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.

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.

#YosemiteNation

Share Your Adventure
Just a sneak peek at what's waiting for you when you visit Yosemite in the spring. Planning your next getaway? Find links for travel tips and lodging recommendations in our bio!

Reel by: @wildcowboyrob

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Instagram user @the.solofoto says these are "some of my favorite shots of the beautiful Yosemite National Park!" If you'd like some help creating your own masterpieces, the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Village holds photography classes right in the heart of Yosemite Valley!

#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Yosemite isn't just for hiking--bring your bike and cruise around the valley, enjoying all the epic views along the way. Seen here: Yosemite Falls in late spring, captured by @jimmyg_34.

#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
The many faces of Yosemite Falls, one of the most prominent iconic features of Yosemite Valley during much of the year. 

Fantastic captures by @snapndee

#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry
Have you ever seen a superbloom in Yosemite Valley? Plan to visit later in the spring and you might catch a beautiful wave of lupine blooms in the meadows!

Photo by: @elliotmcgucken

#yosemite #yosemitenationalpark #yosemitevalley #yosemitenation #yosemitenp #yosemite_national_park #yosemitenps #yosemitepark #california #californialove❤️ #californialove #roadtrip @YosemiteNation @yosemitenps @visitcalifornia @cahighsierra @visitgoldcountry