Yosemite Drops Summer Reservation Requirement

National park officials say reservations were too restrictive, but conservation groups warn of overcrowding and environmental strain.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In a major policy shift, Yosemite National Park will no longer require visitors to obtain a reservation for park entry during the busy summer season. Park officials say the reservation system, implemented in recent years to cap attendance and reduce overcrowding, imposed too many constraints and hassles on the millions who visit Yosemite's famed waterfalls and canyons each year. However, conservation groups warn that dropping the reservation policy could lead to increased congestion and environmental damage without the necessary staffing to manage visitor traffic.

Why it matters

Yosemite is one of the nation's most popular national parks, drawing millions of visitors each year. The reservation system was intended to address overcrowding and environmental strain, but faced criticism from the tourism industry and some politicians who argued it was overly restrictive. This policy change reflects a shift towards prioritizing public access over resource protection, raising concerns about the park's ability to manage large crowds without the reservation system.

The details

Yosemite first implemented a reservation system in 2020 as annual attendance soared above 4 million people. The policy, which required visitors to book entry in advance during peak hours, was intended to reduce hour-long waits at entrance stations and traffic jams in Yosemite Valley. It also helped limit the environmental impact of so many people touring the park's forests, rivers, and meadows. Under the previous superintendent, there were plans to make the reservation system permanent, capping visitation at 70% of average peak-season attendance. However, the current superintendent, Ray McPadden, has changed course, allowing the reservation policy to stand only temporarily and scaling back its terms to grant more people entry to the park.

  • Yosemite first implemented a reservation system in 2020.
  • The reservation policy was continued, in some form, most years since 2020.

The players

Ray McPadden

The current superintendent of Yosemite National Park, appointed last year by the Trump administration. He has sought to make public access a priority and has scaled back the park's reservation system.

Cicely Muldoon

The former superintendent of Yosemite National Park, who had drawn up plans to make the reservation system permanent.

Tom McClintock

A Republican Congressman from Elk Grove, California, who has argued that the reservation policy was overly restrictive.

Neal Desai

The regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association, a conservation group that has been supportive of the reservation system.

National Park Service

The federal agency that manages Yosemite National Park and other national parks, which has faced staffing cuts under the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“While reservation systems are one valuable management tool, our data demonstrates that a season-wide reservation requirement is not the most effective approach for the coming season.”

— Ray McPadden, Yosemite Superintendent (sfchronicle.com)

“We are committed to visitor access, safety, and resource protection, and will continue active traffic management strategies to ensure a great visitor experience.”

— Ray McPadden, Yosemite Superintendent (sfchronicle.com)

“People don't want to get to the park just to be stuck in traffic and find overcrowded restrooms and trails.”

— Neal Desai, Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association (sfchronicle.com)

“Desai called McPadden's push to proceed without reservations 'extremely irresponsible,' saying they fly in the face of what longtime staff have decided is best for the park.”

— Neal Desai, Regional Director, National Parks Conservation Association (sfchronicle.com)

What’s next

The National Park Service has declined to detail or explain the staff reduction, which conservation groups warn could exacerbate the challenges of managing large crowds without the reservation system in place.

The takeaway

This policy shift reflects a tension between prioritizing public access and protecting the environment and visitor experience at one of America's most iconic national parks. Without the reservation system, Yosemite faces the risk of increased congestion and environmental strain, underscoring the need for careful management and sufficient staffing to balance these competing priorities.