Yosemite in Autumn – Photos & Video
With a wide range of elevations, Yosemite National Park offers a completely different visual experience in the fall than any other season.
Autumn in Yosemite is a quiet time with colorful leaves and meandering brooks. Take a moment and soak in the serene views in this “Fall Moments – Yosemite Nature Notes” video.
From quaking aspen trees to dogwoods and black cottonwoods, Yosemite’s trees and shrubs offer an explosion of color in various parts of the park. Even poison oak changes color, ranging from purple to red. While peak leaf season is dependent on temperatures, rain and other factors, the end of October can be a great time to experience the foliage. Check with park officials early in the fall to find out what is happening in the park and to learn when the best time will be to visit.
Yosemite in Autumn Photo Gallery
Download the Eastern Sierra Fall Color Guide & Map
This guide from Inyo and Mono counties includes a map of 21 autumn color hot spots.
Eastern Yosemite Fall Color Guide & Map
Current Leaf Color Status
Visit the Mono County Fall Colors Blog for fall photos that are notated with dates and locations. www.monocounty.org/things-to-do/fall-colors
What Types of Trees does Yosemite have?
There are five woodland zones in Yosemite National Park
Foothill-Woodland Zone
Trees include blue oak, interior live oak, and gray pine.
Lower Montane Forest
The diversity of tree species found in this zone make this a beautiful and interesting forest to explore with California black oak, ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, and white fir. Yosemite’s giant sequoia groves including the Mariposa, Merced, and the Tuolumne Groves are also found here in Yosemite Valley and along the Wawona, Hetch Hetchy and Big Oak Flat Roads.
Upper Montane Forest
Pure stands of red fir and lodgepole pine are typical of this forest. Jeffrey pine, which has bark that smells like vanilla, and the picturesque western juniper can also be found in this zone. View from the Tioga Road east of Crane Flat and in areas north and south of Yosemite Valley, such as along the Glacier Point Road.
Subalpine Forest
The western white pine, mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine are found in this forest. See from the Tuolumne Meadows area east to Tioga Pass.
Alpine Zone
This area is above tree line. No trees grow in this zone due to the harsh climatic conditions.