Yosemite Fall Color Report **CURRENT CONDITIONS** (Nov 1st)
If you’re wondering whether now is the time to visit Yosemite National Park for peak Fall colors, the answer is a resounding yes! As autumn unfolds, Yosemite’s iconic landscapes are transforming with vibrant hues—golden yellow big leaf maples, fiery red dogwoods, and majestic black oaks showing their richest shades. Over the next 1-2 weeks, visitors will enjoy some of the best Fall color displays across Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, and other popular spots. From the golden canopy along the Valley Loop Trail to the cottonwoods framing the glassy Merced waters, Yosemite’s Fall scenery will be peaking soon. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or casual visitor, don’t miss out on this short window to experience Yosemite’s autumn beauty at its finest! Join me below as we explore some of my favorite Yosemite spots for fall colors to see what they’re looking like right now.
Everything in this post was captured on 10/31-11/1.
Yosemite Fall colors along Valley Loop Trail
Yosemite Fall Foliage Overview
Yosemite's Fall colors are always a delight, with black oaks, cottonwoods, big leaf maples, and dogwoods creating a tapestry of colors. However, typically this variety of foliage peaks at different times, and this season is no exception. As of now, black oaks are at 50-75%, showing a combination of greens and golden hues, with some spots in the valley already past peak. Cottonwoods have reached 50%, with still a decent amount of green showing in some areas. Big leaf maples are at 75%, with rich yellows brightening the west end of the valley. Dogwoods still have some developing to go in the valley at only 50%, but they are absolutely stunning in higher elevations with pockets of vibrant reds along the drive from the valley down to Wawona. As a result of the foliage diversity, Fall leaf peepers exploring the park over the next couple weeks will experience different types of peaking.
Fall colors at Pohono Bridge in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Fall colors along Merced River near El Capitan
Pohono Bridge & Valley Loop Trail
A beautiful stroll through towering pines with vibrant patches of black oak, big leaf maple, and dogwood. This area is currently at 50-75% color change, particularly rich with yellows and occasional pale reds from dogwoods. Park near the Pohono Bridge or Fern Spring and take a jaunt along the Valley Loop Trail to experience an autumn wonderland along the Merced River,
Big leaf maple Fall colors along Bridalveil Fall Trail
Black oak past peak at Bridalveil Fall Trailhead with El Capitan in the distance
Bridalveil Fall Trail
Though Bridalveil Fall is just a gentle stream at the moment, the trail is lined with golden big leaf maples at 50%. The black oaks near the trailhead along Southside Drive have passed their peak, but the scenic allure remains.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Bridalveil Fall blog post.
Fall colors along Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley
Southside Drive
A stunning location for photographers, Southside Drive is nearing its peak at 75%. Right now is the perfect time to capture the beauty of golden hues from the black oaks and big leaf maples that frame this scenic stretch of road in the west end of the Yosemite Valley.
Black oak & cottonwood at Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge
Swinging Bridge
With cottonwoods at about 50% and black oaks still mostly green, this spot offers a mix of green and yellow tones, making it a serene place to watch the transition. The Merced River levels are extremely low right now, allowing visitors to explore the sandy beaches below this historic bridge. This is also a great spot to see what Yosemite Falls is looking right now, which is currently almost completely dry.
Cottonwoods along Sentinel Meadow with views of a dry Yosemite Falls
Past peak Cook’s Meadow Elm Tree with a dry Yosemite Falls
Sentinel & Cook’s Meadows
These meadows are currently brown and wispy in the gentle fall breeze, with open views of Yosemite's iconic cliffs. Framing the meadows you’ll find a mix of 25-50% color change in cottonwoods and black oaks. The famous Cook’s Meadow Elm Tree, however, has already passed its peak...but the rest of the trees are still changing, providing plenty of green to yellow tones.
Fall colors at the Yosemite Valley Chapel
Yosemite Valley Chapel
The fall foliage that surround the quaint Yosemite Valley Chapel is at 50-75% color change. It’s a lovely spot for photos, especially with the chapel nestled amid golden leaves and evergreens.
Fall colors along Merced River at Sentinel Bridge with views of Half Dome
Sentinel Bridge
From Sentinel Bridge, you’ll find views of Half Dome framed by evergreens and cottonwoods at 50-75% color change. With golden hues reflecting on the banks of the Merced River, it’s a beautiful spot to capture fall's progression in Yosemite Valley.
Black oak fall colors at Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center
Conservation Heritage Center
The Conservation Heritage Center, framed by towering pine and black oaks at 50-75% color change, is a picturesque spot straight out of a fairytale. The leaves haven’t fully peaked, but within the next week, this historic stone structure will be adorned with golden leaves flickering down from the adjacent oak tree.
Yosemite Fall colors at Stoneman Meadow with views of Half Dome
Stoneman Meadow
Although mostly framed with evergreens, this meadow does have a black oaks that grace the open meadow, which are gradually transitioning with 25-50% fall color change. It’s an excellent place for a leisurely walk while soaking in the towering granite formations on all sides, including Half Dome, North Dome, Royal Arches, and Glacier Point.
Ahwahnee Meadow cottonwood trees in Yosemite National Park
Ahwahnee Meadow
The Ahwahnee Meadow’s cottonwoods are a popular subject matter for photographers, but they are still fairly green, with hints of yellow showing at about 25-50% color change. It’s a tranquil spot for photographers and nature lovers, providing panoramic views of the valley’s granite peaks. It’s also a great spot for wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of deer and coyotes.
Fall colors at El Capitan Meadow in Yosemite Valley
El Capitan Meadow
Golden tones from the black oaks at about 50% color change surround this meadow, with panoramic views of El Capitan and the Cathedral Rocks creating stunning backdrops. It’s a must-visit location for iconic Yosemite fall photography. This is also a great spot for a midday picnic while watching the big wall climbers trying to conquer the El Capitan monolith. Don’t forget your binoculars or zoom lens!
Valley View Fall colors in Yosemite National Park
Valley View
Valley View, with black oaks, dogwood, and various other fall foliage, is at about 50% transition. This is a favorite spot to capture the valley’s dramatic cliffs reflecting in the still waters of the Merced with pops of vibrant fall colors, especially at sunrise and sunset.
For more info on this spot, check out my full Valley View blog post.
Dogwood peaking along Wawona Road in Yosemite National Park
Wawona Road
Wawona Road in between Tunnel View and Wawona is currently at its peak for fall colors, with dogwoods showing brilliant reds at 75-100%. The bright foliage along this higher elevation route makes for a striking drive, especially in the afternoon light. There are numerous spots to pull off the road and enjoy the red dogwood leaves blanket the hillsides and around the creeks that cascade under the highway. Just be extra cautious of drivers that speed along this curvy road while you enjoy the fall views.
Dogwood fall colors along Wawona Meadow Loop Trail
Wawona Meadow Loop
Encircling Wawona Meadow, this loop trail is surrounded by dogwoods and black oaks at 75% transition. The red hues of dogwoods create a tunnel effect, giving this trail a magical autumn feel that will only deepen over the next week. This is a lesser known and visited trail, and while the busy summer season has come to an end, this is a wonderful spot to escape the valley crowds on weekends. Keep an eye out for wildlife in the meadow as well. I’ve seen coyotes on multiple occasions here, including this last week!
For more info on this spot, check out my full Wawona Meadow Loop blog post.
Dry Yosemite Falls seen from Yosemite Valley Swinging Bridge
Yosemite's Waterfalls
Right now, Bridalveil Fall is a gentle stream, drifting in the breeze and creating a beautiful misty effect along the rocks. Yosemite Falls, almost completely dry, shows only a small trickle at the very top, visible with binoculars or a zoom lens. Rainy weather moved in over the weekend, which may briefly revive the waterfalls, so this is a great time to visit if you're hoping to see a little more flow.
Bridalveil Fall with big leaf maple fall colors
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.
Top 10 Fall Spots in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
South Fork Bishop Creek
Pine Creek Canyon
Fall foliage along Valley Loop Trail in Yosemite National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of this Yosemite Fall Color Report, 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.
Southside Drive Fall colors in Yosemite Valley
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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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Etsy Shop
Wondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.