While Yosemite National Park is breathtaking year round, fall is a special time to visit all that the park has to offer. As summer crowds diminish, the calmness of the park allows for a more intimate connection with nature. The vibrant colors of autumn foliage transform the landscape, with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, enhancing the trees and reflecting beautifully in the park’s lakes and rivers.
Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop
Sentinel Meadow & Cook’s Meadow Loop is a beautiful choice for viewing the classic fall foliage along with stunning views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome from the valley. This trail is very beginner-friendly, as it is flat and stretches for just 2.25 miles. It’s a perfect choice for kicking off your Yosemite adventure, allowing you to take in the park’s major landmarks with ease.
The Four-Mile Trail
The Four-Mile Trail is an excellent option for experiencing the vibrant fall colors while taking in Yosemite’s iconic landmarks, including Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and the entire valley. Contrary to its name, the hike spans 9.4 miles round trip and typically requires a full day to complete, taking about 6 to 8 hours. It offers a moderate level of difficulty, averaging around 4/10 when descending and 7/10 when ascending, with well-maintained, wide paths. Additionally, this trail connects Yosemite Valley and Glacier Point, both of which are other popular trail options.
The Mist Trail (Nevada and Vernal Falls)
The Mist Trail is one of the most popular trails within the National Park. It leads to two different waterfalls, Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls. The whole trail is 6.4 miles long and is on the higher end of difficulty. This trail is a loop and takes an estimated 4 hours to complete the whole thing. Open year-round, this trail is especially picturesque in the fall, as it is framed by trees showcasing a vibrant array of autumn colors. By October, the water levels typically decrease compared to the spring and summer months, but you’ll still likely see a decent flow, especially if there has been recent rainfall.
The Cathedral Lakes Trail
The Cathedral Lakes Trail features some of the most spectacular views in all of Yosemite National Park. The stunning combination of alpine lakes, majestic mountain peaks, open meadows, and vibrant fall foliage creates a breathtaking landscape. You’ll encounter diverse terrain, from gentle slopes to more challenging sections, making the trail accessible to hikers of various skill levels.
This moderately difficult hike spans approximately 9.5 miles and typically takes around four and a half hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to take in panoramic vistas, including breathtaking views of Cathedral Peak and the serene waters of Upper and Lower Cathedral Lakes.
The Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail
The Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail is a 4.4-mile loop that typically takes around an hour and a half to complete. In the fall, the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors, with the brilliant yellows and oranges of the aspen trees lining the steep cliffs. With stunning views in every direction, this hike is perfect for a relaxed outdoor experience. This trail is particularly well-suited for families and individuals of all ages, making it a wonderful option for a leisurely day in nature. As you hike, the trail winds around the serene Mirror Lake, which offers stunning reflections of the iconic Half Dome.
With vibrant colors, cooler temperatures, and active wildlife, Yosemite has many hiking trails to see this fall. Plus, with increased accessibility, you can experience a more relaxed and intimate connection with nature. Just remember, reservations to enter the park are still required on the weekends through October 27, 2024.