Yosemite Crowds Surge After Summer Reservation System Is Scrapped in 2026
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5
Yosemite Crowds Surge After Summer Reservation System Is Scrapped in 2026
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5
Summary
Hourslong traffic jams, entrance backups and packed attractions have overwhelmed Yosemite in 2026, with some visitors giving up and leaving after finding major sites already at capacity.
The crush followed the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate summer reservations at Yosemite and other popular national parks, removing a tool that had helped limit peak-season congestion.
Park employees and support groups say the heavier crowds are demoralizing staff and harming the park itself, while long lines now extend even to basics like buying food.
California’s two U.S. senators, Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, criticized the cancellation last week, arguing the conditions are undermining Yosemite’s reputation as an awe-inspiring destination.