Permits to visit Yosemite

Just wondering if there’s any beta on getting in the park during permit season. I see lots of dates blocked out, no permit anvailability, especially on weekends. NPS says vehicles without a permit will be cited. So unless I plan months in advance to secure a permit it’s pay-to-play? (Ie pay the citation). Any pointers for spontaneous weekend warriors? I’m from Oakland.

Hi Ryan—the real beta is to get permits when they are first released for any dates that you think you might want to come to the park (they are cheap), but since it’s too late for that: 1) you can arrive before or after they start checking them (5am to 4pm). There’s no citation for being in the park without a permit—they just won’t let you in if you don’t have one, 2) they also release some additional permits 1 week in advance on recreation.gov, 3) you can take the YARTS bus into the park (though not having a car in the park is obviously a bit limiting). Hope that’s helpful!

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm

Definitely helpful. Thanks Norman. I misread that… vehicles blocking the road will be cited. So game plan is to just get in the park before the booths are staffed. Thank you! 

I could probably find this on nps.gov, but are permits only required for the valley? Or does Tuolumne require permits as well?

Matt Heinen wrote:

I could probably find this on nps.gov, but are permits only required for the valley? Or does Tuolumne require permits as well?

Both. The pass is required to enter the park boundaries in a personal vehicle.

Morning all, heres a great resource for info in the park, like the permit schedule plan for this year, nps.gov/yose/index.ht.. happy climbing Mike A.