I didnt know that much about Yosemite, and this was so helpful! We hiked up to near the bottom of the falls, so we were pretty beat after that, it was nearly 5 miles and almost 2.5 hours from where we parked. We use the Sony a7riii and have loved it ever since the first photo we took with it. This can be combined with AMTRAK or Greyhound services to reach Yosemite Valley. This is such a great guide! Avoid getting stuck in traffic by arriving before 6 a.m. or after 4 p.m. You can enter Yosemite without a reservation during the week from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., or after 4 p.m. YARTS provides year-round bus services from Merced, as well as additional seasonal routes. It's perfect for all kinds of travelers and can be adapted to any trip, whether you're spending 2 days in Yosemite and want to tick everything off, or weeks deep-diving into the spirit of the destination! If one is pressed for time, is it worth it to try to make it to Glacier Point, given the extra driving? Your pics are amazing! when you arrive at the park.. When the weather is nice and the crowds are low, you should go to Yosemite at the best time of year. You never know when it may come in handy (particularly as Im clumsy)! It really is, its such a huge place but you can definitely see some of the best highlights in a day. At certain moments, you may have noticed there is actually a lower tier as well. Be sure to follow the order we have presented. Even in the winter, the Four Mile Trail is easily accessible for the first mile or so. Your next stop will be at the Cathedral Beach picnic area for views of the famous El Capitan rock formation. Pass holders must provide their Interagency Annual or Lifetime pass for validation or will be required to pay the entrance fee. The majority of park visitors purchase their park passes at an entrance gate before entering the park. Take the time to plan a series of action steps so that you do not waste time when the reservation window opens. Youll also be able to select the number of passes you need. Once at Yosemite Valley, you can use the free Yosemite Valley shuttle system to get around. This coincides with Yosemite Firefall, an event that attracts many visitors each year (and well worth it!). As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Your Yosemite annual pass will be valid for one year from the month of purchase of your oldest receipt. If youre planning to visit Yosemite during the peak season, which runs from late May to early September, its important to book your day pass as early as possible. Everything To Know Before Travelling To The Beautiful Land Of Burma! There will be no restrictions on visitation hours during peak hours, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outside those times, you can still use a park vehicle, and you can also use a day-use pass without a reservation. It has been announced that the park will issue approximately 2,600 entrance reservations per day for weekday visitors. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Yosemite officials said, The peak hours reservation system is designed to spread visitation out and reduce chronic congestion in the park., A visit to Yosemite should be about enjoying the beautiful granite-lined landscape, not sitting in gridlock, said Yosemite National Park Superintendent Cicely Muldoon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Fees & Cancellations. Youll need to select the date of your visit and how many people will be in your party. Absolutely, while of course the long you have the better, theres certainly plenty you can see during a day trip! From the bridge, you will enjoy your first glorious view of Yosemite Falls. Todays adventuresome explorers hope to set up camp in Yosemite National Park and become wealthy. Reservations were required in the summers of 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and in summer 2022 when numerous key visitor attractions were closed for critical infrastructure repairs. With this in mind, youll want to pack layers of clothing. Since one day in Yosemite is not going to allow much time, we recommend starting early, packing a lunch, and bringing any supplies you may need in order to avoid the congestion within Yosemite Village. The decision will make it easier for travelers to plan their visit to Yosemite Mariposa County - visitors will simply be able to head to the gate and pay their entrance fee in order to enter Yosemite. The Yosemite Village is well-stocked, even including a Starbucks for that afternoon coffee. During the winter Glacier Point can be accessed by cross-country skiing 10.5 miles from Badger Pass Ski Area. An entrance reservation will be required to drive into Yosemite for visitors arriving February 1012, February 1719, or February 2426, 2023. A number of others took to social media to rejoice in their success. I guess my advice would be to go straight to the Valley Drive, see everything there, and then decide if you have time for Glacier Point or not . Id definitely recommend spending as long as you can there theres so much to do. I also love myBrooks sneakersand find them perfect for walking when the weather is dry. The cost of a day pass for Yosemite is $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. They were also required for three weekends in February 2023 to help manage crowding and associated impacts during the Horsetail Fall event. The other 30% will go on sale seven days before an arrival date, available daily at 8 a.m. Need to Know. Whats more, weve got you scheduled to spend sunrise and sunset at the most special locations in the park! What is the best month to visit Yosemite? Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Yosemites day-use reservation system was first implemented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but its returning this spring in hopes of alleviating traffic congestion because of many Yosemite construction projects planned in 2022. Ive been to most, and none quite offer so much striking and diverse scenery in such a small area. Summer is the most popular time of year but Spring & Fall can be enjoyable for their own reasons. Discounted passes are offered to some groups, including seniors, military personnel, and 4th graders. It should be around 340, but the NPS said they might need to make adjustments. The popular park in California started selling the $2 reservations, needed in addition to normal park entrance fees, at 8 a.m. Wednesday via recreation.gov. I generally do not recommend trying to squeeze this into your one day Yosemite itinerary. Having said that, the one place it may be full so early is at Tunnel View. Some Yosemite enthusiasts reported frustrating online issues trying to get a pass, with numerous error messages. To reserve a day pass, you can either book online or call the parks reservation hotline. Yes! Heres when it will reopen. We understand that capturing the best possible photos is often the priority for nature lovers visiting our incredible national parks. Plan a trip to Yosemite Mariposa County and discover the magic for yourself. Whether you're sightseeing by vehicle or trekking into the wilderness, read our tips on staying safe in Yosemite. I am hoping to go sometime this summer. We are currently developing the Visitor Access Management Plan in order to design an approach that provides a great visitor experience while protecting Yosemite's natural and cultural resources. Entrance reservations can be purchased on recreation.gov starting at 8 a.m. March 23. Check the NPS website for up-to-date information and to purchase your pass. This fee is valid for seven days. (B/L) The park closes between the months of April and September at 8 p.m., with the exception of early May and early June. In the future, it is possible to reintroduce Yosemites reservation system as a pilot program. 2023 season departures. Click here to check current availability and prices for places to stay in and near Yosemite National Park. By visiting Yosemite.com, you can learn about lodging options, activities to do, and places to eat in the park. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Those who persevere will be rewarded with a unique vantage point. We have written many guides to Yosemite and some of the must-see regions nearby that may be of interest depending on your itinerary. It also may be the most iconic vista in any US national park, and sunrise is a magical time to be there! So far, we have a general orientation video, along with videos about easy, moderate, and strenuous day hikes in Yosemite Valley. These passes can be reserved up . For visitors planning to view the Natural Firefall at Horsetail Fall, please note that Yosemite National Park will require Temporary Vehicle Reservations to access the park for the weekends of February 10-12, February 17-19 and February 24-26. I hope your husband enjoys the park . 2023 Calendar Wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Your Ultimate Yosemite Day Trip Itinerary, Adding Glacier Point Road to Your One Day Itinerary, Yosemite National Park General Information, Packing List for a Day Trip to Yosemite National Park, More Guides to Yosemite & Nearby Destinations, Final Thoughts on How to Spend One Day in Yosemite, THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SEEING FIREFALLS IN 2023, Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers, Small-Group Yosemite & Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Small-Group Day Trip to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe, Discover everything you need to know about Yosemite Firefall, sunrise at Yosemite and photography tips here, Shasta-Trinity National Forest Photography Guide, 101+ Dream Destinations for your Travel Bucket List, Sunrise at Yosemite: Top Locations and Photo Tips, The Perfect Yosemite Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Day Visits. A rigorous data collection system will be in place to assess the system as a possible long-term management tool to alleviate the chronic and worsening congestion that has affected Yosemite for more than 50 years, said Yosemite officials, adding that decisions will include public input. You will not see the actual sun set from anywhere in the Yosemite Valley as you are surrounded by the Sierra Mountains. Before putting on your skis, check the snow conditions at Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area one last time. It is not possible to drive to Glacier Point when Glacier Point Road is closed. The distance is only 1.6 miles roundtrip, but there is a moderate ascent to consider as well. During peak hours, you must reserve a vehicle outside of the park if you want to enter the park. Mark Rose, Sierra Nevada program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, is among those in support of the reservation system. Thanks a lot! 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