7 Things to Do in Yosemite's Last Call to Fall
written by Christina P. Kantzavelos | photo by Kim Lawson
It's time to throw on your scarf and beanie, sip on a pumpkin spice latte, and witness Yosemite's multi-chromatic transition in the last days of fall. With this change there are still quite a few awesome things to do in the park and in our neck of the woods, Wawona. Whether it's going on a hike, getting cozy in your cabin, roasting s'mores, or checking out the museums, we have your unbe-leaf-able list for autumn in Yosemite Valley!
1. Get Cozy by the Fireplace in Your Cabin
Snuggle up with a cup of hot tea or cocoa next to the fireplace. Not much compares to the comfort of sitting inside sometimes. #NetflixAndChill
2. Take Fido to a Pet-Friendly Yosemite Trail
There are great pet-friendly trails to explore with your furry pal in Yosemite and the Wawona area. Take your pup on the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail or Chowchilla Mountain Road. Or explore Bridalveil Fall trail, Cook's Meadow Loop, Hodgdon Meadow, up to Glacier Point, or Lower Yosemite Falls. You can also bring them on the Mirror Lake Trail, or snap a holiday card photo in front of Tunnel View. Keep in mind, pets are not allowed in the backcountry, meadows, public buildings, or shuttle buses. We have you and Fido covered with pet-friendly cabin options.
3. S'mores and BBQs!
Can you smell the ooey-goodness already? Throw on a couple of layers and start roasting. We can't be blamed for making your neighbors jealous.
4. Explore Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road Hikes (Before Roads Close for Winter)
Take advantage of having access to both Glacier Point and Tioga Roads before they close for the season. Each has beautiful hikes and phenomenal views that can't be reached once the snow arrives.
5. Celebrate Thanksgiving Inside the Park
Host a Thanksgiving feast in the comfort of your cabin with friends and family. If you'd rather not cook, there are three Thanksgiving Dinner options in the park. The Redwoods cabins book up fast around Thanksgiving, so check vacation home availability early.
6. Visit the Grizzly Giant in Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove re-opened in June of this year after four years of restoration. If you're looking for a less-crowded corner of the park, this is it. The Grizzly Giant has never looked so good. Staying with us? You get access to a shuttle that takes you straight there.
7. Explore the Museums in the Park
Visit Hill's Studio in Wawona to see recreations of Thomas Hill's work. At the Pioneer Center, walk across a covered bridge, visit historic buildings, and see horse-drawn wagons. The history center in Wawona covers how Yosemite inspired national parks around the world. In the valley, The Yosemite Museum highlights the cultural history of the native Paiute and Miwok people from 1850 to the present, with a reconstructed Ahwahnee Indian Village behind it. Don't miss the Ansel Adams Gallery, showing his work alongside contemporary photographers and other artists.
Looking for a Cabin?
Our Redwoods In Yosemite cabins sit in Wawona, at the southern entrance of Yosemite, a few miles from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (free shuttle access when you stay with us). The cabins border the South Fork of the Merced River, the Wawona swinging bridge, and Chilnualna Falls. Many are pet-friendly, some have spa tubs, and all have private decks with BBQs.
