The Californian national park is known for its spectacular views, granite cliffs, giant sequoia groves and popular climbing hotspots like Half Dome and El Capitan.

In a bid to manage congestion in the new Peak Hours Plus vehicle reservation system will begin in April.

Visitors are required to use the online reservation system to drive into Yosemite National Park between 5am and 4pm on weekends and holidays from 13 April through to 30 June and August 17 through to October 27. Visitors driving vehicles into the park will be required to make a reservation for any day they enter the national park between 1 July and 16 August.

Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis until there aren’t any left, and are valid for up to three consecutive days, including the arrival date.

Afternoon arrivals and additional full-day reservations will be added a week prior to available dates.

Visitors with in-park lodging or campground reservations, wilderness or Half Dome permits, or those arriving at the national park on a Regional Transportation System or commercial tours won’t need a vehicle reservation.

Can’t visit quite yet? Yosemite is one of several popular tourist destinations you can explore virtually online.