Yosemite in October: Fall Foliage, Hiking, and What to Expect
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Yosemite National Park is a super underrated fall destination. While most people have their eyes on New England or the Colorado Rockies – for good reason – Yosemite quietly celebrates autumn in her own unique way.
I’ve visited Yosemite in every season and multiple times each in September, October, and November and it’s one of my favorite times to visit the park. I usually come in the fall specifically for landscape photography, but I’ve snuck in a couple of backpacking trips over the years too.
Yosemite will always be popular, but it’s nothing like the crowded trails and towns of Vermont in October. There’s significantly less people, the high country roads are still open, it’s easier to grab a last-minute camping spot, and there’s just something different about the soft autumn light that is a photographer’s dream.
Priorities are slightly different in the fall though: you’re not going to see raging waterfalls, it’s hard to predict when the fall colors start to show, and the weather can be hit or miss. For those reasons, I usually don’t recommend it for first time visitors. But if you’re looking for a quieter side of Yosemite and willing to come prepared, be flexible, and find the subtle beauty, I guarantee you’ll be amazed.
Keep reading for everything you need to know for a perfect Yosemite fall trip including weather, road closures, best hikes, where to stay, and photography tips from my own visits.
Why Visit Yosemite in the Fall
There are so many good reasons to visit Yosemite from September – November. To start, day use reservations are not required after Labor Day, so you won’t have any issues entering the park.
There’s also a lot less people compared to the spring and summer crowds. Parking can still be a challenge at popular spots on weekends through October, but it’s way more manageable than the summer.
And of course, one of the best reasons: the fall colors! They might not be as varied and bold as the northeast, but the combination of colors with the mighty giants of Half Dome and El Capitan is so unique and special.
Lodging is also in less demand, which means cheaper prices – a win for travelers on a budget!
What You Won’t See During a Fall Trip
Sadly, Yosemite’s famous waterfalls are not flowing much in the fall. All of these falls are snowmelt fed, and once the snow has melted, the falls slow to a trickle. Sometimes after strong rainstorms they’ll be re-ignited, but it’s not super common.
White I love Yosemite’s fall foliage, it’s not a multi-colored affair. You’re mainly going to see oranges, yellows, and greens, and maybe the tiniest bit of red. So don’t be too disappointed if that over-saturated Instagram post you saw doesn’t exactly mirror reality.
Depending on when you visit and the weather, certain famous viewpoints could close – mainly, Glacier Point and Tioga Road. Flexibility is key here. Sometimes small storms temporarily close these spots but they open a day or two later.
“The sky” seems really harsh but it can be true: wildfire season in California is in September & October, and the foothills surrounding Yosemite are at their driest this time of year, which means they’re primed to burn hot & fast. The park service also tends to do controlled burns in November. These aren’t terrible, but it’s good to note if you have sensitivities to smoke.
Who Should Visit Yosemite in October
Visiting Yosemite in the fall is for you if:
- You’ve already seen the waterfalls at their peak flow
- You’re looking for less crowded hiking trails
- You’re a photographer obsessed with golden hour light and warm tones
- You’re flexible and possible road closures won’t ruin your vacation
Fall in Yosemite: Weather, Crowds & Accessibility Month by Month Breakdown
Fall is funny in Yosemite. It’s fleeting and lengthy all at once because of the huge elevation range inside the park! The high country sees fall setting in by mid-September while it still feels like summer in Yosemite Valley.
This can make it hard to decide when to visit. What’s best for you will depend on your priorities, which I’ll break down below.
September in Yosemite: Early Fall
- Weather: Still warm in Yosemite Valley, cooler nights, Tuolumne Meadows usually sees first minor snowfall by the end of the month
- Crowds: Manageable by the end of the month
- Access: No road closures, high country campgrounds close by end of the month
- Fall Colors: Only at higher elevations (8k+ feet)
- Best Park Area to Visit: Tuolumne Meadows for high country hiking, golden grasses, and solitude
October in Yosemite: Peak Autumn
- Weather: Cool mornings, mild afternoons. Overnight lows can dip below freezing. First Glacier Point snowfall by end of the month. Rain more common.
- Crowds: Manageable, especially midweek
- Access: Mostly open – Tioga and Glacier Point Roads could temporarily close for 1-2 days if a big storm comes in.
- Fall Colors: Often peak in the Valley in late October
- Best Park Area to Visit: Yosemite Valley for peak foliage, photography, and hiking. Glacier Point and Wawona for hiking and photography. Tuolumne Meadows for serious hikers.
🚧 Road Closure Warning: No overnight parking allowed on Tioga or Glacier Point Roads after October 14th.
November in Yosemite: Snowliage & Holidays
- Weather: Unpredictable – storms more likely. Yosemite Valley sees first snowfall.
- Crowds: Minimal except on holiday weekends: Veterans Day and Thanksgiving
- Access: Tioga Road usually closes by mid-November, Glacier Point Road being open is a toss up. Valley Floor roads are open but could require tire cables if there’s a snow storm. The end of November is winter in Yosemite.
- Fall Colors: Mid-November is the last time to see fall colors in Yosemite Valley – and only in pockets. Early-mid November is a chance to see “snowliage” – fall foliage mixed with a blanket of snow in the valley.
- Best Park Area to Visit: Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove for peaceful walking and nature viewing.
“Snowliage” Pro Tip: I was able to experience the rare fall colors + snow combo on November 11, 2022. However, the fall colors were much brighter and the trees held more of their leaves the week prior. Planning for a “snowliage” event is futile: it’s truly the luck of the draw – or the ability to drop everything and get to Yosemite at the first sign of a snowstorm.
🚙 Tire chains and cables become mandatory to carry beginning November 1 in Yosemite – even for rental cars and 4WD/AWD vehicles.
Why October is the Best Month to Visit in the Fall
October is the best month to experience fall in Yosemite – no matter what you are looking for. It has the perfect blend of accessibility, good hiking weather, and fall colors turning.
- Early October: best for squeezing the last hikes and backpacking trips out of the high elevations before proper winter sets in and seeing the high country blanketed in fall colors.
- Mid October: perfect for cozy fall camping trips and getting to experience the Glacier Point area.
- Late October: for anyone who wants to fully experience Yosemite Valley in prime autumn colors.
Best Fall Foliage Spots for Photographers and Leaf-Peepers
The best places to experience fall colors without a bunch of hiking are in Yosemite Valley in late October – early November because of the oak, maple, and dogwood trees you can find in pockets of the valley floor.
These are some of my favorite fall photography spots:
- Cooks Meadow
- El Capitan Meadow
- Cathedral Beach
- Mirror Lake
- Valley Loop Trail before El Capitan Meadow
- Valley View
- Fern Spring/ Pohono Bridge
- Bridalveil Fall
If you want to take amazing photos of the fall colors, my best advice is to shoot during golden hour! The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset will be best, though I’ve found that the fall light is soft even outside of golden hour too.
Top Hikes for Fall Colors in Yosemite
Valley Loop Trail
This 20+ mile loop circles the entire valley floor – but you don’t have to hike all of it to experience it. Hiking this trail, especially in the western half of the valley, takes you away from the viewpoint crowds and into pockets of deciduous trees for rarely-seen spots.
Check current conditions on AllTrails.
Mirror Lake Loop Trail
This 5.5 mile loop at the eastern end of the valley is shaded by oak trees, which are one of the main trees to change color in Yosemite Valley! The lake might be dried up, but you’ll still get great views of Half Dome.
Check current conditions on AllTrails.
Four Mile Trail
The Four Mile Trail is also shaded by deciduous trees for the bottom half of the hike. And while this trail will eventually close at Union Point, about halfway up, when enough snow falls, there’s usually a period of time where you can hike this all the way to Glacier Point – even if Glacier Point Road closes! It’s a tough 9.5 mile, 3,000 foot ascent/descent, but a chance to see Glacier Point with no car crowds?! Worth it.
Pohono Trail to Artist Point
The Pohono Trail begins at the iconic Tunnel View and climbs through many colorful oak trees before you turn left onto the Old Wawona Road to see Artist Point, a slightly different view of Yosemite Valley than what Tunnel View offers. I think the late afternoon light here is amazing and it makes for a great golden hour hike with fall colors.
Check current conditions on AllTrails.
Half Dome Trail
October might be one of the best months to hike Half Dome. You have to hike it before the cables come down (second Monday in October), but the weather is pleasant and not too hot, thunderstorm risk is very low, and you have a higher chance of scoring a last-minute permit!
Mariposa Grove to Wawona Point
You won’t find a ton of fall colors inside Mariposa Grove, but cooler fall temperatures make it a little more enticing to hike all the way to the top viewpoint of the grove, overlooking the Wawona area, where you could potentially see a few distant pockets of fall colors among the evergreens.
Check current conditions on AllTrails.
Taft Point – Sentinel Dome Loop
If Glacier Point Road is open on your trip, you need to do this hike. The views are amazing and that fall glow is extra special. Definitely try to hike this during golden hour: in the early morning or late afternoon for the best views.
Check current conditions on AllTrails.
Gaylor Lakes
Right next to the Tioga entrance, this hike starts right around 9,000 feet above sea level, meaning snow is a definite possibility come October. But in late September and early October, the ground cover in this area can come alive in golds and reds and it’s seriously gorgeous. Plus, there’s zero crowds.
Young Lakes
Not for the faint of heart – Young Lakes is a looong hike for the intermediate and advanced day hikers out there in the Tuolumne Meadows region. But the bright red ground cover you’ll find along the way and especially at the upper lake is spectacular. I backpacked this trail in late September to see the high country fall colors.
Check current conditions on AllTrails.
Bonus: Hetch Hetchy to Lake Vernon Backpacking
I did this backpacking trip in mid-October and WOW the fall colors were amazing at Lake Vernon. So if you’re looking for a little backcountry adventure in the fall, I’d highly recommend this hike.
Check current conditions on AllTrails.
➡️ Want a year-round hiking list? Check out my full breakdown of the best hikes in Yosemite for all seasons and skill levels.
Fall Hiking Safety
There are a few things to keep in mind to be safe while hiking in the fall.
First, there’s less daylight. So make sure you plan appropriate routes for your experience level and have a headlamp in your pack in case you end up finishing a little later than you thought.
Fall is also when Yosemite’s bears are fattening up for winter and they’re hungry. When I was backpacking in Hetch Hetchy in October, I had to wait a long time for a bear to get off the trail. She did not care about me, and was reluctant to move. She was foraging and had her cub with her.
Just remember that Yosemite’s black bears are generally not a threat to humans, but you shouldn’t give them a reason to be: never approach a bear, talk loudly to it when you see one, never leave your pack laying around on trails, always make noise and stand your ground if a bear approaches a designated picnic area or car campground, and always use a bear canister when backpacking.
Finally, bring enough water for your hike. Rivers will still hold slow flowing water, but smaller creeks and streams are likely to be dried up.
Sample Yosemite October Weekend Itinerary
If you’ve read my summer 1-day and 3-day Yosemite itineraries, you know that I love to pack in as much as possible – see everything, do a big hike each day, see sunrise and sunset everyday – you get the gist.
But in the fall, I like to slow down a bit more and focus on the little things. I still love sunrise and sunset, and I prioritize them as a photographer, but I try to have a bit of a relaxed adventure.
Here’s how I’d recommend structuring a long, autumn weekend in Yosemite to make the most of the shorter days and changing colors.
Day 1: Arrival & Golden Hour in the Valley
- Drive in, take in the sights at Tunnel View.
- Check into lodging or campground.
- Stroll through Cooks Meadow at golden hour, visiting Lower Yosemite Falls, the Yosemite Chapel, and Swinging Bridge on the same loop.
- Sunset at Valley View.
Day 2: High Country Fall
- Drive Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows.
- Hike: Gaylor Lakes, May Lake, or Cathedral Lakes depending on your preparedness.
- Check out the short walk to Soda Springs in Tuolumne Meadows.
- Enjoy the view at Olmsted Point.
- Drive up to Glacier Point for sunset. Hike Taft Point or Sentinel Dome if you have the energy.
- Tioga Road closed? Hike at Mariposa Grove today instead.
- Glacier Point Road closed? Watch sunset in El Capitan Meadow.
Day 3: More Valley Fall Foliage
- Sunrise at Cathedral Beach.
- Hike: Valley Floor Loop or Mirror Lake Loop.
Pro tip: Build in flexibility to your plans – especially beginning mid-October – for rainy or snowy weather.
More Fun Fall Activities in Yosemite
- Take a guided Valley Floor tram tour
- Sign up for a naturalist-led walk or art class with the Yosemite Conservancy
- Volunteer at Yosemite Facelift in September
- Take a ride on the Sugar Pine Railroad in Fish Camp
- Explore trails at Bass Lake near Oakhurst
- Drive over to Highway 395 and explore fall in the Eastern Sierra
Getting to Yosemite & Park Transportation in the Fall Months
Autumn is a time of change within Yosemite – and not just the leaves changing! Services begin to change in the fall with many things closing after the busy summer.
Where to Fly Into
Fresno (FAT) is the closest airport to Yosemite National Park, but many people will fly into San Francisco due to flight schedules and prices.
Either way, you’re going to need to rent a car from the airport and drive in for the best experience as public transportation is limited beginning in October.
Best Entrance to Use in Fall
There are 4 main entrances to Yosemite National Park (5 if you include the Hetch Hetchy gate).
The western entrances are the best to use in the fall: CA-120 to Big Oak Flat, CA-140 to Arch Rock, and CA-41 to Wawona. CA-140 through Mariposa is the lowest elevation route and the least likely to be affected by an early season storm.
Living in the Bay Area though, I usually take CA-120 into Yosemite and have never had an issue entering via this route during the fall.
Because Tioga Road will occasionally close if a storm is coming in, the Tioga Entrance is the least reliable in the fall, and it usually closes for the season by mid-November, but if you’re enjoying autumn in the Eastern Sierra and want to pop over and see Yosemite too, it’s pretty much your only way in.
Entrance Fees
It costs $35 per car to enter Yosemite National Park, but I always recommend purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass if you’re a National Park fan – for only $80 you get free access to National Parks, Forests, and BLM land! It pays for itself pretty quickly.
YARTS
YARTS is the public transportation from surrounding communities into Yosemite National Park. Sadly, most lines stop running on September 30th.
But, the route along CA-140 from Merced to Yosemite Valley runs year-round, and is a great option for those staying in lodging outside of the park in Mariposa and Midpines if you don’t want to worry about driving. Just be aware of route times as they are more limited in the off-season.
Park Shuttles
There are two free park shuttles that run in Yosemite during the fall: the Valley-wide shuttle and the Mariposa Grove shuttle. The valley-wide shuttle runs year-round, while the Mariposa Grove one stops running on November 30th, the same time that the road to the grove closes for winter.
The park shuttles are a great way to navigate the park without needing to drive your car around.
The paid shuttle to Glacier Point run by the park concessionaire ends on October 12th. The park concessionaire also runs a Tuolumne Meadows hiker bus that stops running in the fall. The closure date has not yet been determined for 2025.
What to Pack for an Autumn Yosemite Visit
If you’re doing any hiking, you should always have the 10 essentials with you, but visiting in fall with variable weather and temperature, make sure you at least have:
- A warm puffy jacket
- A fleece jacket
- A rain jacket
- A beanie
- Thin gloves
- A headlamp
- A thermos for enjoying a warm drink with your sunrise or sunset
Best Places to Stay & Eat in the Fall
I always say the best place to stay in Yosemite is Yosemite Valley. There’s nothing like waking up and being IN the heart of Yosemite and being able to start your day without driving anywhere. My top picks for autumn are the Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, or The Ahwahnee.
Fall does bring cozy vibes though, and some of the cabins in Yosemite West are MADE for fall vibes. So if you’re looking for a more aesthetic trip or think ending your fall touring day with a hot tub sounds amazing, definitely check them out!
✅ If you want my full breakdown of the best places to stay including photos, amenities, and pricing tips, check out my detailed Yosemite Lodging Guide.
Some dining options close in Yosemite, but the majority are still open. You’ll want to check with the concessionaire for seasonal dates and hours. My favorite food spots in Yosemite are:
- Mountain Room Lounge (especially cozy in the fall)
- The Ahwahnee Bar
- Bar 1899
- Curry Village Pizza Deck
- Curry Village Coffee Corner
- Degnan’s Kitchen
Final Tips for Planning Your October Yosemite Trip
Always Check Conditions
- Check out the park webcams for day to day conditions like cloudy or smoky skies or to watch the progress of leaves changing color.
- Weather reports are a must in the fall. I use weather.gov for the most accurate forecasts.
- Tire chains or cables must be carried beginning November 1 each year, so be sure to plan for that. Rangers will ask you at the entrance stations!
Grab a Park Newspaper
You can get one at an entrance station or visitor center. These are the best ways to find out what’s going on seasonally in Yosemite! I always check them to see if ranger programs or walks are happening. It’s such a great way to learn about the park and see things in a different light!
