Yosemite National Park Statistics

Renowned for its dramatic granite cliffs, giant sequoia trees, waterfalls and meadows, Yosemite National Park covers nearly 1,200 square miles and offers activities such as camping, climbing, hiking, sightseeing and wildlife viewing.

Over 4.28 million tourists visited Yosemite National Park in 2025.

• Yosemite National Park welcomed 4.42 million visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 49% to 2.27 million.
• By 2021, Yosemite National Park’s tourism began to recover, reaching 3.29 million visitors.
• Tourist numbers continued to rise in 2022 with 3.67 million visits, and in 2023, the figure climbed to 3.9 million.
• In 2025, Yosemite visitation reached 4.28 million, up 3.9% from 2024's 4.12 million visits.

How many people visited Yosemite National Park in 2026?

• A total of 284,017 people visited Yosemite National Park from January to February of 2026.

Note: This data is preliminary and subject to change.

How many people visited Yosemite National Park in 2025?

• In 2025, Yosemite National Park welcomed a total of 4.28 million visitors. This marked a 3.2% decrease from the 4.42 million visitors recorded in 2019.

Impact of Coronavirus: Yosemite National Park Tourism Statistics

• Yosemite National Park visitor numbers fell to 2.27 million in 2020, marking a severe decrease of 49% from the 2019 figure of 4.42 million. Although there was a slight uptick to 3.29 million visitors in 2021, this was still far below pre-pandemic levels.
• Tourist spending followed a similar trend. After reaching $547 million in 2019, expenditure dropped to $274 million in 2020, showcasing a drop of 50%. However, in 2021, visitor spending increased to $437 million.

• Yosemite ranked 5th among the most visited national parks in the U.S. in 2025. It is known for its iconic waterfalls like Vernal and Bridalveil Falls, and famous granite landmarks such as Half Dome and El Capitan.

• More than 1.53 million people stayed overnight at Yosemite National Park in 2025, marking an 8.5% rise compared with 2024’s 1.41 million.

Popular Camping Options in Yosemite National Park

• Concessionaire lodging, also known as glamping, is the most popular type of camping at Yosemite National Park, with 666,400 visits. It includes stays in park lodges, cabins, and other concessionaire-operated accommodations, making it a popular choice for visitors who want a more comfortable outdoor experience.
• Tent camping is the second most popular option, with 439,200 visits. This is a classic choice for visitors who want to stay close to nature in designated campgrounds.
• RV camping recorded 264,900 visits, offering a balance of comfort and convenience while still allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s natural surroundings.
• Backcountry camping attracted 139,700 visits, appealing to more adventurous visitors looking for a remote and rugged wilderness experience.
• Other or miscellaneous camping accounted for 18,100 visits.

Visitors are key in protecting Yosemite's wildlife, natural resources, and historical sites. To ensure safety and preserve the park's environment, follow these guidelines:

• Respect Wildlife: Never feed or approach animals, and store food properly to prevent attracting wildlife. Violations can result in fines.
• Camping & Biking: Camp only in designated campgrounds and keep bicycles on paved trails to protect meadows and ecosystems.
• Road Safety: Drive carefully, obey speed limits, and use turnouts to avoid disrupting traffic and wildlife.
• Water Activities: Swim only in safe areas, avoid whitewater, and never swim near waterfalls. Cross rivers carefully and follow rafting regulations.
• Environmental Hazards: Be mindful of rockfalls, hazardous trees, and sudden weather changes like lightning. Awareness of surroundings can prevent injuries.
• Prohibited Activities: BASE jumping, the use of drones, and possessing weapons or marijuana are banned to maintain park safety and natural tranquillity.