Yosemite and National Parks Free
Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/24/2022
All Day
Location
Yosemite National Park – East Auditorium
Categories
Saturday September 24th is National Public Lands Day. In order to celebrate, almost every National Park in the USA, including Yosemite, will be waiving the entrance fee for the entire day. Other fees still apply.
Reservations to drive into Yosemite National Park during peak hours (6 am – 4 pm) continue until September 30, 2022 passes are available seven days before the arrival date (e.g., make a reservation for an arrival date of August 4 on July 28).
The non-refundable reservation fee is $2 (this does not include the normal $35-per-car park entrance fee which will be waved on Saturday, Sep. 24).
Each user can make one reservation for each three-day period. For example, if a user makes a reservation for a Friday arrival (valid Friday through Sunday), the user won’t be able to make a second reservation for an arrival that Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The reservation holder must be in the arriving vehicle and show photo ID at the entrance station.
Peak-hours reservations are valid for three consecutive days (including arrival date).
If you don’t have computer access, you can call 877/444-6777 to make a reservation.
In-Park Camping, Lodging, or Vacation Rentals
If you have a reservation for for in-park lodging or camping, a Half Dome permit, or a wilderness permit you do not need a reservation, you are allowed you to enter the park 24 hours per day for the duration of your stay. You still pay the $35-per-car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only) unless you have an annual or lifetime pass.
Wilderness or Half Dome Permits
If you have a wilderness permit reservation (for backpacking) or Half Dome permit, you do not need an additional reservation. You still pay the $35/car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only) unless you have an annual or lifetime pass. Your reservation allows you to enter the park 24 hours per day for the duration of your reservation or for three days (whichever is longer).
If you have a wilderness permit, you may enter the park a day before the date on your wilderness permit to stay at a backpackers campground.
A Half Dome permit does not allow you to camp in Yosemite.
Regional Transit or Tour Groups
If you enter the park on a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) bus or with an authorized tour group, you do not need an additional reservation or permit.
Visiting without a Reservation
If you don’t have a reservation, you can still visit Yosemite. You must arrive at an entrance station (other than Hetch Hetchy) before 6 am or after 4 pm. If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 4 pm; vehicles blocking roads will be cited.
If you enter during non-peak hours on your first day, you must still enter before 6 am or after 4 pm on subsequent days, even if you have an entrance station receipt.
You can visit the Hetch Hetchy area of the park when it is open (8 am to 5 pm) without a reservation.
The boulders around the base of Lower Yosemite Fall (the off-trail area between the footbridge/viewing area and the waterfall) is closed.
The trail to Bridalveil Fall is closed due to the Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project.
The Half Dome cables are up for the season. A permit is required to hike to the top of Half Dome when the cables are up.
Due to bear activity along the Snow Creek Trail and the potential for bear/human interactions the area to the south and east of the footbridge is closed to overnight camping and unattended food (even if stored properly). The National Park Service will continue to monitor the bears’ activity and will re-open the area to camping as soon as possible. The trails and areas are open to day hiking.
Wawona and Mariposa Grove Area
All areas of the park south of and including Wawona Campground and Wawona, as well as the Mariposa Grove, are closed due to a fire. View a map for details.
Glacier Point Area
The Glacier Point Road, including land and trails adjacent to the Glacier Point Road (within 100 feet from centerline on both sides of the road) are closed. (The Pohono Trail remains open, including where it crosses Glacier Point Road just above Glacier Point. This is the only exception for trails crossing the road.)
Camping is prohibited at Glacier Point (and anywhere else within four trail miles of Glacier Point or within one mile of the road).
All areas of the park south and southeast of the Glacier Point Road are closed due to a fire. View a map for details.
Masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings and enclosed public transportation, regardless of vaccination status.
Circulation on Yosemite Valley Roads has temporarily changed as part of a pilot. Use caution and be sure to follow signs when driving in eastern Yosemite Valley. Do not rely on GPS for directions.
Air quality may be impacted by wildfire smoke. Smoke may pose risk for older adults, children, and persons with pre-existing medical conditions. These individuals should limit time outdoors, avoid exertion, seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms.
