Yosemite National Park is preparing to welcome visitors for the peak summer season with expanded access across the park, including the reopening of popular trails, climbing areas, and full campground availability.
Full Campground Access Returns for Summer
All Yosemite front-country campgrounds will be open this summer and available for reservation through Recreation.gov, marking the first full season of campground availability in several years. Most High Sierra Camps are also returning to operation, giving visitors additional opportunities to experience Yosemite’s backcountry and high country landscapes.
Several popular recreation areas are reopening as well, including a section of the Valley Loop Trail near Royal Arches and climbing routes that were previously closed for safety monitoring. The Ice Cut section of the John Muir Trail is expected to reopen in July following trail improvements and visitor safety work. 
Tioga Road Opens Earlier Than Usual
Tioga Road is scheduled to open to vehicle traffic on May 15, the earliest opening in 16 years. The trans-Sierra route provides access to Yosemite’s high country, including Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and numerous trailheads along the eastern side of the park.
Glacier Point Road reopened to vehicles May 9, offering access to panoramic Yosemite Valley views and popular high-elevation hiking areas. Together, the road openings give visitors expanded access to Yosemite’s alpine terrain ahead of the busy summer season.
Overnight wilderness trips still require a wilderness permit, which can be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov.
Half Dome Hiking Permits Open
Half Dome cables will reopen May 15, allowing hikers to once again access the summit route rising nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley.
Daily lottery permits for Half Dome are now available, with applications opening two days before the desired hiking date.
Park Officials Encourage Visitors to Plan Ahead
“Yosemite continues to expand access while protecting the park’s extraordinary resources,” Superintendent Ray McPadden said in the announcement. “We’re excited to welcome visitors to more areas of the park this summer and encourage everyone to plan ahead for a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Park officials say visitors should still expect traffic congestion during weekends and peak summer travel periods, especially on Saturday mornings.
To help reduce delays, Yosemite recommends visitors:
- Purchase digital park passes in advance through Recreation.gov
- Visit midweek when possible
- Arrive early or later in the afternoon
- Explore areas beyond Yosemite Valley
Officials also encourage visitors to check current road, weather, parking, and trail conditions before arriving.
For more information and trip planning resources:
- Yosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose
- Campground reservations and permits: https://www.recreation.gov
- Yosemite park passes: https://www.recreation.gov/pass
Source: National Park Service (NPS)
Main Image: A winding Yosemite roadway leads toward Half Dome as the park prepares for peak summer season access. Photo: Josh Carter on Unsplash
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