Yosemite National Park to suspend temporary peak hours vehicle reservations

Reservations are no longer required to use Summer’s Day in the National Park

Mariposa, Calif. – The National Park Service (NPS) has announced that it will no longer require a peak hour tentative reservation for entry Yosemite National Park in 2023. The decision comes three years after the reservation system was originally implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and later help with important construction projects in the park. This decision will make it easier for travelers to plan their visit to Yosemite County and Mariposa.

“This decision will help our visitors, especially those from other states and countries who tend to plan their once-in-a-lifetime vacations to Yosemite almost a year in advance,” said Jonathan Farrington, CEO and Chief Executive Officer of Yosemite Mariposa County. Tourism Bureau (YMTCB). “For our friends who live close to the area, this allows them to be more spontaneous in their plans to visit.”

environmental assessment

Suspending the reservation system in 2023 will allow NPS to conduct a full environmental assessment next year which will include public input. Members of the YMCTB and Mariposa County Lodging Association look forward to participating and interacting with the National Park Service and providing business data and expertise in those conversations.

California’s tourism industry has improved since the pandemic, and with nearly 50% of all employment in Mariposa County dependent on tourism, it is critical that visitation has a chance to return to pre-pandemic levels. according to Visit CaliforniaI lIn 2019, visitors spent $476.1 million in the county, which decreased to $255.3 million during 2020 and increased to $361.6 million in 2021.

Suspension of the reservation system is expected to help restore housing business in Mariposa County, which has experienced high-season occupancy for the past three years. Domestic economic growth has slowed due to slowing economies around the world, with weak international exchange rates for the euro and the pound sterling against a strong US dollar, inflation and rising travel costs. Mariposa County relies on strong domestic and international traffic during the peak summer months to support its business and workforce.

The YMCTB recommends that visitors make a detailed travel plan for their visit, regardless of the length or shortness of their vacation.

Tips for visiting Yosemite

• Arrive early to avoid lines at Yosemite entrance gates.
• Use public transportation or commercial tours, such as YARTS, the Yosemite Valley Shuttle System, or the many tour companies in the area.
• Consider spending entire days exploring the areas in and out of the park rather than trying to see nearly 1,200 square miles in one day.
• Avoid peak traffic between 10am and 2pm at the park gates on weekends.
• Visit during the fall, winter, and spring for a quieter Yosemite experience.

“Yosemite Mariposa County is a four-season destination, and every season is amazing and worth experiencing,” said Farrington. “If you visit in the summer, you will love the beauty of the fall, the cool temperatures and tranquility of the winter, and the waterfalls and wildflowers in the spring.”

About the Yosemite County Mariposa County Tourism Office

Located about 200 miles east of San Francisco and 300 miles north of Los Angeles, the area is a must-visit for any California itinerary. Lived with possibilities, it is a global destination for all seasons that inspires curiosity and refreshes the soul. Yosemite Mariposa County is the perfect destination for visitors looking for outdoor adventure, family fun, or a place to disconnect and get away from it all. For more information visit www.yosemite.com