Fall in Yosemite National Park offers stunning landscapes, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds, making it one of the best times to visit. The autumn season brings vibrant foliage with hues of yellow, orange, and some red, creating a stunning backdrop against the granite cliffs. Additionally, accommodations tend to be more affordable during the fall-to-winter transition months, offering another perk to visit during this season.
I partnered with Visit Yosemite | Madera County who hosted me on this trip. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click my link, I make a small percentage (at no extra cost to you). This helps me keep the travel blog running.ย
Fall in Yosemite National Park
If youโre planning a visit to Yosemite in the fall, this guide provides all the information youโll need to plan your getaway. From Yosemiteโs fall colors to seasonal road closures, hereโs what you need to know.
Things to Do in The Park
Fall in Yosemite is an amazing time to visit and there are many things to do. Here are the top things to do in Yosemite National Park in autumn.
Yosemite Fall Foliageย
The fall colors in Yosemite are incredible and something that every National Park enthusiast should experience. The park’s dogwoods, maples, black oaks, and cottonwoods showcase an array of vibrant colors. The best time for Yosemite fall foliage is typically the end of October and can last around the end of November. Top spots for enjoying Yosemite fall foliage include the below locations.
Yosemite Valley
The drive into the valley is picturesque with the vibrant yellow trees that line the highway. Enjoy the drive on Wawona Road and near the meadows and Yosemite Chapel, these are some of the most vibrant spots during peak foliage.ย
- Bridalveil Falls
- Wawona Road
- Sentinel Meadowย
- Cookโs Meadowย
- Yosemite Chapel
- Near Sentinel Bridgeย
- Southside Drive
- Around The Ahwahnee
- Northside Drive
- El Capitan Meadow
Wawona
Just a 10-minute drive from the South Entrance is the Wawona Area. Wawona has a deep Native American history and is a beautiful area of the park. Here are some of the best spots to spot foliage in Wawona:
- Wawona Meadow Loop
- Yosemite History Center
- South Fork Merced River
- Swinging Bridge Trail
Yosemite Fall Hikes
There are so many hikes to choose from during the autumn season. Here are some favorites:
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias Hikes
- Big Trees Loop: 0.3-mile, easy loop trail
- Grizzly Giant Loop: 2-mile, moderate loop trail
- Mariposa Grove of the Giant Sequoias Trail: 6.7-mile, strenuous out-and-back trail
Wawona Hikes
- Wawona Meadow Loop Trail: 3.6-mile, easy loop trail
- Swinging Bridge Trail: 1.4-mile, easy out-and-back trail
Glacier Point Hikes
Glacier Point Road typically closes in late October or early November due to snow/ice.
- Dewey Point via McGurk Meadow Trail: 7.7-mile, moderate to strenuous out-and-back trail
- Sentinel Dome Trail: 2.2-mile, moderate out-and-back trail
- Taft Point and The Fissures: 2.3-mile, moderate out-and-back trail
- Glacier Point Trail: 0.5-mile, easy loop trail
Yosemite Valley Hikes
- Bridalveil Fall Trail: 0.8-mile, easy out-and-back trail
- Sentinel Meadow Cook’s Meadow Loop Trail: 2-mile, easy loop trail
- Mirror Lake Paved Trail: 2-mile, easy loop trail (Direct route recommended.)
- Lower Yosemite Falls Trail: 1.2-mile, easy trail
- Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail: 6.4-mile, strenuous lollipop loop trail (Waterfall flow is typically low in autumn.)
Photography in Yosemite
Yosemite in the fall is a photographerโs dream with the vibrant colors of the leaves and the moody backdrops against the granite cliffs. Here are some of the most photogenic locations in the park.
- Tunnel View
- Yosemite Valley View
- Swinging Bridge
- Lower Yosemite Falls
- Bridalveil Fall
- Yosemite Chapel
- Sentinel Meadow/Cookโs Meadowย
Fall Weather in Yosemite
Autumn in Yosemite begins with moderate temperatures and gradually cools down. Snowfall is typical in the month of November, however, the lower elevations typically wonโt be completely covered for very long. Here is a weather breakdown by month.
Yosemite National Park in September
In September, the daytime temperatures range from 70ยฐF to 80ยฐF, with cooler nights averaging around 50ยฐF. Fall colors begin to appear in higher elevations, while the valley remains green.
Yosemite National Park in October
Yosemite National Park in October brings cooler days, typically around 50ยฐFโ70ยฐF, along with crisp nights (40ยฐFโ50ยฐF). Towards the end of the month, youโll begin to see fall foliage in Yosemite Valley and along Glacier Point Road.
Yosemite National Park in November
Yosemite in November is a transitional month. The beginning of the month is still quite moderate in temperature, just before the first snowfall. Daytime temperatures average 40ยฐFโ50ยฐF. The fall colors are at their peak in the valley and typically last until the end of the month or the first frost.
Fall/Winter Road Closures and Conditions
As the seasons change, some park roads close for the winter. Notable closures include:
- Tioga Pass: Usually closes in mid-October to early November.
- Glacier Point Road: Typically closes in late October to early November.
- Mariposa Grove Road: May close intermittently in late fall.
For the most up-to-date information on road closures in the park, visit the National Park Service website on Yosemiteโs current conditions and road closures.
Where to Stay Near Yosemite National Park
Staying near the South Entrance of the park is ideal during the fall season as you are close to parts of the park that remain open almost all year. Oakhurst is the largest town in the area and has plenty of accommodation options as well as surrounding restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and more. Fish Camp and Bass Lake are also other great options as they are close to the South Entrance and other activities outside the park.
Sierra Sky Ranch is a historic property located only 12 miles away from Yosemiteโs South Entrance. The boutique hotel has a cozy, rustic vibe and offers 28 guest rooms that can accommodate up to six guests. Enjoy complimentary teas and coffee and with a free continental breakfast and sโmores pit, this makes for the perfect home base during your next trip.
*****
Follow more of my adventures on Instagram! Check out my Instagram Reels for more on Yosemite National Park, and other Yosemite experiences and destinations!ย
Pin it for later
