Yosemite National Park is beautiful any time of year. The majority of trees in Yosemite are evergreen, meaning you won’t see the park full of fall foliage during the autumn. Visiting Yosemite during the fall you’ll see splashes of reds and oranges amongst the evergreen landscape. In this article we’ll cover the following:
- Best time to visit for fall colors
- Temperature during fall
- Pros of visiting in the fall
- Cons of visiting in the fall
- Places to see fall colors in Yosemite Valley
Best Time to Visit Yosemite for Fall Colors
Timing for fall foliage in Yosemite can be tricky. We live about 2 hours fromYosemite and visit several times throughout the year. We’ve noticed a delay in seasons in the past couple of years. For example, in 2022 temperatures didn’t start cooling down until mid October. We visited Yosemitee vey weekend in October and didn’t start seeing some fall foliage until the last weekend in October. You’ll see by our photos below that foliage is still not at it’s peak. We estimate peak foliage in Yosemite Valley will be the second or third week of November. If you’re traveling from far, this may be frustrating. We suggest checking out this fall foliage map to better predict and plan your visit.
What is the Temperature Like During Fall
Similar to the timing of fall foliage, the temperature can be tricky to predict. We recommend dressing in layers as temperatures can fluctuate during this season. Mornings and evenings in Yosemite Valley during fall can range from low 40’s to low 60’s. Afternoon temperatures can range from mid 50’s to low 70’s. Skies may be clear and sunny or cloudy. Showers typically happen in the first or second week of November, so make sure to pack you waterproof jackets.
Pros of Visiting Yosemite During Fall
Fall is considered an off season for Yosemite National Park. You’ll be pleased to see the park is much less crowded during the months of October and November. Another plus side to visiting Yosemite during the autumn is that reservations are not required for entry (you still need reservations for camping). To enter Yosemite during this time you’ll need to pay the daily parke entry fee ($20 – $35), or you can enter with your America the Beautiful National Park Pass ($80).
Cons of Visiting Yosemite During Fall
Yosemite is widely known for its majestic waterfalls, amongst other points of interest. During the late summer months and autumn months, most of the waterfalls and the Merced river are empty or nearly empty. This can be a bummer for those chasing waterfalls. However, Rain is typically expected in the first two weeks of November. These rains won’t get the waterfalls and rivers to their peak like in summer months, but they can help get some water flowing. The other downside of visiting Yosemite during the fall season is that some roads like Tioga Pass and Glacier Point can close, limiting tourists to some attractions.
Places to See Fall colors in Yosemite
If you’re sold on visiting Yosemite National Park during the fall season, below you’ll find some of our favorite spots for fall foliage specifically in Yosemite Valley. We decided to focus specifically in Yosemite valley, as some roads and trails can close during the late autumn season, for example Tioga Pass and Glacier Point. Our favorites are listed in random order:
Swinging Bridge
Swinging Bridge offers a nice, calming stroll in Yosemite. You can get views of Upper Yosemite Falls from this bridge.
Cathedral Beach
Merced River offers a glistening reflection of El Capitan and the autumn leaves floating by add such a nice touch.
Valley View
Valley View offers views of a lush meadow, the famous El Capitan, the Three Brothers and Bridal Veil Waterfall (it’s dry in this photo).
Cooks Meadow
You’ll find a boardwalk in Cook’s meadow that offers beautiful views of Half Dome. Make sure to stay on trail and don’t walk on the meadow itself. Yosemite National Park had been trying to restore this meadow for decades.
Sentinel Bridge
Many photographers gather here to photograph Half Dome and it’s reflection. During autumn, pops of fall colors frame this famous rock.
Happy Isles
One of the most peaceful strolls in Yosemite Valley that offer paved walkways and glimpse of those beautiful autumn colors.
Roaming The Trails 
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