Table of Contents
- Tioga Road Opens Early for Summer Season
- All Front-Country Campgrounds Available
- Half Dome and Trails Open May 15
- Visitor Tips for Summer 2026
Tioga Road Opens Early for Summer Season
Yosemite National Park opened Tioga Road to vehicle traffic on May 15, 2026 — the earliest opening in 16 years. The trans-Sierra route provides access to Tuolumne Meadows and the high country, with short day hikes and remote wilderness experiences. Glacier Point Road opened earlier on May 9, offering panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and high-elevation trailhead access.
All Front-Country Campgrounds Available
All Yosemite front-country campgrounds are open for the 2026 summer season and available for reservation through Recreation.gov. Most High Sierra Camps are returning to operation, providing additional backcountry access. The park also announced no vehicle reservation system will be required for entry this summer, a change from previous years.
Half Dome and Trails Open May 15
Hiking to the summit of Half Dome opened May 15, with daily lottery permits available through Recreation.gov. The Ice Cut section of the John Muir Trail is expected to reopen in July following trail improvements. A section of the Valley Loop Trail near Royal Arches and several popular climbing routes have also reopened after safety monitoring.
Visitor Tips for Summer 2026
Park officials encourage midweek visits and early arrival to avoid congestion. Digital park passes purchased in advance through Recreation.gov can reduce entry time. With no reservation system in place, visitors should expect busy conditions on weekends, especially Saturday mornings.
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