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1. Hiking or biking around Yosemite Valley.
Autumn days are warm but short, in Yosemite Valley, and evenings often call for sweater weather. Conditions are perfect for waking up early, coffee-to-go, and adventure. Spend the entire day exploring the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail. The afternoon light and bright yellow leaves from the Black Oak and Big Leaf Maple trees fill the valley with a golden hue. Stop to admire the explosive fall colors of the non-native, Sugar Maple tree near the Yosemite Chapel.
2. Explore more of Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite is 1,200 square miles of land, but look up, there is plenty of vertical space to explore, too. The cooler weather is ideal for the climbing season. Watch climbers take on El Capitan from the safety of a picnic blanket – or take on a personal big rock challenge on a guided climbing, hiking, or backpacking trip from Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides.
3. Visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia.
Take special notice of the dogwood leaves as their leaves turn a striking crimson red against the sage green leaves of the Giant Sequoia Grove. The late afternoon glow enchants at this magical fall hideout. Back to school means fewer travelers which means you will mostly have the Mariposa Grove to yourself this autumn. You can get to the grove from the Welcome Plaza via the free shuttle or by taking a nice hike along the Washburn Trail.
Hiking the boardwalk in the lower grove
4. Hurry, winter is coming to Tuolumne Meadows.
Make sure to get there NOW before snow flurries close this region for the winter. Watch for increased signs of wildlife, as bears busily prepare for winter hibernation. Then go further, Tioga Pass is a portal to the jaw-dropping views of mountains, lakes, and the Quaking Aspen trees of the eastern Sierra. Bring your camera, it's spectacular! Get prepped for the journey with trekking poles, maps, camp stoves, and more at Alpenglow Gear Company in Oakhurst.
5. Get to Glacier Point, right now.
The birds-eye views at this iconic Yosemite highlight are breathtaking. From any of the many viewing areas (which are a staggering 3000 feet above the valley below) the traveler takes in scenes that include landmarks like Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Yosemite Fall, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Illilouette Falls, and Mount Starr King. Check conditions, and hurry, this fall is the last chance to access Glacier Point Road by vehicle for a while, the road becomes inaccessible beyond the Badger Pass Ski Area after the first major snow of the season, usually end of October or early November. Note - you can still get to Glacier Point, but be prepared for quite a hike to do so. 4 Mile Trail is likely the main option. This entails 4.8 miles up with almost 300 feet of elevation gain and then a return trip to the valley of another 4.8 miles.
Looking for the best jumping-off point? Stay just outside the park! Bass Lake has gorgeous fall color, lodging, and that special getaway-from-it-all feeling.
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