Summer online reservations for Yosemite National Park, which attracts nearly 4 million visitors annually, have been indefinitely postponed. This announcement comes as the park prepares to implement a new reservation system, initially expected to be operational this year. The park’s online reservation page now indicates that details regarding the new system will be available early in 2025.
The delay in launching the new reservation system is reportedly due to the need for approval from the Trump administration, according to park officials. A spokesperson for the park was unavailable for comment regarding when reservations might be accepted. In the meantime, visitors can enter the park on weekdays without a reservation until the end of March, with exceptions for weekends and holidays.
The reservation system was first introduced in 2020 to manage visitor numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued in subsequent years to address issues related to infrastructure repairs and traffic congestion. However, there is currently no reservation plan in place for visits from April through October, which raises concerns about potential overcrowding during the peak summer season.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the general reservation system, visitors planning to attend the popular Firefall event at Horsetail Fall will still need to secure a reservation. Scheduled for February 15-17 and 22-23, this event draws thousands of visitors who come to witness the breathtaking sight of water cascading down El Capitan, creating a stunning orange glow at sunset when conditions are right.
The Firefall event has become increasingly popular, leading to environmental concerns as foot traffic has damaged surrounding areas. To mitigate this impact, reservations are required for visitors to the event, even for those not directly visiting Horsetail Fall on the designated dates.
Yosemite officials are grappling with the challenge of balancing park access and conservation amid rising visitor numbers during peak seasons. As they work to finalize the new reservation system, the park continues to encourage visitors to utilize alternative transportation options, such as the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), to reduce the number of vehicles in the park and minimize environmental damage.
With the summer season fast approaching, the park’s management faces the pressing task of ensuring that Yosemite remains accessible while also protecting its natural beauty for future generations.