But officials still say tourism is down by 10 percent this year.
"Tourism is one of our largest economic drivers in Madera County and in the Southgate Yosemite. About 4,500 jobs in Madera County rely on tourism. So, this is a big industry for us here," Brooke Smith with Visit Yosemite says.
Smith believes the perception of an overcrowded park is why people are staying away.
But local businesses say, even if overcrowding becomes an issue, there are plenty of other spectacular sights to see in the Sierra.
"The ride up to Mariposa Grove is amazing. You go through a few creeks, there's a small waterfall that you get to see, there's some beautiful meadows," Mimi Beck with Yosemite Adventure Company says.
She says she has noticed a decline in visitors this year compared to previous years.
"Last year, for example, there was a two hour wait to get into the park. And so, this year we have not been experiencing that, so it is a great time to come up to Yosemite," Beck says.
One of those taking advantage of the shorter lines is Leandro Previsdomini. He and his wife traveled more than 6,100 miles from Italy to visit Yosemite.
"I am very fascinated of trees and nature, of this beautiful big country because I have only seen in the movie," Previsdomini says.
After years of seeing the United States on TV, Previsdomini is finally visiting.
He says traveling to the United States is expensive but getting to experience nature and all that Yosemite has to offer is truly priceless.
"To see a little squirrel, to see a little bird, the emotion is very important to me. And I think this beautiful land can give me a lot of emotion, so I'm very happy, Yosemite is very famous," Previsdomini says.
Officials say after Friday, August 15, reservations will no longer to be required to visit Yosemite National Park.
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