Reservations are no longer needed to drive into Yosemite National Park
Read on for an update on other National Park Service properties in California
The reservation system put in place from June 11, 2020 to limit entrance to Yosemite National Park is no longer in effect. From November 1, no reservations are required to drive into the park. An entry fee of $35 per car still applies.
The reservation system initially limited entrance to around 3,600 cars per day, representing an approximately 50% reduction compared to 2019, according to the park. The public safety measure was effective in reducing crowd size at the park.
As part of its phased approach to increasing access to the park, reservations are no longer required. However, other restrictions remain in place. There is currently no shuttle service and no bus tours available. YARTS regional transit is operating with limited capacity. Only one campground – Upper Pines – is partially open with reservations required. Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Ahwahnee are also open, as are lodging options outside the park. Visitor centers and museums are closed, but rangers and volunteers are staffing visitor information desks outside the Valley Visitor Center. Restrooms are available. The Indian Cultural Village is also open.
All roads are currently open, but be aware of scheduled closures for Wawona Road. Glacier Point Road usually closes sometime in November due to weather conditions, but is open as of today. The Half Dome cables are down for the season. Some trails are closed due to the Blue Jay Fire.
Click here for more up-to-date conditions in the park.
(Looking for somewhere to stay near Yosemite? Check out our review of the lovely Yosemite Dreams.)
Updates for other National Park Service properties in California:
The National Park Service is working with the CDC and FEMA on a phased approach to the openings of park facilities and services. Visitor restrictions also depend upon local regulations. If you want to visit a National Park or other NPS property, check the official website first for up-to-date information. And of course, practice social distancing, wear a mask and wash, wash, wash your hands.
Alcatraz Island – Open at a reduced capacity for a self-guided, mostly outdoor experience, available only through Alcatraz Cruises.
Cabrillo National Monument – Outdoor areas, restrooms and the Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters exhibit are open; all other indoor exhibits are closed. Cabrillo Sea Cave is closed for non-pandemic reasons.
César E. Chávez National Monument – The visitor center is closed; the memorial garden and gravesite are open; no restrooms are available.
Channel Islands National Park – Open for day and overnight visits with boat trips and kayak tours available through Island Packers at reduced capacity. The mainland visitor center is open at 25% capacity.
Death Valley National Park – Open with some facility closures.
Devils Postpile National Monument – Closed for the season.
Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site – Open for self-guided tours by reservation only.
Fort Point National Historic Site – Outdoor areas of the historic fort are open; all indoor sites are closed.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area – Outdoor areas are open at some sites.
John Muir National Historic Site – Open for limited self-guided tours with restrictions, on a first-come, first-served basis. The park grounds are open but the visitor center is closed.
Joshua Tree National Park – The park, trails, campsites and most bathrooms are open, as are bookstores and visitor information desks. Museums and exhibit sections of visitor centers are closed.
Lassen Volcanic National Park – All roads are open and currently snow free, but visitors should carry chains. Roads and trails can closed at any time. Two campgrounds are open, and the visitor center is open Wednesdays through Sundays. Rangers are stationed outside.
Lava Beds National Monument – Partially open after the Caldwell Fire. Campgrounds are open and most caves accessible.
Manzanar National Historic Site – The visitor center (including the museum, bookstore, restrooms and theater) and Block 14 exhibits are closed. The grounds and parking lots are open, including the auto tour road.
Mojave National Reserve – Campgrounds are open, and the Hole-in-the-Wall visitor center is open on weekends. The Kelso Depot visitor center and Zzyzx day use area are closed.
Muir Woods National Monument – Open with required reservations for cars and shuttle riders.
Pinnacles National Park – The park, parking lots and campground are open. The shuttle, nature center, visitor center and cave trails are closed.
Point Reyes National Seashore – Restrooms, picnic areas and campgrounds are open, but visitor centers are closed. Some roads, trails, parking lots and trailheads are closed due to fire damage.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial – Closed.
Redwood National and State Parks – Campgrounds and backcountry sites are available by reservation only (some are closed for the season). Visitor centers, retail and restrooms are open with modifications.
Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park – Closed.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park – Museum, visitor center, research center and Hyde Street Pier are all closed,
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area – Both visitor centers are closed. Restrooms and trails are open.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park – Visitor centers, ranger stations and shuttle service are unavailable. In-park lodging is closed for the season. Expect some fire-related closures and unrelated road closures and construction delays.
Tula Lake National Monument – The museum, contact station and tours are closed/unavailable.
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area – The visitor center is closed, and there are some fire-related closures of roads and trails.
