September is a fantastic time to view wildlife in Yosemite as the animals are out and about enjoying the last of the warmer months before fall sets in. September is the last month of the year that bears are guaranteed to be out as some of them retreat to their winter dens as early as October, depending on the weather.
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Some of the falls, such as Yosemite Falls, usually dry up altogether near late September. While other falls, such as Vernal and Nevada Falls, flow all year, they will be reduced to a trickle. The bugs will buzz about in September, obliging visitors to put on bug spray.
Yosemite enthusiasts usually visit the Park during off season months. Fall which starts towards the end of September is one of the best months for hiking and a great time to visit when summer crowds decline dramatically after the Labor Day holiday when children start heading back to school.
May through September is the most popular time in YosemiteThese months correspond with the best weather and are also when all the roads, trails, lodging, shuttles and attractions in the park are open. That includes its most famous drive, Tioga Rd, a 64-mile-long scenic byway that closes when the snow begins to fall.
Yosemite is home to countless waterfalls. The best time to see waterfalls is during spring, when most of the snowmelt occurs. Peak runoff typically occurs in May or June, with some waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) often only a trickle or completely dry by August.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Yosemite? For the best experience, plan on spending three days in Yosemite, especially if you like hiking. Three days gives you enough time to hike a few trails, explore Yosemite Valley, drive Tioga Road to Olmsted Point, and visit Glacier Point and Taft Point.
Plan on spending two to four days in Yosemite if you want enough time to see all the amazing sights. This will give you plenty of time to see Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and enjoy some hiking trails.
Strolling through Yosemite Valley in autumn provides many scenic views filled with fall foliage, such as this image of El Capitan and the Merced River. Glacier Point is one of many popular destinations for a spectacular sunset experience. Fall is also big wall climbing season in Yosemite.
Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. However, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station is open only during daylight hours (approximately) and some roads are closed due to snow from around November through May or June.
Plan trips during the mid-week - Yosemite Valley is most popular on weekends and holidays, which can mean significant traffic congestion, especially on Saturdays. To avoid crowds, consider planning a trip to Yosemite Monday through Thursday.
Fall ColorDaytime temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking. Less visitors in the park compared to the summer months provide a feeling of solitude. Fall color typically starts late September into early October in Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite in autumn is most notable for the absence of two things: raging waterfalls and raging crowds. If you don't mind the former, you'll certainly appreciate the latter. Those famous Yosemite Valley crowds start thinning out after Labor Day and don't recover again until the following May.
Besides the outdoor pools available to the public during summer at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge, swimming is generally permitted in all bodies of water in the park.
You may store food inside your car or truck (out of sight, with windows completely closed) only during daylight hours. You may not leave food in a pickup truck bed or strapped to the outside of a vehicle at any time. Do not store food in your car or truck after dark: use a food locker.
Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants or consider staying indoors during these hours. Ticks cling to plants, waiting for a host (you) to walk by; walk down the middle of trails and avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter. Use an effective insect repellent.
No matter which season you are planning to visit Yosemite, layers will be important. During the spring, summer, or fall, we recommend wearing a base of shorts and a tank top or t-shirt then layering from there. Cargo pants that have removable sections are great.
For extra peace and quiet, visit in January, which is typically the park's least busy month. Just keep in mind that, while the Yosemite Valley and Wawona areas are accessible by car all year, some more remote and challenging roadways, like Tioga, close for the winter (usually starting in November).
The winner: The opportunities for wilderness adventure in Yellowstone are many, but Yosemite has it all, from gentle trails along the floor of the valley to spine-tingling ascents of its rock faces. Plus, Yosemite remains open to many activities through the winter, while Yellowstone goes into bear-like hibernation.
Visit midweek, rather than on the weekend. Even beyond the standard weekend crowding, Saturdays and holiday weekends are “particularly busy,” according to Yosemite's website. In a reply to a Facebook comment from July 6, Yosemite wrote: “It is much quieter on weekdays — especially during the middle of the week.”