Yosemite Vehicle Reservations for Summer 2025 What You Need to KnowMore Information
Discover Yosemite in the Fall
Gold Rush
Adventure Awaits
Plan your trip to Yosemite Today
Autumn Adventure Awaits
It’s easy to fall in love with Yosemite in Autumn. Cooler temperatures and fewer people make exploring easier and more comfortable. There’s nothing better than the fall season for hiking and other outdoor activities. The trees put on their fall colors starting in the high country and work downhill. Lodging prices fall with the temperatures meaning that this is a great season to look for deals on cabins, hotels and more.
Plan Your Trip
Things To Do
There’s an abundance of things to do in Yosemite and something for every type of visitor.
With options in the park and in historic gold rush towns or a serene cabin or full-service resort, Mariposa County has the Yosemite lodging options you’re looking for.
Mountaintop vistas that seem to stretch on forever. Hiking, swimming, history, museums. Oh, and we haven’t even mentioned the legendary landmarks such as Half Dome or the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Planning for a mid-week visit to Yosemite Mariposa County in the autumn hits all the high notes. Lodging and tour prices dip during mid-week, just like the fall temperatures. The park has fewer visitors creating more opportunities for wildlife viewing and serene experiences and Temporary Vehicle Reservations are not required Monday – Friday, so visitors are free to come and go as they please making for a far easier planning experience.
In the fall, Yosemite’s daytime experience can almost feel like an endless summer. Temperatures in Yosemite Valley and at lower elevations remain warm through the day, but as the sun falls in the western sky so do the temperatures, so pack a sweater – you’ll need it to enjoy those night skies full of bright Yosemite stars.
Looking for changing leaves and beautiful fall foliage? Start in the higher elevation regions of Tuolumne Meadows where the temperatures get near freezing before Yosemite Valley’s do. The aspens along Tioga Pass road begin to change as early as September, but if you’re hoping to see the Valley’s maples and oaks change colors, that comes around late October or November, proving the old adage that fall in the mountains marches downhill.
Looking for activities and suggestions to help plan your visit to Yosemite? Take a look at the links below to start planning an unforgettable Yosemite Mariposa County Fall vacation.
Explore Lodging
Hotels & Motels
From luxury stays like The Ahwahnee and convenient Yosemite hotels like Yosemite Valley Lodge to affordable Yosemite motels that bask in the majesty of Yosemite’s natural wonders, find Yosemite lodging that suits your travel needs inside and outside of the park in greater Mariposa County.
If you’re looking for a bed and breakfast near Yosemite, check out a variety of options in Mariposa County and the surrounding area near Yosemite National Park.
Annual events, seasonal festivals, west coast-centric happenings and exciting special occasions all mingle on Yosemite Mariposa County’s vibrant events calendar. With ideal year-round weather and diverse cultural offerings, there’s always something happening in Yosemite National Park and Mariposa County.
Take the Cook’s Meadow Loop in Yosemite Valley for unforgettable views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. This easy, family-friendly trail winds across meadows, boardwalks, and bridges. It’s even wheelchair accessible.
📍 Pro tip: Stop at Sentinel Bridge along the way for one of the most classic views of Half Dome.
Traveling with littles? You don`t have to embark on an epic hike to find stunning views. Stroll along Cook`s Meadow Loop and you`ll see Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Swinging Bridge, and more!
Summers are for catching sunrises at Glacier Point. With Glacier Point Road typically until November, this iconic Yosemite location is easy to access and a must-see next time you visit!
With a stunning view of El Capitan and easy access to the refreshing waters of the Merced River, this might just be the ultimate picnic spot. A serene summer moment captured by @justsayantan.