Yosemite National Park preparing for busy summer season

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (KFSN) -- With students soon getting out of school, preparations at Yosemite are in full swing to get ready for the summer surge.

The national park announced it is reopening several popular trails, climbing areas and campground spaces.

Tioga Road is opening to cars this Friday, with the ice-cut section of the John Muir Trail reopening in July following trail improvements.

For hikers, the Half Dome daily lottery permits opened on Wednesday.

The park says visitors should expect traffic when visiting on weekends.

If you want a smoother trip to the park, you can purchase a digital site pass in advance, visit mid-week and arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

For more information on how to plan your trip, you can visit Yosemite National Park's website.