Top 15 Spots for Yosemite Valley Fall Colors - Visitor's Guide
Hi friends! Witnessing the Fall foliage in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is truly a memorable experience. Most road trippers head out to California’s Eastern Sierra (and understandably so), but today I’m excited to partner with Visit Yosemite | Madera County to share why the Yosemite Valley is also a fantastic destination for photographers and nature lovers looking for the golden hues of the season. Join me below as we visit my top 15 spots see Fall colors in the Yosemite Valley.
Fall colors at Valley View in Yosemite National Park
Location & Fall Foliage
Yosemite Valley is located in the heart of Yosemite National Park, and it features some of the most iconic views in all of our national parks, including El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. In addition to these famous landmarks, Yosemite National Park showcases all kinds of Fall colors, allowing different parts of the park to peak at different times. In the Yosemite Valley you’ll find big leaf maple, sugar maple, elm, dogwood, black cottonwood, and black oak, just to name a few...and if you’re looking for the classic quaking aspen, head up to Tioga Pass for some more vibrant Autumn hues.
Southside Drive framed by Fall colors in Yosemite Valley
1. Southside Drive
Heading into the Yosemite Valley from the Arch Rock Entrance, Southside Drive is often considered one of the most scenic drives in the park. Not only do you enjoy spectacular views of the Yosemite Valley and the towering granite peaks around you, but the winding road features incredible Fall foliage, as the trees on both sides of the road surround you with rich, shades of yellow.
Fall colors along Northside Drive with views of Bridalveil Fall
2. Northside Drive
Although not as lush with Fall colors as Southside Drive, Northside Drive still has some incredible patches of Autumn foliage. One of my favorite spots is directly across the Merced River from Bridalveil Fall. The golden hues of the season perfectly frame this beautiful waterfall and granite peaks.
Yosemite Valley Chapel Fall colors
Yosemite Valley Chapel framed by Fall foliage after a snow
3. Yosemite Valley Chapel
Built in 1879 and moved to its current location in the heart of the Yosemite Valley in 1901, Yosemite Valley Chapel is surrounded by incredible cliffs, beautiful meadows, and a famous view of Yosemite Falls. The chapel still operates as an active house of worship over 140 years later, and it’s become a popular Yosemite National Park wedding location. The sugar maple near the Chapel turns vibrant orange and red complementing the building’s own paint colors for a few weeks every Fall.
Fall foliage at Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center
4. Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center
The Sierra Club has operated the iconic Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center as a public education and visitor center since 1904. In fact, this building served as the first visitor center in Yosemite Valley. Located at Bus Stop #12 across from the Housekeeping Camp, the building was designed to reflect the vertical nature, color, and texture of Yosemite Valley. The California Black Oak Trees surrounding the building light up with shining yellows during Autumn, making for a magical-looking scene.
Fall colors reflected in the Merced River at Yosemite’s Valley View
5. Valley View
A classic Yosemite Valley scene is found at the lookout and parking lot of Valley View (also referred to as Gates of the Valley). With panoramic views of El Capitan, the Merced River, and Bridalveil Fall, Valley View is a worthy stop in any season, but watching the Fall colors develop across the river bank makes this an especially beautiful stop during the Autumn months. For details on this spot, see my full Valley View blog post.
Fall colors surround Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park
6. Ahwahnee Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley, the historic Ahwahnee Hotel is one of America’s most famous national park hotels. It opened nearly a century ago on July 16, 1927, and it hosted countless celebrities and royal dignitaries including Lucille Ball, President John F Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth, just to name a few. The interior of the hotel is stunning and features giant wood-burning fireplaces and a grand dining room with direct views of Yosemite Falls. In fact, this hotel was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The grounds are equally impressive and I definitely recommend a Fall stroll here to enjoy the Autumn leaves swaying in the breeze. For complete details and a virtual visit of this historic hotel, see my full Ahwahnee Hotel blog post.
Fall leaves at Sentinel Bridge with Half Dome towering above
7. Sentinel Bridge
Sentinel Bridge is known for its breathtaking view of Half Dome and its mirror-like reflections from the Merced River, especially during the sunset aspenglow. Located in the eastern side of Yosemite Valley on Sentinel Drive, the bridge can be accessed at shuttle stop #11. Designated accessible parking spaces are located nearby and a pedestrian path leads from the bus stop and parking area, across the street, to a paved sidewalk onto the bridge. As the trees turn colors during Fall, the bright yellow leaves reflect over the water’s edge and frame Half Dome like a masterpiece.
Fall colors along the Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge
8. Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge
Not to be confused with Yosemite’s Wawona Swinging Bridge, Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge no longer “swings”. Multiple years of high flood waters took its toll on the previous swinging bridge until it was finally replaced with a permanently fixed bridge after being damaged in a 1964 flood. This wooden bridge is a popular spot to view Yosemite Falls or enjoy a valley meal at one of the picnic tables located not far from the water’s edge. The Swinging Bridge elm and black cottonwood flaunt full Fall colors along the Merced as the temperatures start to cool.
Fall colors frame the Pohono Bridge in Yosemite Valley
9. Pohono Bridge
This historic single-arch bridge was built with concrete and local stone in 1928. The bridge spans 80 feet and is lined with Maple and Dogwood trees, which shine with golden yellow colors against the Merced river flowing below. The bridge’s rustic style is popular with photographers, particularly during the Autumn months when the leaves start changing color.
The Cook’s Meadow Oak framed by Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
10. Sentinel & Cook’s Meadows
Cook's Meadow is named for John J. Cook, who owned a hotel in Yosemite Valley from 1881-87 and grazed cattle in the meadow. Sentinel Meadow is named for its proximity to Sentinel Rock, which was said by the members of the Whitney Survey (1863) to resemble a giant watchtower. Strolling around this flat easy hike takes you through the valley floor to multiple views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. This is a great intro-to-Yosemite Valley hike any time of year, but there are many Fall foliage views worthy of a stop here during Autumn. One of the more popular photos to capture is Half Dome towering over the Cook’s Meadow Oak, which typically begins to turn earlier in the season than the rest of the valley.
Fall colors in Yosemite Valley’s El Capitan Meadow
11. El Capitan Meadow
There is a beautiful golden meadow at the base of El Capitan along Northside Drive. Often you’ll find clusters of onlookers here with telescopes, watching rock climbers scale one of the most impressive walls of granite in the world. Not only are the views of El Cap incredible here, the black oak trees are magical in the Fall.
El Capitan towers above the Merced River along Valley Loop Trail
Fall foliage along Valley Loop Trail in Yosemite National Park
12. Valley Loop Trail
One of my favorite ways to spend a day in Yosemite Valley is strolling along the Valley Loop Trail. This 11-mile hike can be split up and accessed all through the valley as it meanders through the forest and meadows beside the Merced River. This trail is filled with views of so many famous Yosemite points of interest, including Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Cathedral Rocks, Sentinel Rock, and Half Dome, just to name a few. Fall is such a special time to enjoy a hike here...not only are the temperatures mild and the crowds minimal, but the big leaf maple shines with bright yellows and the ferns shift into rich copper and orange colors.
Fall Firefall in Yosemite National Park
13. Horsetail Fall (Firefall)
The natural phenomenon of bright orange light reflecting off El Capitan’s Horsetail Fall is often referred to as the “Firefall” and it’s known to show off for only a few weeks during mid-February at sunset. However, during Autumn, if the right amount of precipitation and lighting cooperate, one can sometimes see the elusive spectacle and illusion of a blazing waterfall (or at least a “firewall”). For more information on this natural phenomenon, you can see my full Complete Firefall Visitors Guide, as well as my Fall Firefall blog post.
Fall colors pop in a sea of evergreen at Tunnel View before sunrise
14. Tunnel View
Easily considered one of the most classic viewpoints of Yosemite Valley, Tunnel View is worth a stop any time of year, and certainly during the Fall months when you can see the Fall colors developing down below. If you’re an early riser, consider heading to this spot about an hour before sunrise to often witness the skies turn pink for a few brief moments. For details and history on this spot, see my full Tunnel View blog post.
Three Brothers and Fall colors reflect in the Merced River
15. Merced River
All throughout the Yosemite Valley, beautiful pockets of Fall colors can be found along the Merced River. Make sure to take time and explore, finding your own special spots to avoid the crowds. Just make sure to honor the Leave No Trace Principles and please refrain from trampling areas where posted signs indicate to stay out.
Fall colors along Tioga Road
Bonus: Tioga Road
One of Yosemite National Park’s incredible drives climbs high above the valley floor with elevations ranging from 6,000-9,900 ft. The meadows here develop a golden hue in the fall and beautiful patches of trees (including aspen) showcasing yellow and orange leaves can easily be seen on the east side of the park. This road does close in the Winter due to snow, so check the NPS website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. For more details on exploring this area see my First-Timers Guide to Tioga Pass blog post.
Southside Drive Fall colors in Yosemite Valley
Know Before You Go
• For a great 1-day Yosemite Fall itinerary, check out the great article by Visit Yosemite | Madera County, “Yosemite in a Day, Fall Edition”.
• The Travel Alerts page on YosemiteThisYear.com is a great resource to reference prior to any Yosemite trip. There you’ll find up-to-date park information, road conditions, and links to everything you might need while preparing for your trip.
• Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date road conditions, air quality, and possible closures prior to your visit.
• Wildlife is abundant in Yosemite. Never leave food unattended, especially in your vehicle, as this is black bear territory.
• Don’t rely on phone service here for GPS or to reach anyone. Cell coverage is nearly non-existent and very spotty at best, no matter what carrier you use.
• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.
Top 10 Fall Spots in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Yosemite Valley
South Fork Bishop Creek
Pine Creek Canyon
Half Dome and Fall colors reflect in the Merced River seen from Sentinel Bridge
In Summary & Post Sponsor
Thank you so much for joining me this week in Yosemite National Park to explore the Fall colors. For a virtual visit of all of the spots mentioned above, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video linked at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here.
I’d like to give a special thank you to the sponsor of this post, Visit Yosemite | Madera County. Please consider stopping off to support the small businesses and local economies of the gateway communities surrounding the park. For great information on what to do inside Yosemite National Park and in Madera County directly to the south (along Highway 41), check out YosemiteThisYear.com and @yosemitemadera on Instagram. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Fall colors, Half Dome & North Dome reflect in 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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I spent the last week in Yosemite National Park checkout out what the waterfalls and flooding is looking like now. Check out the current conditions of Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, the Merced River, and the Spring wildflowers blooming in the park and where to find them. Read this Spring travel guide to plan your upcoming Yosemite road trip to see its raging waterfalls & abundant wildlife.