Starting 01/16/18 everyone must have reservations, even if using public transportation. And of course, pay additional amount.

https://www.nps.gov/muwo/planyourvis...htm#whyparking

well, that isn't exactly what it says. It says you need a reservation either for a parking spot or if taking the bus shuttle. It doesn't say anyone else arriving any other way needs a reservation to get in the park. For example, if you hired a private driver or taxi to drop you off and return later, it doesn't say you need a reservation. or if you were just in a car with someone else, they would need one to park but you wouldn't need a reservation.

>>well, that isn't exactly what it says. It says you need a reservation either for a parking spot or if taking the bus shuttle. It doesn't say anyone else arriving any other way needs a reservation to get in the park. For example, if you hired a private driver or taxi to drop you off and return later . . .to enter the park. And Taxis are 'commercial carriers' so they can't make reservations yet.

Now, there is a bus to Mountain Home Inn so I assume one would still be able to hike in from there. But it seems pretty clear that from Jan on pretty much everyone else will need a reservation.

It was interesting to read that their is a similar, but still optional, system in place at Yosemite for four "peak" weekends.

"there"!