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.

the historic covered bridge in Wawona's Yosemite History Center
No reservations, more serenity, more savings.
The Dream Yosemite Experience

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.

Warm Days.

Cool Nights.

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.

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Summiting Sentinel Dome requires a 2-mile, easy hike by Yosemite standards. The reward? All of this. Sometimes Yosemite is best enjoyed from the valley rim! 

Reel by: @thehoustonnawab

#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
The falls in Yosemite valley are settling into a low, late summer flow, but the Merced River is still a great place to float! Head out on a weekday and trade your worries for a peaceful morning on the water.

Reel by: @magzonthemap

#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Hello from Half Dome! Have you ever wanted to summit Yosemite's iconic granite giant? While you're going to need a permit to use this popular trail and the hike is strenuous, the top-of-the-world feeling and views are more than worth it!

Reel by: @liltsukachan

#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
There's nothing better than capping off a day of hiking with a cool drink and a view like this at The Ahwahnee. Visiting Yosemite Valley early in the morning or later in the afternoon makes for the best summer experience.

Photo by: @mgjbigmac

#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
There are sunsets... and then there are El Capitan sunsets viewed from 3,000 feet above the Yosemite valley floor. Epic reel by: @just_passinthrough.

#Yosemite, #YosemiteNationalPark, #California, #RoadTrip, #YosemiteMariposaCounty, #MariposaCounty, #YosemiteNation, #CaliforniaParks, #explorenature @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry