Yosemite Visitor Numbers Surge as Reservation System Abolished Yosemite National Park has experienced a dramatic increase in visitor numbers since the park eliminated its reservation system, with monthly visitation figures for March 2026 rising by over two-thirds compared to the same period in 2025. The National Park Service reported 225,817 recreational visitors in March 2026, a 45% jump from 155,758 visitors in March 2025. This marks the highest March visitation count since 2016, raising concerns about the park’s ability to manage the influx of visitors during the upcoming summer season. The surge in visitors has been attributed to the removal of the reservation system, which previously limited daily entry to the park. Park officials cited operational needs and visitation trends as the rationale for the change, though conservationists and local advocates have warned of the potential environmental and experiential consequences. John Buckley, executive director of the Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center, highlighted the strain on park infrastructure and visitor experiences, noting that overcrowding has become a recurring issue. Buckley described scenes of chaos during recent visits, including hour-long wait times to enter the park, vehicles parked perilously along roadsides, and “wall-to-wall” crowds that created a “day at Disneyland” atmosphere. One visitor recounted the experience to CSERC staff, expressing frustration with the overcrowding and stating that “John Muir would have been horrified” by the state of the park. Such conditions have led to safety risks, with vehicles parked in inappropriate locations and visitors struggling to navigate the crowded trails and viewpoints. The trend of increased visitation is not limited to March.#national_park_service #yosemite_national_park #ray #john_buckley #central_siera_environmental_resource_center
