THE EARNEST TRAVELER THE EARNEST TRAVELER
Yosemite has scrapped the timed-entry reservation system for all of 2026. You still pay the entrance fee, but you no longer need to book a slot to drive in.
Be careful with older articles — the park has switched this on and off repeatedly in recent years, and the announcement covers 2026 only. Nothing has been said about 2027, and a Visitor Access Management Plan is still in progress.
Peak runoff is May or June. By August, Yosemite Falls — the one everybody comes for — is often a trickle or completely dry. It only flows roughly November through July.
Only three of the big falls run year-round: Bridalveil, Vernal and Nevada. If you are coming in August, September or October, plan around those three and set your expectations for the rest.
Tunnel View costs nothing. The Valley shuttle costs nothing. Bridalveil Fall, Lower Yosemite Fall, Cook’s Meadow, Mirror Lake — all free walks on paved or easy trail, all covered by one vehicle pass.
What costs you is everything else: a bed anywhere near the Valley, a parking space after eight in the morning, and a Half Dome permit you will probably not win. This guide separates the four tiers honestly.
Tunnel View, Bridalveil, Cook’s Meadow and the free shuttle — the entrance fee already paid for it.
All thirteen campgrounds with 2026 fees, elevations, seasons and the booking windows that decide everything.
Valley Lodge, Curry Village and gateway towns — plus the Wawona closure most guides missed.
One grand hotel and a backcountry lottery. Why nobody publishes a rate.
Roads, trails and waterfall flow all change. The park’s Current Conditions page is the authority, and there is a recorded road line at 209/372-0200.
Budget calculators, packing checklists, and a heads-up when each new guide drops — all free. Grab it and plan your trip the easy way.
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