2026

The powers that be just announced that Yosemite entrance reservations will not be required for the popular national park 2026. What does this mean? Well although visitors won’t have to buy a special entrance reservation permit for a specific time to gain entrance to the park, there will still be a few restrictions.

2026 Yosemite Entrance Plan

Although you will be able to pass through the entrance gate to Yosemite National Park without any additional documentation in 2026, the park will “will continue to utilize strong traffic management strategies to support visitor safety, access, and resource protection.” More specifically, “If Yosemite Valley reaches capacity, vehicles will be redirected to other areas of the park, including Wawona, the Mariposa Grove, Tuolumne Meadows, and Glacier Point Road.”

So what does that mean? Even though you will be able to get in the gate, you may not be able to access Yosemite Valley (where the bulk of the favorite attractions are) if there’s too much traffic. And with Yosemite Valley being a favorite destination, this could be a daily occurrence.

So, the best advice to visitors is to get an alpine (early) start if you are planning to visit Yosemite Valley. To be honest, that’s the best plan of action anyway, as the afternoon crowds tend to detract from the Yosemite experience. And if you want a real time update on parking , text YOSEMITE to 333111. Additionally, for information about wheelchair-accessible things to do in Yosemite, visit Accessible Yosemite.

And although it hasn’t been officially announced, it’s assumed that folks with campground and lodging reservations will be allowed access to their accommodations.

So, get there early, park your car and take the wheelchair-accessible Yosemite shuttle to enjoy Yosemite Valley.