On November 15, it was announced by the National Park System; that, come summer 2023, there will no longer be any need for peak-hours vehicle reservations to enter Yosemite National Park.
(Thank God)
This is our least favorite thing about the processes in the NPS post Covid.
This decision comes after three years of a reservation system put in place originally to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and later assist with construction projects within the park boundaries. The new decision will relieve travelers struggling to plan their visit to Yosemite Mariposa County.
NPS’s decision to suspend the reservation system in 2023 will allow them to conduct a full environmental assessment next year, which is vital and appreciated.
However, to make the most of your time at YMCTB, we recommend that visitors take some time to plan their trip. To assist you with this process, here are a few tips:
You can avoid the long lines at Yosemite’s entrance gates by arriving early.
Save yourself some money and hassle by taking advantage of the region’s public transportation system or going on a commercial tour with YARTS or one of the many local companies.
Rather than trying to explore the entire park in one day, consider spending a few days exploring different regions inside and outside of the park one at a time.
To avoid traffic, plan to arrive at the park gates outside 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on holiday weekends.
Take a trip to Yosemite outside of summer for serene crowds and breathtaking views; summer is the busiest and hardest to enjoy the raw beauty of the park.
Do you plan to go to Yosemite in 2023? Let us know!