Entrance reservation needed?
Do I have to make an entrance reservation, if we are taking Yarts bus from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Village in July?
If you are planning to take the YARTS bus from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley in July, you generally do not need a separate entrance reservation for the park itself. YARTS tickets include the right to ride the bus into the park, and the drivers drop off passengers inside Yosemite Valley at key stops such as Yosemite Village, which allows you to access the park without paying the entrance fee directly.
However, there are a few important points to consider for summer travel:
- Yosemite National Park does require entrance reservations during the busiest months (usually late May through early September) if you are entering by private vehicle. Bus passengers are exempt from the vehicle reservation requirement, but having a valid YARTS ticket is mandatory.
- Arrive at your YARTS stop early, especially on weekends, as the buses can fill up quickly and schedules are fixed. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended.
- Check the YARTS schedule carefully: some routes may have limited service or special stops in July, and service may start very early in the morning.
Additional tips:
- Bring your park pass or YARTS ticket confirmation with you, as rangers or bus staff may ask for proof of payment or reservation.
- Even if you don’t need a separate entrance reservation, having an itinerary and knowing which shuttle or trail stops you want to hit will help maximize your visit.
- Check the Yosemite website or YARTS website a few days before your trip for any alerts, road closures, or schedule changes.
In summary, taking YARTS from Mammoth Lakes means you do not need a separate entrance reservation, but make sure your bus ticket is valid and plan ahead for timing and logistics during peak summer months.
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