Yosemite National Park has struggled with congestion for decades. Ticketed entry reservations were put in place in 2020 to help improve visitor experiences by reducing crowding, improving parking, and reducing delays, as well as help protect the park so we can enjoy it for generations to come.

If you’d like to help provide input on the reservation system, you can do so here.

What is a ticketed entry reservation?

Ticketed entry reservations are permits that you reserve to enter Yosemite National Park during peak season at peak hours (April to October, and certain dates in February).

With a ticketed entry reservation, you’ll have a two-hour time window to enter the park. If you’re in line and your hour passes, you’ll still be allowed to enter the park, however, if you arrive before or after your reservation window you won’t be let into the park. Once you’re inside the park, there is no time limit for your stay for the day.

Ticketed entry rules

Ticketed entry reservations are good for one vehicle and valid for three consecutive days for reservations made between April and October, or seven consecutive days for reservations in February.

Visitors are allowed one-ticketed entry reservation per person, per day. If your group has more than one vehicle planning to enter the park, you’ll need a second person to secure another ticketed entry reservation.

Parking

Ticketed entry reservations do not guarantee parking. Be patient finding parking and be flexible with your plans.

If you’re hoping to visit the Yosemite Valley during peak season, the park recommends arriving before 8 a.m. After this time, parking fills up and vehicles are redirected out of the valley.

Bicyclists and pedestrians

Bicyclists and pedestrians do not need ticketed entry reservations.

Motorcycles

Up to two motorcycles arriving together may enter the park using one ticketed entry reservation.

Cancellations

If you’re not planning on using a ticketed ntry reservation you have purchased, please cancel it so others may have the chance to visit. Ticketed entry reservations may not be sold, transferred, or refunded the $2 cost of purchase.

When do you need a ticketed entry reservation?

Peak season

The dates listed are when ticketed entry reservations are required to enter the park between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.

May 24th to May 26th (Memorial Day weekend)
June 15th to August 15th
August 30th to September 1st

February for the Firefall event

These dates change each year, but are usually in mid-February, including weekends and holidays. A ticketed entry reservation is required to enter the park 24 hours per day during these Firefall event dates.

When can you purchase a ticked entry reservation?

Ticketed entry reservations can be purchased up to three months in advance. Reserve your ticketed entry reservations for $2 here. Reservations will not be available at park entrance station or park offices.

Reservations go on sale at 8 a.m. PT according to this schedule:

Peak season

All reservation dates will be released on May 6th, 2025 at 8 a.m.

February for the Firefall event

Firefall ticketed entry reservations generally go on sale in mid-November. Additional ticketed entry reservations will be available two days in advance in mid-February.

Reservations sell out quickly. We recommend creating a login on recreation.gov in advance and attempting to make your purchase as soon as they go on sale at 8 a.m.

Next day reservations

A portion of ticketed entry reservations will be available for purchase one day in advance at 8 p.m. PT.

Park entrance fees

The ticketed entry reservation DOES NOT cover your entrance fee to get into Yosemite National Park. You will still need to pay the entrance fee to enter the park.

It’s fastest to pay the entrance fee in advance online. If you’re visiting more than one national park, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Pass to cover all national park entrance fees for one year from the date of purchase.

Will you still have to wait in line to enter the park?

Yes, it’s likely that you’ll still have to wait in line to enter the park. Expect to wait one to three hours in line, so plan accordingly. If you’re in line and your timed entry window closes, you’ll still be allowed to enter the park.

What to do if you didn’t get a ticketed entry reservation

Take the YARTS shuttle into the park

The YARTS shuttle operates year round shuttling people into the park for a fee. If you take the shuttle, you do not need a ticketed entry reservation. Shuttle reservations do sell out during the busy season, so buy these in advance.

Make a service reservation within the park

Reservations will not be required for those with Yosemite lodging, camping permits, backcountry permits, or Half Dome permits. You must show your proof of lodging or permits for entry into the park.

Campground reservations grant you entry after 12:00 pm on the day of your reservation. Visitors with wilderness permits can use these in place of ticketed entry reservations, but timed access varies.

Go in before or after permitted hours

Ticketed entries go from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; however, the park is open 24/7. Get past the park entrance before or after these times to visit without a ticketed entry reservation. If you plan on arriving after 2 p.m., do not arrive before 2 p.m. Vehicles blocking the road will be cited.

Going into parks early has always been our preference, even before ticketed entry reservations existed.

Visit an unregulated area

The Hetch Hetchy Entrance does not require ticketed entry reservations. The drive to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is scenic, and from there we’d recommend hiking to Tueeulala Falls.

Visit in the off-season

Since the Yosemite Valley – the area with all the most popular sights – is accessible year round, it’s a great place to visit between November and March. Check out our winter itinerary here.

Is Yosemite National Park worth visiting without a ticketed entry reservation?

Yes! If you don’t have a ticketed entry reservation, plan on early mornings (getting to the park entrance before 5 a.m. during peak season) and having the day to explore. This ensures you’ll have an easy time finding parking.

What should we do at Yosemite National Park?

There are so many great sights to see! Check out what to do and see in the Yosemite Valley here, or see the more of the park in our 1–4-day winter itinerary.