Travel Tips For Autumn Visits 

The autumn colors provide a  fine display of yellow, gold and red foliage from late September to late October.  Click Here To See The Autumn Foliage Pictures.

Significant snowstorms often blanket the park above 7000 feet during the autumn months..  Both Tioga Rd and Glacier Point Rd are subject to closure at anytime and will not reopen until the following Spring.  The dates can vary dramatically from year to year depending on weather conditions.  The National Park web site maintains a list of road closure and opening dates for historical purposes, but it's not really of any use for planning trips in an upcoming calendar year.  When the snow level in Tuolomne Meadows declines to 36 inches in the Spring and continues to decline on a daily basis (this information is available from the National Weather Service hydrology station), you can anticipate summer camping in the high country to commence in approximately 6 to 8 weeks.  This will help you project stream flows for the summer and fall seasons, and lake levels for late season trips.

You can still hike up to the high country via the Snow Creek Falls Trail in the fall.   Above Snow Creek Falls, expect to encounter more snow the higher up you go once the park receives its first coating of the white stuff.. The same is true for hiking up the John Muir trail to Little Yosemite Valley.  You may have to take the detour to Clark Point, go across the bridge above Nevada Falls and then up the granite stairs under Liberty Cap until you reach the Merced River just above the waterfall.

This is a wonderful time of year to enjoy a partial rejuvenation of the many waterfalls that cascade into the valley as the early season snowstorms give way to pleasant day time temperatures in the 50s and 60s.  Sunny days will yield enough snow melt to begin the cycle and add more beauty to the autumn landscape.

A weekday visit will provide you with a virtually empty park to explore.  The days are short and the shadows are long, so bring layers of clothing that you can easily take on and off and put in your daypack.  

I recommend taking the hike on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail as far as Columbia Rock.  The hike begins at the back of Camp 4 across the street from Yosemite Lodge.  Do this excursion  in the mid afternoon, giving yourself enough time to descend before the trail becomes dark around 4:30 to 5 pm.  It's about 30 to 45 minutes one way for most people involving strenuous switchbacks, but the view it worth it.  Make sure you bring water as there is not likely to be any along this trail at this time of year.  Avoid this trail in the winter time, it tends to be slippery.

Always call the park ahead of time to make sure which facilities are in operation.  Many parts of the park are either closed or operating on a limited schedule during the autumn season.