Discover Parks & Wildlife contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of the Amazon links (or other affiliate links), we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure policy for more information.
12 Fall Getaways In And Around Yosemite That Prove California Has The Best Autumn Colors
Crisp air, golden leaves, and a splash of dramatic scenery, fall in Yosemite is about as good as it gets. And if you’re the type who enjoys a good seasonal aesthetic paired with a bit of adventure, then congratulations, you’ve hit the jackpot.
The areas inside and surrounding Yosemite transform into a patchwork of rich colors, serene spots, and just the right amount of easygoing energy for those who could use a dose of peaceful exploration. This is the season where every turn feels a little cozier and every view gives off that unbeatable “autumn is the main character” energy.
So whether you’re craving riverside strolls, charming little stops, or jaw-dropping views (yes, we know, it’s all jaw-dropping), there are spots aplenty that make this time of year unforgettable. And no, we’re not going to get cliché about it; these fall adventures practically write themselves.
Mariposa Grove Of Giant Sequoias
Walking through Mariposa Grove feels like stepping into a natural cathedral, where ancient sequoias stand as stoic guardians of time. And fall dresses this iconic grove in a subtle blend of golden dogwoods and a refreshing crispness that stirs the senses.
The sheer size and age of these trees is humbling. The Grizzly Giant, for example, has stood for over 1,800 years. Each step along the shaded trails carries a sense of reverence, as sunlight filters through amber leaves and evergreen branches like a gentle spotlight on nature’s finest.
Imagine pausing beneath the boughs of the imposing Clothespin Tree, whose hollow center looks like the handiwork of secret woodland architects. Here, you don’t just walk among trees; you commune with giants.
Glacier Point (Via Badger Pass Rd)
If the stars align and Glacier Point Road remains drivable, the payoff is pure cinematic magic. Perched at nearly 7,200 feet, Glacier Point gifts you views so sweeping they practically demand a standing ovation. The sight of Half Dome crowned in patches of early snow is enough to make your jaw drop faster than a falling acorn.
Below, Yosemite Valley becomes a patchwork of red, gold, and evergreen, as if an artist spilled their paint palette across the landscape. The crisp fall air carries sounds of the wilderness, mingling with the soft crunch of frost-kissed leaves.
And just when you think it couldn’t get better, the sunset casts the valley in golden hues, transforming the entire scene into a living postcard. Bring tissues, you might just shed a happy tear.
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Hetch Hetchy is Yosemite’s unsung hero, where the crowds rarely visit and the serenity thickens. Early fall bathes the granite cliffs and shimmering reservoir in warm tones, and the trails here whisper promises of hidden waterfalls and quiet solitude.
Picture strolling down the O’Shaughnessy Dam, the water below reflecting the soft glow of the season like a natural mirror. Wapama Falls, thundering with life after an early shower, offering a cool mist that mingles with the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
Hetch Hetchy holds historic secrets, stories of its flooded valley and the debates that shaped its existence. But today, it’s a sanctuary of peace, a quieter corner where every step feels like you’re part of Yosemite’s hidden heartbeat.
Tuolumne Meadows (If Tioga Pass Is Still Open)
Tuolumne Meadows in early fall? It’s like a soft lullaby before winter’s curtain call. Think soft golden grasses swaying under an impossibly blue sky, framed by dramatic granite domes that look straight out of a geological fantasy novel.
The crisp air bites just enough to invigorate but not enough to send you running for wool socks. And hiking here feels lighter, both in altitude and spirit, as you stop to admire meandering rivers reflecting the autumn hues.
The preserved beauty tells tales of the Mono people and the rugged souls who first crossed Tioga Pass, their legacy embedded in every trail. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time, snapping photos or simply staring at the horizon, wondering how it’s possible for a meadow to feel alive.
Bass Lake
Tucked just outside the southern edge of the park, Bass Lake is where serenity meets a splash of adventure. The glassy surface mirrors the trees dressed in fiery oranges and golden yellows, inviting you to grab a kayak and gently skim through the calm waters.
The crisp fall air carries the faint aroma of pine as you settle into a shoreline picnic. Rope in a cider for good measure, because is there anything more satisfying? Even a relaxed stroll along the sandy edges feels like you’re part of a painting, complete with the occasional chatter of geese overhead.
Once a hub for 19th-century logging, the lake now shares calmer tales. Ones about slowing down, soaking in the moment, and letting nature’s palette sweep you off your feet.
Wawona Historic Area
Autumn isn’t just a season here; it’s a living story, stitched into the rustic charm of the Wawona Historic Area. The Pioneer History Center’s weathered cabins almost glow under a canopy of yellow-hued leaves, each plank of wood murmuring tales of early settlers and their wild, rugged dreams.
Cross the covered bridge, and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered through a portal. And for a lazy, enchanting stroll, the Wawona Meadow Loop awaits, gently wrapping you in the earthy scent of damp leaves and distant pine.
Fall transforms this pocket of Yosemite into a vibrant mosaic, where the old meets the new in spectacular harmony.
Mono Lake & Lee Vining
Mono Lake doesn’t believe in subtlety. Instead, its spiky tufa formations rise dramatically from the water like a scene ripped from the pages of sci-fi. With Tioga Pass potentially open to extend your adventure, this spot hums with wild energy, even in fall’s quieter moments.
Migratory birds (millions of them) make pit stops here, filling the salty air with rhythmic wings and chirpy chaos. And the lake itself, framed by distant peaks and brimming with an otherworldly sheen, seems to store the secrets of the Sierra.
Stroll the shore, soak in the surreal calm, and remember that the lake predates most of human history. It’s nature’s unapologetic reminder that older can be cooler (and saltier).
Groveland
Groveland is the kind of town that looks like it was plucked right from an old Gold Rush photo with just a dash of fall magic. Its antique shops and timeworn saloons line the streets, each hiding treasures and tales that harken back to the 1850s when fortunes could change with a single gold nugget.
The Iron Door Saloon boasts the crown of California’s oldest, its wooden bar polished smooth from years of hurried hands and lively conversation. During fall, the town’s charm amps up as festive events bring the community together, and the crisp air seems to scent the streets with pumpkin spice and possibility.
Don’t miss the chance to soak in the best of old-time charm paired with modern-day coziness on this short day trip. It’s served with a warm smile and a hearty meal.
Oakhurst
Tucked into the Sierra foothills, Oakhurst feels like that charming friend who always has a story to tell. Except here, the tales are painted across art gallery walls and whispered through the aroma of fresh-baked pastries at local eateries.
The fall season dresses this small town in hues of scarlet and gold, every tree-lined street practically begging to be explored. Craving some cultural intrigue? Wander the galleries featuring local creatives, where color explodes from canvases as vibrantly as the fall foliage outside.
Then, satisfy your taste buds with a hearty meal at a mom-and-pop cafe, the kind where recipes are passed down like family heirlooms. And don’t forget the drives, scenic winding roads lined with autumn leaves and perfect sunsets.
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad isn’t just a train ride; it’s a time capsule (and the ticket is worth it for the steam whistle alone). This historic marvel puffs and chugs its way through towering pine trees and golden-hued aspens that practically glow in the fall sunlight.
Each turn of the track feels like you’re slipping further into a fairytale forest, with leaves crunching underfoot at the station and the sweet scent of pine tar mixing with crisp air. What’s more, the soothing hiss of steam and steady rhythm of the train evoke a bygone era when life moved more slowly, and the scenery was the entertainment.
Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just someone looking to bask in some old-time charm, the Sugar Pine Railroad promises a short but unforgettable adventure that’s as colorful as the season itself.
Bridalveil Fall Trail & Tunnel View
Tunnel View is like opening a book that starts with the most jaw-dropping illustration you’ve ever seen. Framed by granite monoliths and kissed by the golden tones of fall, this iconic spot never fails to draw gasps.
Bridalveil Fall, its delicate veil of water tumbling gracefully down the cliffs, comes alive in the fall lighting, glistening like liquid amber. And the trail to the waterfall is short enough for all skill levels but offers maximum payoff.
Hear the crunch of leaves, feel the cooling mist of the falls, and catch glimpses of shifting light that seem to change the scene every second. This half-day outing delivers a highlight reel of Yosemite’s magic with minimal effort, the perfect balance for anyone short on time but big on wonder.
El Portal & Merced River Recreation Area
El Portal feels like Yosemite’s quiet neighbor who’s always got the coffee ready and has the best-kept secrets to share. Right outside the park’s western entrance, this recreation area offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds.
The Merced River, winding through the space, becomes a mirror in the fall, reflecting shades of gold, orange, and rust from the forested banks. It’s the ideal backdrop for an impromptu picnic; think crisp fall air, the sound of water rolling over stones, and a sandwich that somehow tastes better in this setting.
Light hiking trails lead you under trees shedding their leaves, with one scenic turn after another. El Portal’s relaxed charm and riverside beauty make it an undiscovered treasure that feels like a personal invitation in the fall that you have to RSVP to.
Like Our Content? Follow Us on MSN (or click the Follow Button above) for more from Discover Parks & Wildlife.
12 National Parks You’ll Wish You Had Visited Sooner
Who needs a time machine when you can read about all the national parks you absolutely should have visited by now, and then just sulk in envy instead?
16 U.S. National Parks with Sunsets Worth the Trip
If you thought your life lacked a dash of dramatic flair, just wait until you set your sights on those sunsets at U.S. National Parks. You know, the kind that might have you questioning why your backyard bonfire doesn’t quite cut it anymore.
15 Photos Every National Park Photographer Needs in Their Collection
Think you’ve mastered the art of the perfect shot? Wait until you see these must-have captures that’ll make your portfolio sing.
