Yosemite Fall Colors 2024

Fall is a quieter, less crowded, and a beautiful time at Yosemite National Park. Even though Yosemite is famous for its giant sequoias and other evergreens, many trees do change, adding beautiful splashes of color. Bigleaf maples and California black oaks pop up with yellow and bronze. Quaking aspens are especially showy when they turn bright yellow. Pacific dogwoods, poison oaks, and sugar maples add some red and scarlet notes.

When do the leaves change in Yosemite

The best time to take a scenic drive or stroll through the park is mid-to-late October. The fall spectacle usually starts in early October and lasts through November until the first winter snowstorms. Pay attention to road closures that are usually announced on the park's website in case of bad weather. Tioga Road is usually closed from late October to May.

Where to see fall colors in Yosemite

Fall foliage scenic drives in Yosemite National Park include the Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road that is famous for its yellow aspens. Stop by the Tuolumne Grove Trailhead or the Yosemite Creek Picnic Area for some fall-time photography. The Yosemite Chapel area (can be reached by Southside Drive) is also popular with photographers due to lots of red color from the maples.

Leaf peepers will be rewarded on a trail that goes from the Badger Pass ski area to Bridalveil Creek Campground. The southern part of Yosemite Valley is colored in yellow, red, orange, and bronze thanks to a great variety of trees. The small village of Wawona looks very picturesque covered in yellow, orange, and brown tones from oaks and cottonwood. It's a great place to spend the night, enjoy dinner, and ride in an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage.

Crane Flat is another great spot for fall foliage. It's a lush forest and meadow area located 16 miles (26 km) from Yosemite Valley and is open all year. In Yosemite National Park's peaceful northwest corner, Hetch Hetchy is a hidden gem worth exploring year-round. In addition, don't miss Tuolumne Meadows, a large, open subalpine meadow surrounded by majestic summits and domes with views of the winding Tuolumne River. Around late May or June to November, Tioga Road crosses Yosemite and provides access to Tuolumne Meadows and beyond.

Things to do at Yosemite National Park during the fall season

The wonderful and diverse nature of Yosemite National Park offers many opportunities for fun. To enjoy the autumn leaves, you can walk along the 750 miles of the park's trails, rent a bicycle, sightsee by car, take one of the tours or daily art classes, have a picnic, try hiking, or take your camera and search for the best landscapes. Birdwatching, fishing, horseback riding, and stargazing are also available for the best experience.

Yosemite National Park Reservation

From April 13 through October 27, 2024, you will need a reservation to drive into or through Yosemite National Park on some days between 5 am and 4 pm. From April 13 to June 30, a reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (May 27 and June 19). From July 1 to August 16, a reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm every day. From August 17 to October 27, a reservation is required from 5 am to 4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (September 2 and October 14).

Park Admission

Visitors need to pay $35-per-car entrance fee upon arrival (credit card only) unless they have an annual or lifetime pass.

Yosemite fall colors map

Do you already know you'll be in Yosemite this fall? Book a hotel nearby to ensure a comfortable getaway. Leaf-peeping is way more pleasant when you know there's a warm room for a good rest at the end of your adventure.