Falling for Yosemite
For most of us, Labor Day signals the unofficial end of Summer.
Vacations are over. Kids are back in school. The final firework display
at the California State Fair has faded away. It's the last bona fide
summer holiday weekend and, from this point forward it's a slow, steady
slide into the New Year.
The Fall Equinox occurs around September 23rd each year. The sun crosses
the celestial equator, from north to south, heralding the end of Summer
marking the official start of Fall. Professed or scientific – it's Fall!
Days are getting shorter; shadows are longer; nights are cooler; and
you can feel the change in the air. It's inspirational! It's also one
of the best and most inspired times of year to visit Yosemite National
Park!
When it comes to visiting Yosemite, fewer travelers visit in this
off-season.” Annually, millions of people throng to see the splendor of
the granite cliffs, cascading falls, giant sequoias, and the grandeur
made famous by the likes of John Muir and Ansel Adams. During late
spring and throughout the summer months, Yosemite is teeming with guests
from around the world. There's more traffic and making lodging
reservations, especially within the park, can be a challenge.
Post-summer, the visitor-tide ebbs and the Park begins an unhurried
progression into a seasonal hibernation. Fewer cars on the roads in,
out, and around the park, is definitely a big plus. The availability of
lodging – at all levels – is much more attainable. And rates start to
fall, ever so slightly, usually towards the end of October.
The Fall weather remains comfy with daytime temps warm enough for shorts
and river sandals such as Teva and Keen; nights can be chilly but cozy –
even more so as the Fall season evolves. Changes in temperatures and
weather should be considered when packing. Better to err on the
conservative side – the layered approach is usually best – and remember
that rain and early snow is always a possibility; come prepared.
California Fall Foliage
Yosemite Valley is famous for its colorful dogwoods – shades of pink and
red; and California live oaks turn a golden amber color mid-October to
November. Throughout the season aspens adorn themselves with seasonal
hues. The onset of Fall colors can't be timed. Lengthening nights and
colder temperatures signal the change. So in other words, later in the
season is better but is no guarantee. In the solitude and calm of the
Fall season, you can be assured that Yosemite will not disappoint even
the most ardent leaf peeper. Look for the landmark blazing red sugar
maple near Yosemite Chapel and colorful black oaks in Superintendent's
Meadow. Take Tioga Road along the Merced River for some of the best Fall
foliage photo-ops.
Visitors should keep an eye out for mule deer and coyote, which are now
seen frequently as they move from the higher elevations of the Sierra
Nevada down into Yosemite Valley. Bears should always be a concern –
though not as frequently sighted. Do not leave any food or sunscreen,
toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, gum, candy and any other items that have a
scent in your car. If camping, be certain to take precautions and use
food storage lockers.
Go
From the golden hills of Serrano, you have the benefit of missing all
that pesky Central Valley traffic heading south. Your foothill perch
provides easy access to one of California's most scenic byways, Hwy. 49.
It's always best to travel with a detailed map, but Mapquest also
provides some simple directions: Take Latrobe Road to CA-16 and then
hop, skip and a jump to Hwy. 49. It's mostly downhill (sort of) to Hwy.
120, and coast into the Park. There's no better way to begin this Fall
foliage sojourn. As Fall flourishes, sightings of color along Hwy. 49
are clearly an added attraction to this multi-hued escape.
Also known as the Golden Chain Heritage Corridor, Hwy. 49 passes through
charming and historic towns. Allow time to enjoy the sights and an
occasional stop at towns along the way. Amador City, Sutter Creek,
Angels Camp, Sonora, and others offer outstanding opportunities for
shopping, sightseeing, and maybe a fresh-baked loaf of bread or a glass
of wine. California's past lives on in these Gold Rush-era gems. If you
choose to bypass downtown Sonora's 2-lane traffic, a detour on Rawhide
Road saves about 15-20 minutes of driving time.
Hwy. 49 has more than it's share of twists and turns and slow-moving
vehicles. Relax and enjoy the ride. Remember, getting there is half the
fun. If you've never driven to Yosemite via Hwy. 120 you may want to
avoid Old Priest Grade, which is recommended by Mapquest. This
incredibly steep, 2-mile stretch of road is not for the week-of-heart.
We love it and wouldn't think of going any other way, but never with a
trailer or motorhome! Think about staying on Hwy. 120 on the west side
of the canyon. This will meet Old Priest Grade at the top. About a
6-mile trek, the New Priest Grade bypass is longer and somewhat winding,
but the easy ascent can easily accommodate trailers and motorhomes as
it's the preferred route for tour buses.
If heading down the vertical” Old Priest Grade, make sure your brakes
are in good working order.
Hwy. 120 passes through the Gold Rush-era town of Groveland, an
excellent pit-stop or place to stay outside the Park if that's your
choice. Greeting guests since 1849, the 3-diamond Groveland Hotel is
known for their extraordinary cuisine and wines; and the Iron Door
Saloon (yes, real iron doors) claims to be the longest continuously
operated drinking establishment in California. About 23 miles away, is
the Big Oak Flat entrance to the park. Here you'll be required to
purchase a $20 Vehicle Pass, valid for seven days.
Tip! Be sure to gas-up before heading into Yosemite Valley. The last
chance” is at the intersection of Yosemite Lakes Road (Harden Flat), but
it's typically 50 cents to a dollar per gallon more than the Valero
station in the town of Big Oak Flat at the top of Priest Grade. There's
also another station in downtown Groveland. Gas and propane are also
available at Crane Flat, Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows (summer only).
Without any detours, it's about 160 miles from Serrano to Yosemite
National Park. Depending on your speed and traffic, expect to be on the
road at least 3 ½ hours.
If you're staying in Yosemite Valley, park your car and ride the hybrid
electric shuttle to nearby attractions. It's green and environmentally
friendly in a big way.
Stay in Yosemite National Park
Answering the lodging question may be the toughest: Is this a family
outing? A romantic getaway for two? The budget Lodging possibilities
range from the 4-diamond grand dame of the park, The Ahwahnee Hotel and
the family-oriented Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, to the Victorian
elegance of the Wawona Hotel and Curry Village which includes motel
rooms, cabins with and without baths, and unheated canvas tents.
Checking online will provide additional information about
accommodations, amenities and rates, plus the availability of
wonderfully priced packages. Plan early to give yourself the best
options!
The majestic lady of Park lodging is The Ahwahnee. This celebrated,
4-diamond resort rests grandly among the pines and by the Royal Arches,
a dramatic granite wall popular with climbers. The Ahwahnee's regal
architectural details combine the best of the Art Deco and Arts & Crafts
movements with a splash of Native American and Middle Eastern
influences. Spacious common areas and 99 elegantly appointed rooms –
there's not a bad view in the house – are romance personified.
Surrounded by dogwood trees, 24 cottages provide a private showing of
dazzling red foliage during the Fall season. Hotel rooms have stunning
views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Lower Yosemite Falls (dry this
time of year). Yosemite Village is an easy walk or shuttle ride from the
hotel.
Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is ideal for families with kids (or not).
There are 245 rooms including four family rooms – which include one
double bed, three single beds, a sofa bed, and a dining table. Daily
maid service is available in each of the rooms. After registering, be
sure to check out the tour desk for upcoming activities. The Lodge is
located near Yosemite Falls. Even though it's dry this time of year,
Yosemite Falls (the highest waterfall in North America) is still worth a
look and a stroll along the Merced River. The Lodge complex also
includes an outstanding gift shop and small convenience store, just in
case!
Whether romance or family-time is on your agenda, the Victorian-era
Wawona Hotel provides the best of all possibilities. Located in the
southern end of the park, this oldest of Yosemite accommodations is
reminiscent of a soft Southern Belle. Sweeping verandas and Adirondack
chairs whisper your name. Rooms with or without baths are available. If
you're really looking to escape any of the crowds” in Yosemite Valley
and still have endless possibilities of things to see and do…come to
Wawona.
Outside of the Park boundaries, Evergreen Lodge offers couples and
families a rare opportunity to enjoy all of Yosemite, including the
little-visited Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. A variety of fully-furnished
cabins and cottages accommodate up to six guests. Or if you want
something more natural, check-out their new custom camping” rates. It's
the beauty of sleeping under the stars, without any of the hassles of
pitching a tent.
Eat
The Ahwahnee Dining Room is a gourmet dining experience, with the heart
of the menu steeped in California cuisine. Whenever possible, dishes
feature both organic and sustainably-harvested, locally-grown
ingredients. Ceiling-to-floor windows bring the beauty of Yosemite to
your table. Reservations are recommended and proper attire for dinner is
requested.
Within easy striking distance of Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is the Food
Court, Mountain Room Restaurant, and Mountain Room Lounge. The Food
Court offers a cafeteria-styled selection of dining options. Kids will
be happy to pick and choose their food favorites, and pre-packaged items
are perfect for backpacking or hiking. After a day of sightseeing,
unwind next to the Swedish-style fireplace at the Mountain Room Lounge
where libations and lite-fare are available for lunch and dinner. The
stylish Mountain Room Restaurant features more of Yosemite's epicurean
cuisine and provides a children's menu for those under-developed taste
buds.
The Wawona Hotel serves more of the Park's exceptional fare. End a day
of exploration with Wawona's Signature Flat Iron Steak and a piece of
Big Trees Pine Nut Pie. It's worth the drive to see this 1880s beauty
who housed such celebrated guests as Ulysses S. Grant, Lily Langtry and
President Theodore Roosevelt. The hotel is closed in January.
Built in 1921, the main lodge at Evergreen houses their restaurant and
historic tavern. Three meals-a-day are served or you can grab-and-go”
if you're anxious to hit the trail. Other snacks, freshly-made
sandwiches, ice cream, and sodas are available at the General Store. If
weather permits, dine al fresco on the front porch or outdoor dining
area. Kid-friendly food is served!
There are endless feasting opportunities within Yosemite Valley. The
Village has the largest collection of fast food” from tacos and
burritos to deli sandwiches, burgers, and drinks. Picnic lunches can
also be arranged through your hotel. Other snacking options are
available at Glacier Point and the Wawona Golf Shop. Some places are
open seasonally, so check online or ask at your front desk before
heading out.
Play
With so much to see and do, you may find yourself trying to do too much.
Pick two or three top things; you're bound to find more to do once you
arrive. Learn the lay-of-the-land and begin to plan return trips.
The Yosemite Valley Floor Tour, it's highly recommended! The guided
two-hour tour is an excellent introduction to Yosemite's history and
nature, and includes some of the most picturesque spots. Special sunset
and moonlight tours are offered seasonally.
Nighttime is the right time for parents and kids. Story Time for Kids
(12 and under) and Wee Wild Ones (interactive program for 6 and under)
are free and no pre-registration is required. Look for programs
highlighted in color in the Yosemite Today” as they are geared for
children and families.
At the Wawona, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is a short four-mile
drive…or hike if you're feeling energetic. A tram tour is also
available. A ½-mile away, don't miss the chance to walk across the
130-foot Wawona covered bridge – the only covered bridge in the National
Park System and one of 11 in California. Built in 1878, the bridge
crosses the south fork of the Merced River and leads to the 1880s
Pioneer History Center.
Stay, play, eat – you decide – the Vintner's Holiday is the real deal
for couples visiting Yosemite early November and December. Wine
enthusiasts can avail themselves of two- and three-night packages at The
Ahwahnee or Yosemite Lodge at the Falls. Packages include lodging for
two, admission to four tasting seminars, one Meet the Vintners”
reception and one gala dinner. A five-night option is also available.
Visitors are welcome, free of charge, at all Vintner's Holiday seminars
and panel discussions, and may also purchase gala dinner tickets.
Guided roundtrip and one-way tours to Glacier Point can be arranged
through the Park or Evergreen Lodge. Vistas from the top, 3,200 feet
above the Valley, are some of the most spectacular with views of: Half
Dome, and Yosemite, Nevada, and Vernal falls. The Yosemite Association,
a not-for-profit educational organization, also provides a series of
seminars tours, and customized trips.
Hike
Many guided hikes can be arranged once you arrive in the Park. Check at
the Tour Activity, lodging registration, or Concierge desks. Always
carry plenty of water; wear a hat and sunscreen; stay on marked trails;
and remember the Leave No Trace” philosophy of pack-it in and pack-it
out.
Yosemite Falls is dry this time of year. Have heart! Nevada and Vernal
falls are not. The Nevada and Vernal falls trail is the Park's most
popular. Not at their most spectacular, they are definitely less crowded
in the Fall and magnificent anytime of the year. Along the
well-maintained Mist Trail, the hike to the top of Nevada Fall is 3.4
miles from the trailhead in Yosemite Valley. Anyone with patience and
fitness can make it to the top. The Vernal Fall hike – the first 1.4
miles – is great you're less ambitious, but still interested in a great
destination hike. Pay attention to the signs noting the dangers of the
waterfalls!
A high country excursion to Lembert Dome in Tuolumne Meadows provides
stunning views and an easy hike (one-mile roundtrip) – a low work-out
commitment with high returns. Gorgeous in the Fall. For a full-day
commitment, the hike to the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp (5.7 miles
one-way) is all that and more! Isolated stands of aspen along the
Tuolumne River have impressive displays of yellow, orange and red. This
area was burned in forest fire many years ago; the surviving aspens are
bravura. Both hikes are reached via Hwy. 120/Tioga Road. If you're not
going on a guided tour, be sure to pick-up trail maps and directions.
Birch Lake, a 1/2-mile walk from Evergreen Lodge, delivers-up an idyllic
meadow and lake lined by glowing birch trees.
How
For comprehensive information on how to Go, Stay, Eat, Play and Hike on
your Falling for Yosemite escape call or check online. Check for lodging
packages which may include meals or special amenities.