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.
Find Lodging
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.
Get Inspired
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.
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.
Reservations required on Saturdays and Sundays
Temporary Vehicle Reservations
If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday before October 28, you’ll need a temporary vehicle reservation to enter Yosemite National Park between the hours of 5 am and 4 pm. A great way around this system is to plan for a mid-week visit, but if you can’t take a look at our page on Temporary Vehicle Reservations for all the info.
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.
Cabin Rentals
Cabin rentals in Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Mariposa County area with a variety of vacation rentals to suit any traveler’s needs.
Bed and Breakfasts
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.
Autumn Articles
YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY
With views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley this epic spot is well-worth the trek. Here`s to finding the perfect front row seat for an awe-inspiring Yosemite sunset.
Reel by: @karajaxx
Summer 2025 temporary vehicle reservations are available and easy to obtain -- grab one fast before they`re gone! A vehicle reservation is required to enter Yosemite from 6 AM to 2 PM every day from June 15 – Aug. 15, and on Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1. There are also other ways to access the park - find out more at the link in our profile.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Summers are great for backpacking Yosemite`s high country. Seen here: camping under the stars at Upper Cathedral Lake.
Pro tip: after your backcountry trek, treat yourself to a night or two in a comfy hotel or lodge to wash up, rest up, and maybe enjoy a hot tub soak or spa day... you`ve earned it!
Photos by: @andosfauxtos
Summer 2025 temporary vehicle reservations are available and easy to obtain -- grab one fast before they`re gone! A vehicle reservation is required to enter Yosemite from 6 AM to 2 PM every day from June 15 – Aug. 15, and on Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1. There are also other ways to access the park - find out more at the link in our profile.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Sometimes the quiet moments in Yosemite are the most unforgettable, like this peaceful glimpse of the sun peeking out from behind Half Dome, captured by: @kseniya_landina.
Summer 2025 temporary vehicle reservations are available and easy to obtain -- grab one fast before they`re gone! A vehicle reservation is required to enter Yosemite from 6 AM to 2 PM every day from June 15 – Aug. 15, and on Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1. There are also other ways to access the park - find out more at the link in our profile.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Looking back at early summer views from Glacier Point. When Glacier Point Road is open, this easy-to-access spot is a must-see when visiting Yosemite! And in the off season, Glacier Point can be accessed via hiking the Four Mile Trail.
Reel by: @barkha__kapoor
Summer 2025 temporary vehicle reservations are available and easy to obtain -- grab one fast before they`re gone! A vehicle reservation is required to enter Yosemite from 6 AM to 2 PM every day from June 15 – Aug. 15, and on Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1. There are also other ways to access the park - find out more at the link in our profile.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
A beautiful morning along the Merced River with an epic El Capitan backdrop. Sometimes a relaxing stroll around Yosemite Valley is the best way to start the day.
Reel by: @the.solofoto
Summer 2025 temporary vehicle reservations are available and easy to obtain -- grab one fast before they`re gone! A vehicle reservation is required to enter Yosemite from 6 AM to 2 PM every day from June 15 – Aug. 15, and on Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1. There are also other ways to access the park - find out more at the link in our profile.
#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
