Yosemite National Park is expecting a super-crowded weekend over the Fourth of July. But if you are heading to Yosemite Valley and want a guaranteed parking spot, you can now snag one before you go.

The national park is testing a program this weekend that allows visitors to reserve a parking space the same way they reserve camping sites, a national park statement says.

To reserve a spot, go to Recreation.gov and search on “Yosemite Falls Day-Use Parking.” Reserved day-use spaces are available Saturday through Monday.

Parking is free, but you’ll be charged $1.50 per transaction. And you must arrive by 11 a.m. to get your guaranteed spot.


The park is setting aside 150 spaces for advance reservations. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were still 63 spaces available Saturday, 84 spaces Sunday and 112 spaces Monday.

The parking lot is west of Yosemite Valley Lodge and near the valley’s shuttle stops. So you can drive in with your picnic goodies and then travel around the valley by shuttle.

By the way, all campgrounds in Yosemite are booked this weekend; there are some first come, first served sites available but they are taken early.

Info: Recreation.gov, (877) 444-6777


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