As you probably know by now, a trip to Yosemite National Park is not the same as it was in 2019, or even 2020. Covid has changed the way the Park operates. It’s important to be up to date about when you can and can’t go, what facilities are and are not open, and what resources are available.
First and foremost, reservations are required to enter Yosemite every day through September 30th. Although Yosemite Park will be at a reduced capacity this year, you can still have a great experience.
There are several different kinds of reservations that can be obtained to enter the Park. There is the day-use reservation (valid for three consecutive days for unlimited re-entries), or campground reservations, or lodging reservations. You can also get a reservation if you have a private lodging or vacation rental reservation in Wawona, Yosemite West, or Foresta, or if you have a Yosemite wilderness permit or a Yosemite Half Dome permit.
If you are entering the park via YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) or by bus, bicycle, on foot, or on horseback, you do not need a day-use reservation to enter the Park, but park entrance fees still apply.
No need to worry, public restrooms are available, but showers are not available to campers except for overnight guests of Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp.
Unfortunately shuttle service is not available in Yosemite this year. This includes Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove, and Tuolumne Meadows. However, you can still visit your favorite spots by driving to the nearest parking lot and exploring by hiking, biking on paved designated trails, or horseback riding.
There are opportunities to still get information on how to explore the Park by stopping by outdoor visitor information stations. Wilderness permits will be available for pick up there, too, (don’t forget to make your reservations in advance). If you are looking to take home something to remind yourself of your trip to the Park, there will be limited Yosemite Conservancy bookstore sales available outside the Valley Visitor Center.
The Happy Isles Art and Nature Center, the Valley Visitor Center Theater (including films about the Park), and the Yosemite Museum are all closed. However, you still have some great ways to learn by stopping at the Indian Cultural Village or the Valley Wilderness Center. They both are open.
To find out more details to plan your visit, or to learn about the Park, go to: https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
To make a day use reservation visit www.recreation.gov
For information regarding wilderness permits visit https://yosemite.org/wildtrails/permit
For more information on YARTS operating schedule visit http://www.yarts.com
