July 4th Weekend In Yosemite To Be Busy

Above, campgrounds on the reservation system such as North Pines are fully booked. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is anticipated that the Fourth of July weekend will be a very busy one at Yosemite National Park.

The Sierra Sun Times has an article on what people can expect, tips and what is not allowed in the park.

They wrote:

June 28, 2017 - Yosemite National Park anticipates a very busy Fourth of July weekend. The park expects high visitation, especially from Thursday, June 29, 2017 until Wednesday, July 5, 2017. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at Yosemite before 9:00 am or after 4:00 pm. Once in the park, visitors are urged to park their vehicles at the Yosemite Village, Yosemite Falls, or Half Dome Village parking areas and leave them parked. Visitors are then encouraged to use the free shuttle bus service, bike paths, and hiking trails to navigate Yosemite Valley. One of the best ways to travel around Yosemite Valley is by bicycle. 

Parking in Yosemite Valley is very limited and is expected to fill early. Visitors coming to Yosemite National Park should expect up to a 3-hour wait to enter and park their vehicles. There will be traffic congestion throughout the park, including in Yosemite Valley, along Glacier Point Road, and in Tuolumne Meadows. Parking is only allowed in designated parking areas. Vehicles parked off road or blocking the flow of traffic may be towed or receive a citation for up to $780.00.

And, most importantly:

Fireworks are strictly prohibited in the park. 

All campgrounds on the reservation system are completely sold out for the weekend. The park’s first-come, first-served campgrounds will fill early. There are many camping and lodging options in the gateway communities surrounding the park.

To read more, go here.