2026 National Park Fee Changes: What Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon Visitors Need to Know
Hi friends! Big changes are coming to U.S. national parks in 2026, and if you’re planning a trip to Yosemite, Sequoia, or Kings Canyon, you’ll want to understand exactly how these updates will shape your visit. From new entrance fees to digital passes and evolving park operations, the next year will look a little different for travelers. As someone who spends a good portion of each year exploring, photographing, and helping others plan meaningful trips to these parks, I’m breaking down what matters most, as well as offering a few insider recommendations to help you support the gateway communities that keep these places running while relying heavily on tourism.
Half Dome seen from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
Understanding the 2026 Fee Updates
Starting in January 2026, the National Park Service will introduce new pricing structures for both U.S. residents and international visitors. Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon are among the most visited parks in the country, so these changes will affect a huge number of travelers. For U.S. residents, the annual America the Beautiful Pass remains the best value at $80, especially if you visit more than one park per year. The digital version of the pass will also be introduced on Recreation.gov, which could be a convenient way to avoid losing your physical pass and eventually speed things up when entering the parks...though we should expect a few growing pains early in the year as this transition is rolled out, and remember to pack a little extra patience.
International visitors to Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon will see the biggest change, with fees rising to $100 per person per park unit* unless they opt for the new $250 nonresident annual pass. While that upfront number may feel sharp, it becomes significantly more cost-effective for groups, families, or anyone visiting more than one park during their trip. Yosemite and Sequoia & Kings Canyon attract a large number of international travelers each year (many of which travel to both park units), so this shift may influence when and how many visitors come from abroad.
For more specific details regarding the 2026 changes that affect all U.S. national parks, check out my full article, New 2026 U.S. National Park Fees Explained: What Visitors Need to Know.
*Although Sequoia & Kings Canyon are technically two different national parks, entrance to one provides access to both.
Zumwalt Meadow Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon 4-8 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you’re planning a 2026 national park road trip in California, make sure to download my complete Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon Itinerary & Travel Guide Bundle, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule, Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, activities outside the park, and more! Download it today and make planning easy!
Hiking to Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park
How Yosemite Visitors Will Be Impacted
If you’re planning a Yosemite trip in 2026, one of the most important things to know is that these changes may alter patterns of visitation, particularly among international travelers who often explore multiple parks in one trip. This could mean some shifts in crowd dynamics, especially in shoulder seasons.
The digital pass rollout will be especially relevant for Yosemite visitors, since the park often sees long lines at the entrance stations during peak times. Build in extra time as gate staff navigate the new process, especially during peak Firefall dates in February and throughout the busy summer months. And if you’re purchasing the resident annual pass, be prepared that you may not have a choice between the two designs currently being shown. If the card new 2026 card design is problematic for you, consider purchasing an annual pass in December 2025, which will be valid through the end of December 2026.
For nonresident travelers, your best bet may be to plan ahead and decide early whether the single-park fee or the annual nonresident pass makes more sense. Yosemite is often part of larger trips that include Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Death Valley, and other national parks in California, so the annual option can pay for itself quickly. If you know you’ll be traveling to these parks in 2026, you might consider grabbing an annual pass in December 2025 for $80 prior to the rate increase. It will be valid through the end of 2026 and will negate the additional $100 per person per park fee.
Another consideration for nonresidents is the expanded fee-free days. Starting in 2026, all fee-free days are free for U.S. citizens & residents only. Since those days are typically crowded, I’d recommend international travelers avoid those days when planning their visits. Fee-free dates include:
• February 16: Presidents Day
• May 25: Memorial Day
• June 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
• July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
• August 25: National Park Service 110th Birthday
• September 17: Constitution Day
• October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
• November 11: Veterans Day
Once you’re inside the park, operations and experiences will remain the same: towering granite cliffs, jaw-dropping valley views, and some of the best hiking and photography opportunities in the world. These fee changes won’t affect shuttle services, trails, or viewpoints, so your Yosemite adventure will still be just as magical.
Taft Point in Yosemite National Park
Why Supporting Oakhurst Matters More Than Ever
As visitation patterns shift, the gateway communities that depend on park tourism may feel the impact first. For Yosemite, that includes Oakhurst, Mariposa, Groveland, Lee Vining, and El Portal. The southern gateway town of Oakhurst in particular is a community I know and love deeply, and one that plays an essential role in welcoming millions of visitors each year.
If international visitation dips due to these new fees, the small businesses in Oakhurst could feel it the most. These local shops, restaurants, attractions, and accommodations are the heartbeat of the Yosemite experience long before you reach the park gate. Supporting them by booking a stay, choosing local dining, visiting galleries, or shopping small helps keep the region thriving and ensures travelers continue receiving the warm hospitality Oakhurst is known for.
For more information on this incredible gateway town, check out my 10 Reasons to Stay in Oakhurst on Your Next Yosemite Trip article.
Sunrise from Moro Rock in Sequoia National Park
What to Expect When Visiting Sequoia & Kings Canyon
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are also preparing for these fee changes. The dramatic increase in annual passes and per-person fees for nonresidents could potentially reduce the number of international travelers who typically tour California’s parks as a loop (see my Majestic Mountain Loop post for more details). I’d expect similar changes in crowd fluctuations as Yosemite to the north. It’s unclear how these fees will affect authorized tour companies, something that international travelers rely heavily on. With potential tour guide rate hikes, nonresident tourists may be tempted to limit travel to one national park..but that is speculation at this point.
For both residents and nonresidents of the U.S., I would still highly recommend a visit to Sequoia & Kings Canyon, regardless of crowds and fee increases. These parks have so much to offer with their giant trees, deep canyons, marble caves, and more. So if you’re planning a trip to the Golden State, consider grabbing an American the Beautiful annual pass to enjoy all three of these truly unique parks.
Brigadier General Charles Young Tree in Sequoia National Park
Why Supporting Visalia Matters More Than Ever
Just as Yosemite relies on the strength of its gateway towns, Sequoia & Kings Canyon depend deeply on the community of Visalia. This vibrant Central Valley city has long been the primary hub for travelers heading into the southern Sierra, offering the essential blend of lodging, dining, and local expertise that makes access to these parks possible. And with the 2026 fee changes expected to influence international travel patterns, small businesses in Visalia and neighboring communities like Three Rivers and Porterville are poised to feel the impact directly.
Visalia is more than just a convenient stopover...it’s a destination in its own right. With a lively downtown, farm-to-table restaurants, boutique shops, and cozy hotels, it’s the perfect home base before winding your way up into giant sequoia country.
As international visitation fluctuates, choosing to stay, dine, and shop in Visalia has a meaningful ripple effect. You’re supporting the local guides, restaurateurs, makers, and hospitality teams who keep this tourism corridor alive year-round. The city’s businesses are deeply intertwined with the parks—helping guests navigate seasonal road closures, weather updates, wildflower forecasts, and everything in between. By investing your travel dollars locally, you help Visalia continue providing the warm hospitality and reliable services that make Sequoia and Kings Canyon more accessible for everyone.
For more information on this lovely community, check out my First-Timer’s Guide to Visalia post.
Yosemite 360 Tours at Valley View in Yosemite National Park
Strategies for Planning a Smooth 2026 Park Trip
Whether you're visiting Yosemite or Sequoia & Kings Canyon, the best thing you can do is prepare early and stay flexible. Decide in advance whether an annual pass or per-park fee is right for you, especially if you're traveling with a group. Keep an eye on park announcements regarding digital passes, since entrance stations may experience slowdowns during the transition.
If you’re an international visitor, consider alternatives that ease the cost and complexity. Inside Yosemite, tour companies like Yosemite 360 Tours and Discover Yosemite Tours may be a great solution, since park entry is included in their pricing. It’s unclear at this point if authorized tour companies will have to disclose any nonresidents onboard when entering park gates, so I’d recommend calling ahead to ensure no additional fees will be applied once you arrive.
No matter how you enter, once you’re in the parks, the experience remains unchanged: ancient sequoias, rugged mountains, sweeping valleys, and some of the most iconic landscapes on earth.
Yosemite Falls seen from the Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge in Spring
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still need a reservation to enter Yosemite?
Possibly. Reservations and timed-entry systems are separate from entrance fees. In recent years, advanced reservations have been required on peak days during Firefall in February and during the summer months. Always check the official Yosemite NPS website for the most up-to-date information on reservations.
Do standard one-park passes change?
No. Standard 1–7 day passes for individual parks remain available and still directly support the park where you buy them. However, there will be an additional $100-per-person fee for nonresidents of the U.S. at Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, and several other popular national parks.
Are any passes still free?
Yes. These passes remain free for eligible U.S. residents: Military Annual Pass, Military Lifetime Pass, Access Pass, 4th Grade Pass, and Volunteer Pass (250 service hours).
Do Senior Pass prices change?
No. Senior Annual ($20) and Senior Lifetime ($80) passes remain the same for U.S. citizens.
Can nonresidents get Senior, Access, or Military Passes?
No. These passes will only be available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents starting in 2026.
Do digital passes replace physical cards?
No. You can still purchase a physical pass at the USGS online store or pick one up at a park entrance. Digital is just an added option.
Can the digital Annual Pass be used now?
Yes, but only the Annual Pass. Other passes won't be available digitally until 2026.
Does the $100 surcharge apply to everyone at Yosemite and Sequoia?
No. It applies only to nonresidents without an annual pass.
If I have more questions, who should I ask?
Drop a comment below with your question, or reach out to the Visit Visalia and Oakhurst Visitor Centers. They are both a wealth of information and can help you navigate these changes.
Stargazing in Sequoia National Park
Know Before You Go
• Always visit the Travel Alerts page at YosemiteThisYear.com, as well as the official Yosemite NPS and Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPS websites for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit.
• Reservations are often required to enter Yosemite National Park during busy months. Visit the official Yosemite NPS website and Recreation.gov for more information.
• If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave these special places better than you found them so their natural beauty and historical significance can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Cell service is unreliable in many parts of Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, so bring a reliable GPS device with pre-downloaded maps. I love using Gaia GPS for iPhone and Android devices.
• This is black bear country. Bears and other wildlife can be present on trails at any time of the day or night. Feeding and approaching wildlife is dangerous and illegal. Make sure to properly store your food. Bear canisters can be found at many trailheads within these national parks.
• Cave tours are seasonal and should be reserved in advance of your visit. Crystal Cave reservations can be booked through the Sequoia Parks Conservancy website, and Boyden Cavern tours can be obtained at BoydenCavern.com.
• Many roads in Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon are closed to vehicles or inaccessible during the winter months, so plan accordingly.
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
Planning a trip to California and the west coast? I’ve got in-depth travel guides and itineraries for several national parks and beautiful destinations. Check out a few of them below, or click here to see them all!
General Sherman Tree in Sequoia’s Giant Forest
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. Make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Half Dome seen from Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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