Yosemite National Park’s reservation system, installed when the park opened during the height of the COVID-19 crisis last year, is back this summer as big crowds prepare the descend on the hallowed grounds.
The temporary day-use reservation system will be in effect May 21 to September 30 and "will allow the park to manage visitation levels to reduce risks associated with exposure to COVID-19," as announced by the National Park Service on Thursday.
"This is both to maximize access to the park, but also to provide public healthy and safety for all the visitors coming," Yosemite National Park Ranger Jamie Richards told KCBS. "Visitors coming to Yosemite National Park have a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, but there’s a lot of areas where crowding can become a concern, particularly with social distancing and sanitary conditions."
All visitors, even those who have lifetime and annual passes, will need to make day-use reservations.
Each is valid for three days and good for the occupants of one vehicle. They cover anyone staying overnight in the park, plus accommodations within Yosemite: The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, Wawona Hotel, Housekeeping Camp and NPS-managed campgrounds.
"We are greatly expanding the availability of passes, lodging and overnight camping than we had compared to last year," Richards said. "We look forward to having everyone come back to Yosemite and having a fun and great summer."
You can make reservations here beginning on April 21 at 8 a.m.
Last month, park officials announced they were halting the reservation system with decreased crowds making the trek.
Yosemite, like many beloved California businesses and attractions, has been opened and closed several times during the course of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It also suffered a major setback during a January winter storm that caused an estimated $200 million in damages.
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