Months after federal officials introduced new measures to increase visitors to Yosemite National Park, it seems tourists are coming back in droves.
Visitor numbers have surged, with March recording 225,817 guests compared to 155,758 the previous year, according to reports. This marks the park’s busiest month since 2016, following the cancellation of advance reservations by the National Park Service (NPS).
It’s worth noting, however, that an NPS representative mentioned to media outlets that claims of overcrowding are not quite reflective of the park’s current situation. They pointed out that, like many renowned parks, Yosemite experiences spikes in visitor numbers, especially during holidays and events affected by weather.
Back in February, the NPS announced that it would stop requiring reservations even during peak summer months. Instead, the park is implementing real-time traffic control strategies, including temporary diversions when parking lots fill and assigning extra seasonal staff to busy areas.
While this policy aims to support increased visitation, some media outlets have suggested that it might have backfired a bit. Reports indicate that tourists are finding it increasingly challenging to navigate the park in the lead-up to summer, with parking lots packed and shuttle buses full, leaving drivers to circle, searching for a place to park.
“The wait times are insane,” remarked Kunal Khandwala from San Jose after struggling to find parking. John Buckley from the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center noted that crowding often reaches its peak on Saturdays, with parking facilities overwhelmed.
Buckley shared that a visitor described their experience as “wall to wall” people, comparing it to spending a day at Disneyland. In fact, social media comments reflect similar frustrations, with many users voicing about the overcrowded conditions.
One visitor recounted their experience over a weekend, saying, “There was absolutely no parking anywhere” on Saturday. Another noted that every day seems to get busier.
Interestingly, not everyone is painting the same picture. Some visitors mention enjoying their time with fewer crowds, especially early in the day, hinting that experiences can vary depending on the area within the extensive park and the time of year.
Despite some complaints, other visitors are reporting that the nice weather has made for an enjoyable experience, and there are pockets of the park that feel less crowded. An NPS spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the strong public interest in the national parks, stating they remain open and accessible.
