Summer is well under way in Yosemite, one of the only two national parks in the U.S. on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Now that the snow has melted, it’s a good time to explore the Sierra in this warm and dry weather. Late summer also marks the beginning of the blooming season for subalpine wildflowers in Tuolumne Meadows, the largest campground at Yosemite.

Following a three-year closure for a major upgrade, Tuolumne Meadows Campground will reopen Aug. 1, and demand is high. Most of the campsites are have been reserved for August, with only a dozen spots left, according to Recreation.gov.

Even if you’re not camping, Yosemite is well worth a visit. Aug. 4 is an excellent time to go because there will be free admission after reservation on the Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. Enjoy the Ranger’s walk, art class and a special August event: Obata Special Exhibit in Yosemite Museum. (Find more events on this calendar.)

Related Articles

What you need to consider for a safe trip to Lake Tahoe

Largest campground at Yosemite National Park to reopen after $26 million renovation

Which places in California are designated a UNESCO World Heritage site?

AG Pam Bondi, Interior’s Burgum tour Alcatraz to advance Trump’s plans to reopen former prison

Signs posted at National Park Service sites seen as threats to ‘whitewash’ dark side of history

Before you set off, here’s what you need to know, according to the National Park Service and Yosemite Mariposa County’s website:

1. Make your reservation: Travelers planning to enter Yosemite between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend, June 15 to Aug. 15, or Labor Day weekend will need to make a reservation in advance. This rule also applies to drivers passing through the park without stopping during the peak hours.

Each reservation costs $2 and is non-refundable; it is valid for three consecutive days, starting the day of arrival reserved. Only one reservation per vehicle is needed, covering all passengers.

For each vehicle entering the park, a $35 standard park entrance fee is required. For visitors entering on bicycle or on foot, the entrance fee is $20 per person for those 16 and older. See the fee details here.

And there is no cash in the park, so be prepared to pay with credit or debit card only.

2. Check the weather: August is Yosemite’s warmest and sunniest month, with valley highs around 89 degrees Fahrenheit and cool mornings ideal for hiking or swimming.

Higher elevations like Tuolumne Meadows stay much cooler, averaging 70 degrees during the day and dropping to 37 degrees at night. Thundershowers occur more frequently in the afternoons at this elevation. Be prepared with breathable shirts for the sun and windbreaker for the storms.

3. Arrive early: Summer is the year’s busiest season. During this time, delays at entrance stations are common. Estimated wait times include:

South Entrance (Highway 41 via Oakhurst): 1-2 hours
Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140 via Mariposa): ~30 minutes
Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120 via Groveland): ~30 minutes
Hetch Hetchy Entrance: Varies; can be up to 2 hours if parking is full
Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120 via Lee Vining): ~30 minutes

To avoid long waits, plan to arrive before 8 a.m., early afternoon, or after 5 p.m. Call 209-372-0200 (press 1, then 1 again) for the most up-to-date conditions.

For general questions, call 209-372-0200 (press 3, then 5). The phone is in service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT (closed for lunch).