Yosemite National Park officials recently announced that, following last weekend, visitors will no longer be required to make reservations to drive into or through the park until next spring. According to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle, this change comes two weeks earlier than originally planned.

The National Park Service shared on social media last Thursday that reservations would not be necessary for the last two weekends of October. In a statement on Instagram, park officials said, “The reservation requirements were initially set to continue until October 27. However, based on our monitoring of visitor use patterns and their impacts, we will conclude the reservation system a few weeks early.”

Visitors who made reservations after Sunday, October 13, will receive an automatic refund. The park had charged a $2 service fee for reservations in addition to the entrance fee.

The reservation system was implemented in Yosemite in 2020 to prevent overcrowding and protect the park’s environment. While the park has yet to announce its plans for 2025, officials hope to make the reservation system a permanent part of their long-term visitor management strategy, which is set to be released by the end of this year.

For 2024, the policy stipulates that during most of the year—including most summer days as well as weekends and holidays in spring, early summer, and fall—drivers wishing to enter or pass through Yosemite during peak hours (usually 5 AM to 3 PM) will still be required to make a reservation.

While the reservation system has faced criticism from some visitors and neighboring communities dependent on park tourism, park officials argue that it is crucial for addressing congestion that has previously caused delays of up to four hours at entry points.

According to the park service, Yosemite attracts around 4.4 million visitors annually, with nearly 94% arriving by private vehicle. Notably, those entering the park via public transport, cycling, horseback riding, tours, or on foot are exempt from the reservation requirement.