Fall in Yosemite National Park: The Ulitmate Guide
Are you looking to escape the crowds of Yosemite in the summer and experience the magic of the Valley in the fall? Then this post is for you! In this guide, I’m going to cover everything that you need to know for a trip to Yosemite National Park in the fall. Including the pros and cons of this time of year, where to eat, hikes to try, what to pack, and what to expect for weather. Read along as I go over all the best parts of Yosemite in the fall.
Yosemite during the fall is a magical place. Most of the crowds are gone, there’s a stillness to the air, and the early morning frost makes you think of snow. Standing in the meadow all by myself, with the world around me frosted over to create a magical scene is a memory and a feeling that I will recall for the rest of my lifetime. The stillness around you seeps in along with the cold, and each breath reminds you of the miracle that surrounds you- Yosemite Valley.
In this post, I’m going to cover the following topics about Yosemite in the fall:
Yosemite Valley in the fall months is an interesting time to visit. Winter hasn’t fully taken hold yet, but the park is getting ready for it by shutting down some main roads and some popular trails. You will also need to be prepared for a variety of temperatures in the valley as it’s cold in the morning and sunny and warm by the afternoon, and always with the possibility of a storm.
However, you do get more of the park to yourself, the trails aren’t as crowded, and it’s beautiful to see snow on the upper reaches of the towering granite peaks by November. Fall in Yosemite Valley is a beautiful experience that I’d recommend to anyone with some extra time.
Pros and cons of visiting in the fall
Pros:
Fewer crowds
About 70% of the crowds visit Yosemite May-September, with November getting just 4% of annual total visitors. This leafs you with easier parking, less traffic, and generally a less stressful experience in the Valley. September will still have some crowds, October will have a little less, and by November most of the crowds have gone, leaving you with a park that is mostly quiet as the winter hush falls across the landscape.
The Possibility of Snow
Seeing the granite rock giants with a light dusting of snow mixed in with the vibrant green of the surrounding Sequoia trees. Snow in Yosemite Valley is a beautiful sight and more than makes up for the extra layers that you need to pack. If you’re lucky enough to get a little snow during your visit you’ll be in for a big treat! You will be likely to get snow by mid-late October, and certainly by mid-November.
Fall colors
Yosemite has mostly evergreen trees, so the fall colors aren’t as vibrant here. However, there are a few leaf-bearing trees that pop from mid-October to early November. I was lucky enough to get some lingering fall colors when I went to Yosemite in late November for Thanksgiving. If you time your visit right, you might get snow, fall colors, and fewer crowds!
Cheaper accommodations
Because fewer people are visiting the area, the hotel accommodations are usually less expensive and you get more options. When visiting Yosemite in the summer you would need to book accommodations far in advance and it would be top dollar. By October and November there are far fewer visitors, so booking last-minute accommodations becomes possible, and you will be paying off-season prices for rooms.
Lower elevation attractions such as the Valley are still available
The upper-elevation hikes and roads will be closed due to weather, but the lower-level hikes are usually available all year. Take advantage of thinned-out crowds to enjoy the valley all to yourself, and use the busier summer months to explore the rest of the park.
Experience cooler weather without having to bundle up.
If you like cooler temperatures, but don’t want to bundle up like in winter to go for a hike, then fall is the perfect season for you. The mornings are colder, but the afternoons are still sunny for the most part- leaving you with a mild day. So you get to hike in chillier weather, without having to deal with full-on winter. November in particular gets quite chilly in the morning, although September is fairly mild.
Cons:
Road closures
Due to the likelihood of snow, a few high-elevation roads are closed about halfway through November, although in September and October, these roads are typically open unless an early snowstorm hits.
The following roads are closed by November:
Tioga Pass Rd
Glacier Point Rd
Mariposa Grove Rd
Before heading out on your Yosemite adventure make sure that you check with the National Parks service to verify the current status of roads and trails.
higher elevation hikes such as Tuolumne Meadows may be inaccessible
Due to these road closures, all hiking trails off of them will be inaccessible. For Tioga, this means no Tuolumne Meadows or Crescent Lakes. If you had your heart set on one of those hikes, you may need to consider coming in October or September.
Weather is unpredictable
It may snow, it may rain, or there may even be a storm. The weather in Yosemite in November is very unpredictable, so you will need to make sure that you’re well-prepared to face any of these weather conditions.
May need to carry chains or have a 4x4 drive car later in the fall months.
Due to the weather being unpredictable, you may need to carry chains if a snowstorm comes through the valley. They may not be required the first week or two of November and definitely not in September, but by Thanksgiving, you will need to make sure you have a set of chains.
Shorter days
As winter approaches, with it comes fewer daylight hours, and that means less time to explore the valley. This could be a con if you want to go on very long hikes, or it can be a good opportunity to watch a sunrise without waking up uncomfortably early.
Less water flow in the falls
Yosemite is known for its waterfalls, but by fall they’re mostly dry. They may have a small flow of water that freezes up at the bottom, but they’re nothing quite like what they are in the spring. If you want to see the roaring waterfalls that Yosemite is famous for, you may prefer the springtime.
Where to eat in the Valley
Yosemite Lodge
Basecamp Eatery
If you’re looking for a simple, affordable sit-down option for some basic American food, this is your stop. I only had breakfast here, but it was pretty good for being in a National Park. It’s cafeteria-style, where you put your order in using a kiosk, and then you go down the food line as it’s prepared. They also have coffee available, which is supremely important if you’re a coffee addict like me!
Curry Village
Pizza Deck
If you are craving some pizza, you will not be disappointed in the Pizza Deck! They have some classic toppings such as cheese and pepperoni, as well as some unique toppings. We had a delicious pie with ricotta, pepperoni, salami, and a honey drizzle. There’s also a bar, an ice cream shop, and a coffee shop in the building by the Pizza Deck.
Coffee Corner
Bar 1899
Jennie’s Ice Cream
Village grill
Right in the valley, very close to Yosemite Village Store, is the Village Grill. They serve burgers, french fries, and soft drinks along with a few other fried options. There’s also a nice deck you can sit at while enjoying your meal. Overall I think this is a great option for families who need a quick bite to eat that will please the family without breaking the bank.
Best Hikes for Fall in Yosemite
Upper Yosemite Falls
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 6.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,254 ft
Time: 4-6 hours
Crowds: Lighter in the early morning, but gets busy throughout the day.
Trail Description:
A challenging hike, Upper Yosemite Falls offers a stunning view of the valley as well as seeing the main waterfall of the park, Yosemite Falls. Although the waterfall isn’t as strong as it would be in the spring, by fall there was still water flowing, and is worth the hike to the top. If you’d like to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, follow the Upper Yosemite Falls trail that starts at Camp 4.
From the trailhead, you start gaining altitude right away as you wind through a beautiful forest with some switchbacks. After about an hour of hiking the trees clear away and you will hit Columbia Rock, which provides a sweeping view of the valley down below and of Half Dome. From there the trail levels out a bit before getting your first view of Upper Yosemite Falls.
Once you pass the viewpoint of the falls the trail becomes quite steep and you are fully exposed to the sun for the next two hours as you go up switchbacks and steps hewn into the rock. Then you will be back into the forest and the shade as you make your way to the falls!
Because this hike is challenging and is exposed to direct sunlight, I suggest that you start with this hike in the morning so that you’re protected from the sun by the steep granite walls. Overall this hike is super fun and takes about half the day so you will still have time to explore other Yosemite features.
Cook’s Meadow
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 78 ft
Time: 45 minutes
Crowds: Moderate
Trail Description:
If you’re looking for a gentle walk around the Valley in the peaceful meadow with views of Half Dome, I suggest Cooks Meadow. It’s a great experience in the quiet of the morning when it’s still pretty chilly and the valley is quiet, and you can hear the frosted grass crunch beneath your feet. There are also hints of fall color in the meadow.
Along with stunning views of Half Dome, the trail also leads you to the Chapel, which is an active church that is historic to the American settlers in the area.
Enjoy your peaceful walk around the meadow!
Bridal Veil Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1-mile round trip
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Time: 30-45 minutes
Crowds: Heavy
Trail Description:
If you like waterfalls, another interesting area to check out is Bridal Veil Falls. Since 2020 the park has been improving this attraction, so you’ll have to park along the road and use Valley Loop Trail to access the main viewing area. This area is well-defined with a beautiful sloping walkway up to the rock-encircled viewing area.
Although the falls aren’t as strong as they would be in the spring, they’re still beautiful and worth taking the time to see.
Grizzly Giant Loop Trail in the Mariposa Grove
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2 miles + 1 mile if the shuttle is closed
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Time: 2.5-2 hours
Crowds: Light
Trail Description:
If you want to explore the lower elevation area of Wawona, then you should add a visit to the Mariposa Grove of Sequoias to your itinerary.
The hike through this ancient forest paradise covers around 2 miles and is a loop trail. With an elevation gain of approximately 300 feet, it's a moderate hike, making it accessible for hikers of various skill levels. To access the trailhead, you can park at the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza, where a free shuttle service operates during the summer season, but by late fall, including November, it’s usually not operating.
For more information on the shuttle, check in with the National Park Service.
You will have the pleasure of hiking an extra mile to get to the main trailhead where the shuttle would normally drop you off. It’s not a bad hike and it goes quickly, although by November there may already be snow on the trial. The grove is home to awe-inspiring giant sequoias, including the famed Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.
The towering trees, some more than 2,000 years old, create a magical, enchanting environment, with sunlight filtering through the towering trees.
If you’re looking for more hiking inspiration in Yosemite Valley, I have listed the top 5 trails in this post.
Other Things to See and Do
There’s no shortage of things to do and see in Yosemite, even with a few higher-altitude attractions unavailable in the late fall months. Here are some options for you to explore if your legs are tired and you need a break from all that hiking!
Valley view at sunrise
Start your day out right with a sunset viewing at Valley View. Valley View is a turnout off of Wawona Rd that gives you an unobscured view of the Valley; in one line of sight, you can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Make sure to pack your layers though, because it is chilly in the early morning hours! Bring your coffee, your camera, and a blanket as you snuggle in to watch the slow rise of the sun. If you’ve never seen the valley before, this is a special way to greet the day. Watching the pink slowly spread across the cloudy sky is a truly magical introduction to the Valley, one that I recommend to anyone! Once the sun is fully in the sky, you can head back to your car to warm up and get some breakfast.
Sunset in El Capitan Meadow
At the close of the day, watching the sunset on the colossal face of El Capitan is also magical to witness. Right in front of the giant granite face is a meadow with a small parking area. The meadow also has a creek running through it and it is a beautiful location to watch the sun cast its bright orange hue on the rock.
Day at the village:
The Museum
I think fall is a great time to learn more about the history of the park, its first people, and how life in the valley has changed over the years. Stopping in at the museum gives greater context to the features you’re interacting with and it’s fun to imagine what the valley looked like 100 years or more ago. There is a museum dedicated to the first civilization to live in the Valley, the Ahwahnechee people. I highly suggest a visit to this museum, especially if this is your first visit to Yosemite. Inside the museum is a small gift shop, several exhibits about Native life before and after contact with Americans, and there’s even a village with replicas of houses and other important cultural monuments. Learning about the native Americans who called this land home for centuries is well worth the 30 ish minutes it takes to go through this museum.
Gift shops:
Ansel Adams Gallery
If you’re a fan of Ansel Adam’s photography, you’ll want to make sure you have time to visit his gallery. Ansel Adams was a famous photographer in the 20th century who took beautiful photos of Yosemite and even has a unique tie to the early American settlers of the valley. This store has many prints of his work available to buy, along with some books, stationery, and other small gifts that any art lover would appreciate. It’s worth taking 15 or so minutes to pop your head in and see Adams’ best work.
Curry village
If you’re looking to check out some interesting restaurants, a cool rock climbing-themed gift shop, and see a village of white-topped tents you might want to check out Curry Village. With plenty to eat and unique places to shop, Curry Village offers visitors an opportunity to see what the Valley might have been like when the park first opened as the village is historic. There are also plenty of parking spaces and really good views of Half Dome!
Weather in Yosemite Valley in the Fall
Fall months in Yosemite National Park bring a transition in weather and scenery. September typically offers a pleasant climate, with warm or even hot days and cooler evenings. As fall moves into October, you can expect the landscape to transform as the leaves of the few deciduous trees begin to change into vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. This typically starts in late October for the valley and slightly earlier for higher elevations such as Tioga Pass. While October is generally mild, it's important to be prepared for a range of temperatures, as chilly evenings become more common. By November, the park starts to experience cooler daytime temperatures and occasional precipitation, including the possibility of the first snowfalls at higher elevations. So be ready for a mix of warm, sunny days with some clouds that burn off in the afternoon and cooler, crisper evenings.
What to pack
Packing for a fall visit to Yosemite National Park requires a balance of clothing and gear to accommodate changing weather conditions. Remember that the mornings and evenings are getting cooler, but by the day it could warm up quite a bit. So how do you prepare? By packing layers! While the exact pack list will depend on your preferences and the exact month you’re going, here’s a general suggestion to keep you safe and warm:
Layered Clothing: Fall in Yosemite can bring varying temperatures. Pack a mix of lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof and windproof outer layer to adapt to changing weather. Remember to wear moisture-wicking materials and/or a merino wool base layer.
Warm Clothes: Be sure to bring warm clothing, including a fleece or down jacket, gloves, a beanie, and a scarf for chilly mornings and evenings.
Comfortable Hiking Boots: Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots with good traction are essential for exploring the park's trails. Not sure how to find boots that fit? Read all about how to find your perfect pair here.
Rain Gear: A waterproof jacket and pants will come in handy, especially in case of unexpected rain, snow, or high winds.
Backpack: A daypack for carrying essentials like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and extra layers.
Water and Water Filtration: Stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle or bladder. Yosemite's water sources may require purification, so a water filtration system is useful.
Map or Navigation: You may not have cell phone service in certain areas of the park, so be prepared with a paper map and supporting navigation tools such as a compass, or download a map from AllTrails, Google Maps, or Gaia.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect against strong mountain sun.
Headlamp/Flashlight: Even if you don’t plan on staying in the park after dark, a headlamp is absolutely essential in case you get lost, have an accident, or get stuck somewhere.
First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit for minor injuries should always be in your pack ready to go.
Remember to check the weather forecast before your trip and adjust your packing list accordingly. Fall in Yosemite can be unpredictable, so being prepared for a range of conditions is key to having a safe and enjoyable visit. If you want to learn more about packing for a day hike, I go over this in more detail in this post.
As a free gift to you, I have a hiking checklist so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting something essential. Sign up with your email below to get your free download!
