Starting on November 1, travelers will no longer need a reservation to make a day-trip to Yosemite National Park in California.

The park, located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is a Unesco World Heritage site, and it normally welcomes over four million visitors annually. After its closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a phased reopening began in June, initially only giving access to those with existing wilderness permit reservations, and those with existing permits to climb Half Dome. A required reservation for day-use was instituted back in June of this year to cope with guest numbers as the park reopened.  

 

Due to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and local and state authorities, the park is able to modify its operations and offer reservation-free visits. If you’re planning to go in October, you will still need to book a spot at www.recreation.gov.