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