What’s New in Yosemite Mariposa County for 2025

Yosemite Mariposa County is timeless in its nature but dynamic in its changes to scenery, seasons, and adventure. The following is a list of more tangible exciting things that are new or coming in 2025.

Many of you may be wondering about a reservation system for summer 2025. Please see our update, as the National Park Service has not yet definitively announced anything.

Tenaya at Yosemite TURNS 35 with comprehensive renovation

Tenaya at Yosemite, the region’s largest and most comprehensive four-season resort, celebrates its 35^th birthday in July. Since opening in 1990, Tenaya has offered exceptional service to Yosemite Mariposa County’s visitors and residents alike. In more recent years, the hotel completed a comprehensive renovation. The main lodge now shines from the artistry of local craftsmen and tradespeople, inspired by the arts and crafts movement. All 244 of Tenaya’s guest rooms received custom upgrades including headboards, nightstands, desks and chairs, ottomans and sleeper sofas. The hotel recently unveiled a pickleball court, bocce ball court, 18-foot rock climbing wall and dedicated play area for dogs. The resort also offers new shuttles into Yosemite National Park.

Happy Goat Expands Offerings

Happy Goat Yosemite, a non-profit farm dedicated to fighting food insecurity, is announcing an exciting new guest experience launching in spring 2025: a daily homemade pasta and wine party.

Guests will begin their journey in town, where they’ll be picked up at Happy Goat’s downtown store and transported to the farm. Once there, an unforgettable afternoon awaits, including baby goat snuggles, a walking tour of the farm’s operations, and indulgent all-you-can-eat pasta paired with exceptional wines from terraces overlooking the farm. 

This new offering is part of Happy Goat’s broader mission to create meaningful connections between people, food, and community. Coupled with its downtown speakeasy—a charming private venue ideal for events of any size—Happy Goat continues to serve as a one-of-a-kind destination for both locals and visitors to the Yosemite area.

For more information or to book your experience, visit www.visithappygoat.com 

Wildhaven Yosemite Expanding in 2025

Wildhaven Yosemite will expand its glamping accommodations from 40 existing tents and cabins starting this Spring 2025, one year after its grand opening. Wildhaven will add tents, modular cabins, and more amenities including a new pool in 2025 and 2026, eventually growing to a total of 80 glamping tents and cozy cabins.

Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reopens

Yosemite National Park’s largest campground, Tuolumne Meadows has been undergoing a major overhaul and is set to reopen in 2025. The $20 million project was funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. The project rehabilitates and modernizes Tuolumne Meadows Campground which hosts more than 150,000 campers annually. Visitors can expect a simplified road system, new and updated restrooms, parking pads, picnic tables, food lockers, fire rings, improved accessibility and more.

Ahwahnee Hotel Renovations Complete

Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, renovations to the historic Ahwahnee Hotel wrap up in 2025. The project included major seismic upgrades, a modernized HVAC system, fireplace improvements and a renovation of the hotel’s 6,000-square-foot kitchen. The Ahwahnee Hotel will celebrate 100 years in 2027.

YARTS celebrates 25 Years of Transportation to Yosemite

The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), has provided a clean, comfortable alternative to driving to Yosemite Valley since May 2000. This year, YARTS celebrates 25 years of serving gateway communities and visitors in Mariposa County. YARTS operates year-round on Highway 140 through Mariposa to the park and for part of the year on Highway 41 and 120. After arriving, visitors can use the Yosemite Valley Shuttle System for free and convenient rides on eco-friendly buses. The shuttles stop at, or near, all overnight accommodations, restaurants, stores and trailhead.

Yosemite Reservation System Update

The multi-year Yosemite Visitor Access Management Plan (VAMP) effort will conclude in 2025. Once completed, the VAMP will inform visitors when reservations are required to enter Yosemite in 2025 and potentially for decades to come. Yosemite has operated with reservations during peak season for most years since 2020. In the previous two-years, the NPS has engaged the public in a process to balance visitor access and protection of the park’s natural resources. The VAMP is now in its final stages and will dictate if and how the NPS will manage visitor access to Yosemite for years to come.