Just like its landscape, Yosemite Mariposa County is constantly changing, with some major new developments for 2023.
Could this be the year your clients plan a visit to Yosemite National Park and historic Mariposa County?
#1 No more temporary vehicle reservations
The biggest change coming to Yosemite Mariposa County in 2023 will make trip planning simple and more streamlined.
The Yosemite National Park Service is scrapping the Temporary Vehicle Reservation System that had been in place for summer visits since 2020. It was implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and later assist with limiting traffic congestion during significant construction projects in the park.
From now, visitors will simply be able to head to the gate and pay their entrance fee in order to enter Yosemite. Entrance fees for guests on foot, in non-commercial cars, or on bicycles, motorcycles, or horses are all valid for seven consecutive days.
#2 New lodging options
Mariposa County will welcome a glamping experience, called Wildhaven Yosemite.
The glamping tents will open on the former site of Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch just outside the historic gold-rush town of Mariposa.
#3 New welcome centre
Set to be completed and open to the public in late spring of 2023, the Yosemite Valley Welcome Center is a $10.4 million project in Yosemite Village.
The project creates a welcoming space near the recently expanded Yosemite Village Parking Area, newly constructed restrooms and the popular Village Store.
Inside, park visitors will be able to speak directly with NPS rangers and Yosemite Conservancy volunteers to learn about safety and stewardship while also gathering info to plan their stay. Outside, a 20,000-square-foot plaza will provide ample seating, restrooms, interpretive materials and maps that will be available 24 hours a day.
#4 Glacier Point Road to reopen
After a full year of being closed to vehicle traffic for road rehabilitation and improvements, the popular Glacier Point Road will reopen with some traffic controls and delays in summer of 2023 as work continues.
The advancement of the project means that visitors will be able to reach popular viewpoints such as Glacier Point, Washburn Point and McGurk Meadow as well as popular trailheads such as Taft Point, Sentinel Dome and Panorama Trail from Glacier Point down to the Valley Floor.
It’s expected to be open in May or June.
#5 Bridalveil Fall trail to reopen
The popular trail to Bridalveil Fall, its parking area and its significantly larger and handicap-accessible viewing area will reopen in June 2023 after a multi-year closure.
The Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation project’s completion will foster in a fully recreated arrival experience which will improve visitor services, protect natural and cultural resources and provide new facilities, such as flush sanitary bathrooms, for visitors.
For more information, visit the Yosemite website and subscribe to the latest newsletter.
