Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite

FEES

Why does it cost $20 per car to enter Yosemite?
Where can I get a Golden Eagle, Golden Age or Access Passport, or an annual Yosemite Pass?
How long does the park stay open?
Do we need a permit for our tour group?

Why does it cost $20 per car to enter Yosemite?
Congress created the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program to allow parks to generate additional revenue to offset increasing park operating costs. In January 1997, Yosemite's per-vehicle fee was raised from $5 to $20. This is a five year test program which allows individual parks to retain 80% of the increase for backlogged maintenance projects, infrastructure and resource management projects.

Where can I get a Golden Eagle, Golden Age or Access Passport, or an annual Yosemite Pass?
• National Parks Pass: Cost is $50.00. The Pass gives unlimited entrance to all national park service sites with entrance fees for one full year from the month of purchase. Pass is not valid for user fees. Pass may be purchased at entrance stations, online at www.nationalparks.org, or by calling 1-888-GOPARKS.
• Golden Eagle Passes are not being sold by the National Parks. Visitors may upgrade their National Parks Pass to a Golden Eagle by purchasing the Eagle Hologram Stamp for $15.00. The hologram gives unlimited entrances to all U.S. Fee areas, in addition to the privileges offered by the National Parks Pass. The hologram may be purchased at the national parks entrance stations. To purchase the hologram, the visitor needs to have already purchased the National Parks Pass, or be purchasing it at the same time.
• Annual Yosemite Passes: Cost is $40 per year. The pass gives unlimited access to Yosemite National Park for one full year from month of purchase. Pass may be purchased at park entrance stations.
• Golden Age Passports: One time cost of $10.00. This is a lifetime pass to all national parks for U.S. citizens or legal residents age 62 and over. The pass is valid for entrance fees. The Golden Age Pass can be purchased at park entrance stations.
• Golden Access Passports are free for U.S. citizens or legal residents medically determined to be blind or who have a permanent physical or mental disability. Golden Access Passports are available at entrance stations or visitor centers.

How long does the park stay open?
The park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours/day. Entrance stations are not staffed 24 hours /day.

Do we need a permit for our tour group?
Prior authorization is always required for a commercial tour. Only permitted tour companies can operate in the park. If a company wishes to conduct tours or a business in the park, contact the NPS Special Park Uses Office at (209) 379-1851. Commercial tours are not permitted to drive their own buses to Glacier Point due to the restrictive road and parking conditions.