"People heading to Yosemite to escape urban congestion fumed this weekend as they waited in a seemingly endless line of cars at the park entrance. Inside, they circled aimlessly around full parking lots, scanning for empty spots instead of majestic views."
"Critics of the free-for-all are blaming the influx on the Trump administration for abandoning a reservation requirement that, for the last few years, has helped control the number of visitors and preserve a sense of natural tranquility."
"Yosemite National Park is enormous, covering more than 1,100 square miles on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Even at the height of summer, an adventurous soul willing to hike a bit can spend weeks in the park and rarely see another person."
Yosemite National Park is facing unprecedented visitor numbers, with the highest attendance in a decade. The park's entrance saw long lines, and parking lots were full, forcing visitors to search for spaces. The Trump administration's decision to eliminate reservation requirements has contributed to the surge in visitors. In 2025, California's national parks attracted a record 12 million visitors, with Yosemite accounting for a significant portion. Despite its vast size, popular sites within the park are congested, limiting the experience for many visitors who can view iconic landmarks from their vehicles.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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