2024 Reservations for This Popular U.S. National Park Open Today
Those planning a 2024 giant trip to California’s Yosemite National Park can reserve their free tickets beginning today. The park's first-come, first-serve reservation policy was first announced on December 13 as Yosemite attempts to control “congestion.”
"Yosemite has been grappling with congestion—even gridlock—for decades," the National Park Service explained in a statement. "We want to build from the lessons learned from the last three summers of managed access."
2024 reservations for Yosemite will be available starting at 11 a.m. EST/8 a.m. PST today (Friday, January 5). This year, the park is requiring travelers to make reservations for the following dates and times
- Weekends from April 13 to June 30: From 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (May 27 and June 19).
- Every day from July 1 to Aug. 16: From 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
- Weekends from Aug. 17 to Oct. 27: From 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and on holidays (September 2 and October 14).
During those windows, all vehicles coming into the park must have a reservation, even if they are only driving through, between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. Guests entering the park before 5 a.m. and after 4 p.m. will not require a reservation.
Reservations cost two dollars per ticket, and unfortunately are nonrefundable under any circumstance. However, only one reservation fee is required per vehicle, and it’s valid for everyone inside the car. Two types of reservations are offered: one with access for the entire day; and one with access after 12 noon. Both reservation types are valid for three consecutive days.
Park visitors who have in-park lodging, campground reservations, wilderness or Half Dome permits, and who are entering the park via YARTS buses or permitted commercial tours will not need to make a vehicle reservation.
It’s also important to know the reservation fees are separate from park entry fees. Yosemite allows you to modify your reservation up to 24 hours before the date, and park management recommends canceling your reservation if you don’t plan to use it, to free up the space for other guests.
You can book your Yosemite National Park reservation here, at Recreation.gov.