Yosemite

Question

I know a lot of travelers think about including Yosemite when visiting (I consider Yosemite a three-day weekend type of trip). But with our National Parks Service gutted by the current administration, everything has changed.

Yosemite will require reservations to visit or even drive through. It’s going to require planning for visitors. I just wanted to make sure people are informed.

Perhaps more of a reason to enjoy nature closer to San Francisco.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm?

Answer

Hi! You’re correct that visiting Yosemite now requires more careful planning due to new reservation requirements. The National Park Service has implemented timed-entry permits and vehicle reservations for peak periods, so spontaneous visits or casual drive-throughs are much more difficult than in the past.

Here’s what you should know:

All visitors entering Yosemite by car during peak times (generally late spring through early fall) need a timed-entry reservation. This applies even if you are just passing through the park to continue on a longer drive.
Reservations are limited and can sell out months in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
In addition to entry reservations, popular trailheads, campgrounds, and lodging inside the park may also require separate reservations.
Failing to secure a reservation can result in being turned away at the entrance, so careful pre-planning is essential.

For visitors coming from San Francisco who want to enjoy nature without the logistical stress, there are closer alternatives that don’t require reservations and are less crowded:

Point Reyes National Seashore – great coastal hikes, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Muir Woods National Monument – impressive redwoods near the city, with some parking reservations needed.
Mount Tamalpais State Park – hiking trails with panoramic views and fewer crowds.
Angel Island or Marin Headlands – easy day trips with historic sites and natural scenery.

Bottom line: Yosemite is still amazing but requires advance planning now. If your goal is a low-stress nature experience near San Francisco, consider the alternatives above for a more flexible trip.

Yosemite

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