Yosemite traffic
 

I read this morning that there are hours-long lines of cars waiting to enter the Park and that the parking lots are all full by 9:30am. If you have hotel reservations, I believe there is parking set aside for you. This is partly because the Tioga Road is still closed and partly because this is the first summer for three years when reservations are not required just to enter the Park. So, check ahead!


You can get updates on current traffic conditions in Yosemite by texting ynptraffic to 333111.

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/traffic.htm

Experience from a June 6-10 visit, FWIW:

Arrived 7:30 pm. not only no wait but no one to pay so free entry (but I have a pass).

Lodge guests get a parking pass but not a designated spot. I doubt there will be parking for an early arrival (like 3 pm). At the time of our visit there was parking in the general lots till early afternoon but I would believe this situation has changed..

There also seems to be a buzz among CA residents to see the waterfalls flowing "at the highest rates in recent memory."

Honestly even with minimal traffic during our visit (it was never slow on the loop road for our visit) the trails were still pretty busy. I would not go during peak summer season for a once in a lifetime visit, unless one can hit the trails by 7 am. Trails are mostly brutal due to grade, FYI.

Leaving Saturday June 10 via the southern entrance (Wawona), there was at least a 2 hour wait to enter at noon.

Note that the bridge near the village is closed and slated to be permanently closed to vehicles, so there is only the big loop for nearly all the attractions, and then a small loop in the west leading to Bridalveil Falls and the Tunnel View. Not any options to bail if traffic is slow.

The shuttle system works, but is slow and unpleasant, kind of like a Moroccan hitchhiking experience.