Autumn brings a regal beauty to Yosemite Mariposa County. Leaves dance on the breeze in a bold spectrum from yellow to orange and red. The sun hangs closer to the horizon, casting distinctive shadows across the Park’s signature granite. Bears prepare for their winter respite by searching for a cozy den. From peak to valley, things slow down in one big rejuvenating exhale.
For retirees with Yosemite atop their bucket list and remote workers craving a change of scenery, to just about any traveler who appreciates the value of profound peace and breathtaking quiet, a visit to Yosemite Mariposa County this autumn is sure to provide a reset. Pair this enchanting season with midweek travel you have a twofer of tranquility and affordability. Here’s how to make the most of your three-day visit to Yosemite this fall.
Find Your Basecamp
Complementing the natural beauty in Yosemite Mariposa County is an abundance of lodging options that serve as your trusted basecamp. From luxury resorts and rental cabins to affordable motels and camping under the stars, there is a comfort level and price point for everyone.
By visiting midweek in autumn, you’ll have free rein when it comes to choices, with some properties going the extra mile featuring seasonal deals. Use our trusty Regions guide to help determine distances and travel times then book away — it’s a known fact that all roads in Yosemite Mariposa County lead to greatness, and the journey can be just as satisfying as the destination.
The Grand Reveal
Whether you’re visiting from across the state or across the globe, the desire to witness Yosemite Valley’s stunning tableau right out of the gate is hard to resist. So, on day one, we’ll immerse ourselves in this wonder and awe in the lead up to the “Grand Reveal.”
To experience the kaleidoscope of fall colors and “sheer” power of the Valley’s cliffs, a minimum of a half day (with a maximum of several lifetimes!) is recommended. Entering from the west, visitors are greeted by Bridalveil Fall. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and walk the 1/4 mile paved trail to its base, while the view of massive El Capitan looking north across the Valley demands a perspective-bending reset with its 3,000 ft (900 m) face.
A hike through the fall colors feels right at this point, and the section of the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail from Bridalveil towards the Four Mille Trailhead fits the bill. This mostly flat path meanders along the base of the Valley’s southern wall with a display of dogwood, oak and bigleaf maple. If you time it right, a roadside stunner is the sugar maple (non-native) across from the Yosemite Valley Chapel.
After your spin through the color wheel, it’s time to grab a bite to eat. Options such as Degnan’s Kitchen and the Village Grill in Yosemite Village, or the Pizza Deck and tacos at the Meadow Grill in Curry Village, not to mention hearty meals at The Ahwahnee or the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Craving a cocktail? Enjoy an El Capitini on the patio of the Ahwahnee Bar or grab a local brew on tap at Bar 1899. Note: Some restaurants close seasonally so be sure to check for current hours.
For the ultimate day one finale, make your way to Tunnel View for an unforgettable Yosemite sunset. The west-facing granite walls of Half Dome and El Capitan reflect the golden glow like no other — a guaranteed mood lifter as you absorb all that beauty. For an alternative sunset view of Half Dome, as well the expanse of the Yosemite high country stretching out to the east, head up Glacier Point Road to the Glacier Point Overlook and have your camera ready. The sun begins to set earlier in autumn so be sure to check the sunset calendar and arrive early as both spots are popular.
Pro Tip:
Leave your car in one of the Valley’s three parking areas (Curry Village, Yosemite Village or near Yosemite Falls) and hop on the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle. There will be plenty of room for you and your pack during midweek in autumn!
Up Close & Natural
Day two is up and at ‘em as you explore the vastness of Yosemite National Park. Discovering regions outside of Yosemite Valley always feels like an adventure within an adventure whether that’s the cloud-kissing drive up Tioga Road through Northern Yosemite, or the forested traverse to walk beneath ancient trees in Southern Yosemite.
Option One: Northern Yosemite
With Yosemite Valley nestled at 4,000 ft and Tioga Pass soaring at 9,943 ft, it’s no wonder the drive up Tioga Road (Highway 120) in Northern Yosemite provides a sense of awe. Gravity defying pine forests give way to granite escarpments as aspens groves quake autumn gold in spots such as the trailhead for Tuolumne Grove and the Yosemite Creek Picnic Area. For killer views (and “erratic boulders”) stop at Olmsted Point where Half Dome strikes a pose from a different angle.
A stop at Tenaya Lake midweek in autumn will thin the crowds for your hike/swim/picnic combo. Picnic tables are located at both ends of the lake, and there’s a beach on the east end where you can dig your toes in the Sierra sand and watch the sun ripple Tenaya’s sapphire blue waters. The Tenaya Lake Trail is a pleasant 2.5 mile loop along water’s edge when you want to burn off that shorecuterie.
Come fall, the grassy expanse of Tuolumne Meadows becomes the color of a soft moccasin set against the blue sky above. Feel free to trace the Tuolumne River as it meanders slowly through and take in the beauty of the surrounding peaks. The opportunities for fishing, photography and plein air painting abound, while hikers can take advantage of the only-in-Yosemite views from atop the granite extrusions of Lembert Dome (3.4 miles out & back) or the more petite Pothole Dome (1 mile out & back). Note: Tioga Road (Highway 120) closes seasonally due to winter conditions. Be sure to check current road status before heading up.
Pro Tip:
There are limited services along Tioga Road, so be sure to gas up before heading out and grab supplies locally in the town of Mariposa where groceries, delis and picnic supplies can be found.
Option Two: Southern Yosemite
Connecting Yosemite Valley with the historic burg of Fish Camp, Wawona Road (Highway 41) winds gently through the forest lands of Southern Yosemite. Highlights along the way include the community of Wawona, home of the South Fork of the Merced River, and numerous rustic cabins (some for rent) interspersed throughout the trees. The outdoor exhibits of the Yosemite History Center tell many a fascinating tale of the Park’s past from the lives of local artists and the original Guardian of Yosemite (Galen Clark) to the contributions of the Chinese community. By autumn Chilnualna Falls has reduced flow but the strenuous climb is a worthy challenge no matter the season. To experience fall colors (and a gentler walk), try the Wawona Meadow Loop for some brilliant dogwoods.
Our second stop is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Located just inside Yosemite’s South Entrance, this collection of massive trees is proof of nature’s enduring spirit (though not without challenges). As you walk in the shadows of their brawny boughs, consider this: some of these specimens have been around since the first Olympic Games in ancient Greece! The Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza operates a free shuttle from the parking lot, typically early May through November. Check the schedule and rest assured that midweek in autumn will prove a peaceful time in the Grove!
Pro Tip:
After your day of exploring head over to Fish Camp for dinner and drinks at Tenaya at Yosemite. The fire pits at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill will make your Black Bear Old Fashioned sparkle.
Foothill Farewell
Packing up and saying goodbye to one of the most stunning landscapes on earth is never easy, but there’s a bright side: Yosemite Mariposa County offers some exciting (and strategically located) destinations to visit in the Sierra foothills before you head home.
The hub of All-Season Highway 140 is without a doubt the town of Mariposa. The still-operating Mariposa Courthouse is testimony to its historic roots as the “Mother of All Counties,” and its raised sidewalks hint at a time when stagecoaches not cars brought curious visitors. With three museums (Mariposa Museum & History Center; Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery; California State Mining & Mineral Museum), the per capita tales of yesteryear are higher than just about anywhere. To top it off, local dining options abound whether that’s your post checkout lunch or getaway dinner.
Another stop on the “road home” is the Gold Rush gem of Coulterville. Located at the junction of Highway 49 and Highway 132, Coulterville boast more historic buildings than residents as it instantly transports visitors back to the Old West. Grab lunch (and visitor information) at the Coulter Cafe & General Store, then check out the Sun Sun Wo Co. (est. 1851) — a general store from the Gold Rush when Coulterville had a bustling Chinese community. For pure fall beauty, the Chinese pistache trees across from Hotel Jeffrey turn a vibrant red come Halloween time, which is the perfect segue to another foothill secret.
Hornitos, the one-time haunt of bandit-hero Joaquin Murrieta, isn’t technically a ghost town but sure feels like one. There are no services, so bring a picnic lunch and check out the historical markers for the tumbledown brick building that once belonged to famed chocolatier Domingo Ghirardelli. The Halloween connection? Hornitos hosts its annual Dia De Los Muertos/All Souls Day celebration every November 2. Loved ones are remembered with a candlelit procession from the town square up the hill to the evocative Saint Catherine Catholic Church, a modest house of worship built in the 1860’s.
Pro Tip:
Enjoy Mariposa’s shopping scene, whether that’s wine from a local shop, vintage clothes or good old-fashioned Yosemite souvenirs.
Tempo Perfect
A midweek visit to Yosemite Mariposa County in autumn earns a big green check mark. Let the summer madness (and entrance reservations) disappear in the rearview as fall colors greet you and the crisp air signals a slower, more tranquil time. Explore the vast network of trails before winter’s first snow, taste the fall harvest at local restaurants and simply soak up the views. From the high country to the foothills, the pace of your adventure is sure to be perfect.