Yosemite Current Conditions: Fall Colors, Waterfall Flow, and Visitor Updates
Last week I spent a couple days exploring Yosemite National Park to check out what’s happening right now...from the Fall colors and waterfall flow to the effects of the ongoing government shutdown. If you’re planning a Yosemite fall road trip in the coming weeks, you’re in for a real treat. Waves of fall foliage are popping across the valley and at higher elevations right now, so if you’re hoping to see the golden hues of Autumn, consider heading to park soon! And for those of you who are concerned about the “chaos” and conditions due to the government shutdown, it’s not nearly as bad as what some outlets have been reporting. So join me below for a real-time fall update to help you prepare for your upcoming Yosemite adventure.
Note: Keep in mind the photos taken in this post are from 10/20-10/21, so the fall colors will be even more vibrant this week!
Yosemite fall colors along the Merced River near Three Brothers
Yosemite 2-4 Day Summer Itinerary & Travel Guide
If you’re planning a Yosemite road trip during the summer and fall months (before Tioga Road and Glacier Point Road close), make sure to download my complete Yosemite 2-4 Day Summer Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes an hour-by-hour schedule, Google & Apple map pin locations, the best stargazing spots, a dining guide, recommendations on where to stay, activities outside the park, and more! Download it today and make your Yosemite planning easy!
Fall colors at Sentinel Meadow with Yosemite Falls in view
Fall Colors
The Fall colors in Yosemite Valley are coming alive, with foliage currently sitting around 50% peak. It’s that exciting patchwork stage where you’ll find pockets of vibrant color mixed with green, creating endless photo opportunities. I’d expect the peak Yosemite Valley Fall color to arrive towards the end of this last week of October and the first week of November, though different tree species will peak at different times, making the next couple of weeks especially dynamic. Higher elevations along Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road are already glowing with golden yellows and reds, so if you’re after the brightest color, head up in elevation soon.
Unlike the Eastern Sierra where quaking aspen largely dominate the landscape, Yosemite contains a wide array of foliage types that pop at different times with varying shades of yellows, golds, and reds. Below you’ll find a quick synopsis of the primary fall leaves you’ll encounter in Yosemite and what they’re looking like now.
Dogwood tree along the Valley Loop Trail with views of El Capitan
Dogwood
The Yosemite dogwoods have begun their transition, blushing with soft pinks and deep crimson tones. Some of the best places to spot them in the valley are along the Valley Loop Trail near Pohono Bridge and Fern Springs, around the Ahwahnee Hotel, and at Valley View. At higher elevations on Wawona Road and Big Oak Flat Road, the dogwoods are already glowing in rich reds. A quieter spot worth seeking out is the Wawona Meadow Loop, a hidden gem for dogwood lovers and photographers.
Bigleaf Maple
The Bigleaf maples are starting to turn now as well, adding splashes of yellow and orange along the west side of the valley. The best stretch for seeing them is along Southside Drive between the Pohono Bridge and the El Capitan Drive crossover, where the trees drape beautifully over the road. You can also enjoy them along the Valley Loop Trail that parallels this drive. Their wide, golden leaves will only get more dramatic in the coming days, so now’s a great time for photos.
Bigleaf maple trees along Valley Loop Trail in Yosemite National Park
Black oak trees at the base of El Capitan in Yosemite Valley
Black Oak
The Black oaks in Yosemite are still fairly green, but you can see hints of gold starting to emerge. The best places to spot them are at El Capitan Meadow and along the Cook’s Meadow Loop, where their twisting branches frame classic views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. These trees are slow to change but worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.
Cottonwood
The Cottonwoods are just beginning their transformation, with flashes of yellow showing up along the Merced River. This week, expect them to peak near Sentinel Meadow and the Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge, where their golden reflections shimmer in the water. These trees are always among the most photogenic in late October and early November, creating that quintessential Yosemite-in-Fall look photographers dream about.
Cook’s Meadow Elm showing fall colors below Half Dome in Yosemite
Elm
The famous Cook’s Meadow Elm Tree is putting on a show right now and is one of the highlights of Fall in Yosemite Valley. This historic tree (the last remaining of a group of elms planted by James Mason Hutchings in the mid-1800s) typically peaks before other foliage in the valley. Last week it was popping with warm yellow hues that stand out beautifully against the granite walls. You can frame it perfectly beneath Half Dome from the Lower Yosemite Falls bus stop, or capture it beneath Yosemite Falls from the Cook’s Meadow parking lot near Sentinel Bridge.
Quaking Aspen
For those venturing into higher elevations, the Quaking aspens are at their best right now, but only for a short window. Along Tioga Road, near Quaking Aspen Falls, the hillsides are glowing in gold and orange. Outside the park, the Lee Vining Creek Valley is bursting with color too. These groves are likely to go past peak within the next few days, so if you’ve been waiting to see Yosemite’s aspen season, go soon.
Crowds along Lower Yosemite Falls Trail
Waterfalls
Thanks to some recent weather, the Yosemite waterfalls are flowing better than expected for this time of year. Both Bridalveil Fall and Yosemite Falls have a steady flow, a pleasant surprise since they’re often reduced to a trickle by October and November. The light mist catching the autumn sunlight makes for beautiful photography in the early morning or late afternoon. While these falls aren’t roaring like they do in spring, their gentle flow adds just the right touch of movement and sound to the valley’s peaceful Fall atmosphere.
Snow-capped peaks at Tioga Lake at sunset
Snow
No snow is visible from Yosemite Valley, but if you make your way up Tioga Road, you’ll quickly spot signs of winter. There’s snow dusting the higher peaks and lingering along the roadside. Just outside the park, both Tioga Lake and Ellery Lake are surrounded by snowcapped mountains, which are truly stunning right now for anyone chasing those crisp alpine views. It’s a reminder that Yosemite’s Fall season is short and fleeting, as the park prepares to transition into winter.
Yosemite fall colors below Half Dome seen from Sentinel Bridge
Government Shutdown Effects
Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Yosemite was surprisingly crowded for midweek. The Bridalveil Fall parking lot was full by midday, and popular stops like Tunnel View, Valley View, and Yosemite Falls were bustling with visitors taking advantage of the free entry (the park entrances were unattended during my visit). While reports have mentioned overflowing trash cans and unclean bathrooms, I didn’t see any of that. In fact, the park looked well cared for, with NPS staff visible in multiple locations and even cleaning restrooms near Lower Yosemite Falls. Overall, Yosemite felt lively and well-maintained despite the circumstances.
Yosemite Search & Rescue team helping stranded climber on El Capitan
Search & Rescue
While exploring El Capitan Meadow, I witnessed an impressive Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) operation in progress. A CHP helicopter was assisting in rescuing a climber stranded on the El Cap Spire of the Freerider Route. The helicopter took off from the meadow and hovered next to the wall, lowering a YOSAR climber onto the spire to help the injured individual. It was a powerful reminder of how skilled and dedicated these rescue teams are, operating seamlessly against the sheer granite face of El Capitan. Even during a government shutdown, their work doesn’t stop.
Fall colors along Tioga Road at Quaking Aspen Falls
Know Before You Go
• Always visit the Travel Alerts page at YosemiteThisYear.com and the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit, as well as information on Yosemite National Park reservation requirements.
• Wildlife is abundant in Yosemite. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as this is black bear territory.
• Please remember to pack out everything you pack in and stay on the designated paths. If you’re not familiar with the Leave No Trace Principles, consider familiarizing yourself with them before your trip. Please help leave this special place better than you found it so its natural beauty can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Fall foliage in Yosemite National Park can vary depending on foliage type, temperatures, precipitation & wind, so keep an eye on local weather reports for real-time updates.
Downloadable Itineraries & Travel Guides
Planning a trip to California and the west coast? I’ve got in-depth travel guides and itineraries for several national parks and beautiful destinations. Check out a few of them below, or click here to see them all!
Yosemite fall colors along the Merced River below El Capitan and Three Brothers
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of the current conditions, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Fall colors in the Yosemite Valley along the Merced River
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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