Fees & Passes

Horsetail Fall: February 2023 Reservation Requirements

Horsetail Fall can glow orange when it's backlit by sunset, which can make it appear to be on fire. This unique lighting effect happens only on evenings with a clear sky when the waterfall is flowing and when the sun is at the right angle in mid– to late February. This event attracts many visitors to a small area, causing traffic congestion, parking issues, safety concerns, and impacts to natural and cultural resources.

In order to manage this event, reservations will be required for entry to Yosemite on:

• February 10–12, 2023
• February 17–19, 2023
• February 24–26, 2023 

Learn more by reading through our Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Entrance Fees and Passes

 

Entrance Fees

All park entrances (except Hetch Hetchy) are open 24 hours per day. If the entrance station is unstaffed when you arrive, you can pay on the way out. You can pay in advance (preferred) or upon arrival. We accept major credit cards and mobile payment services. We do not accept cash.

America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Passes do cover park entrance fees (but not reservation requirements or fees if they are in place).

Non-commercial car, pickup truck, RV, or van with 15 or fewer passenger seats - $35.00

This fee is valid for seven days.

Motorcycle - $30.00

This fee is valid for seven days. Cost is per motorcycle (not per person).

Foot, bicycle, horse, or non-commercial bus or van with more than 15 passenger seats - $20.00

This fee is valid for seven days. People 15 years and younger are free. Cost is per person.

Commercial Tour (sedan up to six seats) - $25.00

The fee is $25 plus $20 per person, not to exceed $105.

Commercial Tour (van, 7-15 seats, regardless of occupancy) - $125.00

Commercial Tour (mini bus, 16-25 seats, regardless of occupancy) - $200.00

Commercial Tour (motor coach, 26 or more seats, regardless of occupancy) - $300.00

 

Additionally, a commercial use authorization is required for all commercial passenger transportation operators.

Educational Fee Waivers

Educational groups on a curriculum-based field trip may qualify for a fee waiver.

 

Annual and Lifetime Passes

 

Payment Methods and Locations

We currently accept credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) only.

You may pay entrance fees at any park entrance (pay on the way out if the entrance station is unstaffed when you arrive).

Find out how to upgrade a pass or fix a duplicate charge.

Free Entrance Days

In 2023, entrance fees (but not other fees or reservation requirements) will be waived on:

• Monday, January 16 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
• Saturday, April 22 (First day of National Park Week)
• Friday, August 4 (Great American Outdoors Day)
• Saturday, September 23 (National Public Lands Day)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

If your visit during a free day extends beyond the free day(s) and you re-enter the park after the free day, you will be required to pay the regular entrance fee.