Going to Yosemite this summer? You'll need reservations to get in

Yosemite National Park’s reservation system, installed when the park opened during the height of the COVID-19 crisis last year, is back this summer as big crowds prepare the descend on the hallowed grounds.

The temporary day-use reservation system begins May 21 and "will allow the park to manage visitation levels to reduce risks associated with exposure to COVID-19," as announced by the National Park Service on Thursday.

All visitors, even those who have lifetime and annual passes, will need to make day-use reservations.

Each is valid for three days and good for the occupants of one vehicle. They cover anyone staying overnight in the park, plus accommodations within Yosemite: The Ahwahnee Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, Wawona Hotel, Housekeeping Camp and NPS-managed campgrounds.

The day-use reservation system will continue through the end of September.

You can make reservations here beginning on April 21 at 8 a.m.

Last month, park officials announced they were halting the reservation system with decreased crowds making the trek.

Yosemite, like many beloved California businesses and attractions, has been opened and closed several times during the course of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It also suffered a major setback during a January winter storm that caused an estimated $200 million in damages.

For more ideas on how you can save the planet, visit 1Thing.

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