Yosemite’s New Timed Entry System Could Become Permanent. Here’s How That Will Impact Visitors.
Yosemite National Park officials are proposing to make a timed entry system a permanent fixture during peak visitation periods to address the challenges of overcrowding and protect the park’s natural and cultural resources. The Visitor Access Management Draft Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA), currently open for public comment until September 30, outlines the details of this proposed system.
Under the draft plan, visitors would need a parkwide reservation to enter any area of Yosemite during peak hours, which are defined as 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. This reservation would be valid for a three-day period, allowing flexibility for visitors to come and go during their stay.
The plan is a response to persistent issues such as heavy traffic congestion, crowded trails, and the strain on park facilities and resources during the busy summer months. The goal is to ensure that visitors can enjoy the park without the frustrations of long waits and gridlock, while also safeguarding Yosemite’s environment.
“We want to make sure that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the park and stay safe, and not suffer through endless traffic jams and long waits,” said Yosemite Superintendent Cicely Muldoon.
This year, Yosemite tested a “Peak Hours Plus” vehicle reservation pilot system, which was implemented on weekends from April 13 to June 30, daily from July 1 to August 16, and on weekends from August 17 to October 27. The draft EA suggests two reservation windows for the permanent system: one for all-day access and one for afternoon arrivals, giving visitors options based on their plans.
The National Parks Conservation Association has praised the plan, calling it a necessary and thoughtful approach to managing Yosemite’s popularity while preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage.
As other national parks like Arches, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain have already implemented similar systems, Yosemite’s proposal is part of a broader trend toward using reservation systems to manage visitor capacity and ensure sustainable tourism in America’s most treasured landscapes.
