Yosemite National Park Is Accessible Without A Reservation The Next Year
Feb 24, 2023 By Juliana Daniel

Starting in May 2022, Yosemite National Park will enable tourists to enter without reservation. This is welcome news for visitors who have had trouble getting reservations in previous years owing to the park's rising popularity and low capacity. With the new day-use permit system, people can buy permits up to two days before visiting. Before, they had to make a reservation month in advance. This change is meant to give visitors more freedom while ensuring that the park's natural resources are safe. The people in charge of the park hope that the new system will make it easier for people to visit while protecting the park's resources.

When people go to Yosemite National Park, they can look forward to seeing famous natural sights like Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and El Capitan. They can also enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, and watching wildlife. With the new day-use permit system, people can plan their trips to the park more easily and with more options. This makes it easier for everyone to enjoy the beauty of one of the most famous national parks in the United States.

Pick The Best Time to Go

If you want to go to Yosemite National Park next year, you must ensure you go at the right time. Yosemite is most popular from May to September, with June, July, and August being the busiest. During this time, getting a reservation at the park is almost impossible. So, the best time to go is between April and May and September and October, which are the shoulder seasons. The weather is still nice in these months, but there aren't as many people around.

Don't Camp in The Park

Camping outside the park is one way to avoid the reservation system. Near Yosemite, there are a lot of campgrounds and RV parks that are just a short drive away. Some of the most popular choices are:

  • Mariposa KOA is a popular RV park only 30 minutes from the west entrance to Yosemite National Park.
  • Yosemite Pines RV Resort and Family Lodging is another popular RV park about 22 miles from the park's west entrance.
  • The Indian Flat Campground is a great place to camp with a tent, and it's only 14 miles from the park.

Places to Stay In The Neighborhood

If you don't want to camp, you can always stay in a town nearby. Around Yosemite, many cute towns with a wide range of places to stay, such as hotels, motels, cabins, and vacation rentals. Some of the most popular choices are:

  • Mariposa is a small town only 30 minutes from the west entrance to the park. There are many places to stay, like hotels and vacation rentals.
  • Oakhurst is a nearby town about an hour's drive from the south entrance to Yosemite National Park. It has hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, among other places to stay.

Take A Day Trip

You can always go to Yosemite for the day if you don't want to stay overnight. Several tour operators give one-day excursions to the park, some of which even include transportation. This is a great choice if you don't have much time or want a taste of the park.

Arrive At The Park Early

If you decide to go to Yosemite National Park, you should get there as early as possible in the morning. The park is less busy in the morning, and it's more likely that you'll be able to find a parking spot near the popular trailheads and lookout points. Plus, you can avoid the heat of the middle of the day and enjoy the cooler mornings.

Investigate Less Popular Places

You can also avoid crowds at Yosemite by visiting less-visited parts of the park. Yosemite has a lot of hidden gems that are just as beautiful as the most-visited spots but are much less crowded. Some of the places that are less well-known are:

  • This is a beautiful valley in the northwest corner of the park. It is called Hetch Hetchy. It has a lake, a dam, and several trails for hiking.
  • Tuolumne Meadows is an open area at a high elevation in the eastern part of the park. It has many trails for hiking and is a great place to see wildflowers and animals.

Conclusion

In the end, the new day-use permit system in Yosemite National Park is great news for people who want to enjoy the park's beauty without worrying about making reservations months in advance. Visitors can buy permits up to two days ahead, which helps them plan their trip and make the most of the park's natural beauty and outdoor activities. Even though letting people into the park is important, protecting the park's natural resources is also important. This new system is meant to do just that. So, get ready to see Yosemite's famous landscapes and enjoy the beauty of one of the world's most beautiful national parks.

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