non-refundable reservation fee is $2 (this does not include the $35-per-car park entrance fee).
Each user can make two reservations for each three-day period. For example, if a user makes a reservation for a Friday arrival (valid Friday through Sunday), the user won’t be able to make a third reservation for an arrival that Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show photo ID at the entrance station.
Peak-hours reservations are valid for three consecutive days (including arrival date).
Exceptions to the Yosemite Entrance Reservation Requirements
If you have a reservation for one of the following, you do not need an additional reservation. You still pay the $35-per-car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only) unless you have an annual or lifetime pass.
Your reservation for in-park lodging or camping, a Half Dome permit, or a Yosemite wilderness permit allows you to enter the park 24 hours per day for the duration of your reservation or for three consecutive days (whichever is longer).
- A Yosemite National Park campground
- Curry Village, Housekeeping Camp, Yosemite Valley Lodge, The Ahwahnee, Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, and the High Sierra Camps
- Yosemite wilderness permit reservation or Half Dome permit
- Private lodging or vacation rental in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta
Reservations for lodging or vacation rentals outside the park and in communities other than the three abovementioned communities do not provide access to Yosemite.
Additionally, you can visit the Hetch Hetchy area of the park when it is open (sunrise to sunset) without a reservation. Entry may be delayed on busy weekends in spring.
You can find more information about the 2025 Yosemite entrance reservation system on the park’s website.
