The Perfect Fall Weekend in Yosemite
Spring in Yosemite brings rushing waterfalls and wildflowers. Summer means sightseers from all over the world crowding the valley floor, jostling for the best views. Fall, though, is a quieter time, before the snow fall shuts things down but after the crowds die down. The daytime temperatures still speak the sunny language of summer, but there’s a whisper in the air of autumn chill. The bright tones of summer may fade as the season tires, but come fall they burst into fiery foliage, burnt oranges and shimmering golds contrasted by cool granite and evergreen. It’s a really special time to tour the valley floor, or take a hike to an overlook, uninterrupted by other visitors, for unparalleled views of one of the world’s most special natural places.
A fall trip to Yosemite offers opportunity for days of exploration sandwiched between slow mornings spent over a cup of steaming coffee and nights spent bundled by the fire, stargazing while studying trail maps for the following day. Pack layers, as you can easily dress for all four seasons over the course of one adventure, stripping out of a fleece by midmorning, and maybe even getting a last little tan in shorts and a tee by midday before layering back into a thick sweater and stocking cap by dinner time.
We’ve put together a few of our favorite ways to spend the golden, waning season in Yosemite. This guide assumes you’ll be driving in from the Fresno area along Highway 41, so we aren’t including much from the east entrance of the park — although that’s a wonderful (albeit completely different) trip that you should also take!
WHERE TO STAY
Make the lodge and cabins at Tenaya your home base for this Autumn adventure, and take advantage of the opportunity to indulge in luxury amenities nestled in the redwoods just outside the gates of the park. Stay at the Lodge for easy access to their upscale amenities, or choose to really get away from it all by staying in one of their Explorer Cabins.
If it’s your first time visiting the park, Tenaya at Yosemite is fully outfitted to help you make the most of your stay. From nightly wine hours to archery lessons and guided tours, they have a host of engaging activities to help guide your stay. If you are traveling with a mix of outdoor enthusiast and luxury-seekers, their onsite spa and dining options will help everyone spend the day exactly as they please.
WHERE TO EAT
TAKE A COFFEE BREAK
Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up on your drive into the Valley or a morning jaunt into town before a day of hiking, head to Clouds Rest Coffee to sample their rotating selection of craft-roasted beans from around the world. Grab a chili verde breakfast burrito before you hit the trails!
If you’re driving in from 120, stop at Mountain Sage Coffee and browse their plant nursery and art gallery while you stretch your legs.
DRINKS WITH A VIEW
Finish your day at the park with cocktail hour on the lawn at the Historic Ahwahnee Lodge. The gorgeous property is well known for its distinct blend of mid-century modern and rustic architecture, with sky-sweeping ceilings and fireplaces big enough to sit in (movie buffs might recognize the elevators from a particular Stephen King film).
The majesty of the interiors almost rival the views of Half Dome and the Valley floor from the back lawn, where you can enjoy a well-earned post hike snack or evening cocktail before heading home for the evening.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE: DINNER AT TENAYA
If you’re looking for something casual and hearty after a long day on the trails, head to Jackalope’s Bar & Grill for a burger and local drafts.
Interested in something a bit more upscale? try Embers for Tenaya’s signature dining experience.
WHAT TO SEE + DO
As you might guess, the real draw of Yosemite is to be found outside.
TAKE A HIKE
There are countless hikes to take you to all parts of the valley floor and the granite peaks above. Depending on the weather and how far you’d like to go, you have options from easy paved loops less than a mile to an all-day trek up Half Dome. We’ve listed just a few of our favorites to get you started:
VISIT MARIPOSA GROVE
Mariposa Grove is home to some of Yosemite’s most famous giant sequoias. There are three trail loops of varying intensity available, or an all-day guided tour. If you don’t want to drive yourself or hike in, there is a free shuttle from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza that runs every 15 minutes.
Settle in for a scenic drive to the Glacier Point Overlook, which offers some of the best views of the park you can find without climbing ropes. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the overlook, or use the drive as a jumping off point for a hike, from the 2.2. mile Taft Point or the more ambitious Four Mile Trail (which is actually more like 5).
Whether due to adverse weather or just a desire for a down day in your incredible surroundings, you don’t have to venture all the way into the park to enjoy yourself. Take advantage of complimentary archery lessons, bocce ball, yoga classes, or even ice skating on-site at Tenaya.
Take in the foliage from Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a narrow gauge timber train. Learn a bit about the valley’s history as you ride through the vibrant colors of fall in this experience truly unique to the Sierra Hills.