“Yosemite in 2025 What’s New, What’s Changed & What You NEED to Know!”

DHLTV

Transcript

00:00Yosemite in 2025 is not the same park you visited last year.

00:04New rules, major changes, and a few surprises.

00:08If you're thinking of making the trip, you need to hear what's changed before you go.

00:13Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Yosemite regular,

00:162025 brings big updates that could completely change your experience.

00:21From updated reservation rules and shuttle route shake-ups to closure notices for popular trails,

00:27there's a lot to keep track of this year.

00:29Here's everything you need to be aware of before heading out to California's Crown Jewel.

00:34First up, perhaps the most important update, the new reservation system.

00:39That's right. Peak season day-use reservations are now mandatory again.

00:44If you plan to visit the park any time between mid-April and late-October,

00:48you'll need to snag your entry ticket ahead of time on Recreation.gov.

00:52These permits are essential.

00:54No reservation means no entrance from 5 a.m. until 4 p.m., period.

00:58This rule applies every single day within those peak months, so don't get caught off-guard at the gate.

01:05Here's a pro tip.

01:06Reservations open up at exactly 8 a.m. Pacific Time, two weeks ahead of your desired date,

01:12and they disappear in seconds.

01:14Mark your calendar, get your devices ready, and be online the moment they drop.

01:19A little planning goes a long way and can save you the disappointment of a wasted drive.

01:24Next, let's talk about trail and road changes.

01:27Recent storms and multiple rockfall incidents over the past year have forced the park to temporarily close

01:33or reroute some popular routes.

01:36For example, the Mirror Lake Loop is now closed for ongoing repairs,

01:41and sections of the iconic missed trail are off-limits or require detours.

01:45If hiking is on your itinerary, double-check closure notices and detour maps on the official park website

01:52the night before your visit.

01:54It could mean the difference between a smooth day and serious frustration.

01:58Good news and bad news about roads.

02:01Glacier Point Road has finally reopened after intensive repairs,

02:05so those breathtaking views are accessible again.

02:08However, there's a catch.

02:10There's no shuttle service operating to Glacier Point.

02:14That means you'll need to drive yourself or plan a strenuous hike to reach this legendary overlook.

02:20Speaking of shuttles, the entire system has gone through a major overhaul.

02:24Yosemite now boasts a fleet of all-electric buses, a big step forward for sustainability.

02:31But don't expect the same old routes from years past.

02:34There's no longer any shuttle service to Glacier Point or to Alumni Meadows for 225,

02:39so plan your logistics accordingly.

02:42Further, operating hours have been trimmed.

02:46Shuttles now run only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,

02:49so early birds or late finishers need to plan around this new schedule

02:53to avoid getting stranded at trailheads.

02:56Yosemite's rolled out a brand-new digital alert system, too.

02:59If there's a parking lot closure, a weather advisory, or a last-minute trail change,

03:04you'll hear about it in real time.

03:06As soon as you pass through the entrance stations,

03:10you can sign up for free SMS alerts to stay in the loop all day long.

03:14On top of that, Wi-Fi has been introduced in more spots.

03:18Look for limited coverage near Yosemite Village and Curry Village.

03:22Keep in mind, though, that cellular coverage around most other areas of the park

03:27remains highly unreliable,

03:29so don't count on your phone to bail you out in the wilderness.

03:32Despite all these changes, the heart of Yosemite remains the same,

03:37a place of awe-inspiring beauty and wild adventure.

03:40But 2025 demands more planning and flexibility than ever before.

03:46Check for updates, know the rules, and stay connected with real-time alerts.

03:51That way, your Yosemite adventure will be filled with wonder, not unwelcome surprises.

03:56If you found these tips helpful, make sure to like and follow for more real, up-to-date travel advice.

04:03Skip the stress and get out there!

Category

Transcript

Recommended