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Yosemite National Park River water
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Yosemite National Park
Visiting in Fall
 
Upper Yosemite Fall in autumn

While Yosemite Falls is often dry in fall, it resumes flowing after a little snowfall (usually by November).

Fall
(October & November)
See lots of the park, but few people

Areas to visit: All areas of the park usually remain open through October, and sometimes into November. However short-term closures may occur due to snow. Along the Tioga Road, services are not available after September and overnight parking is not permitted after October 14th. Yosemite Valley and Wawona remain accessible by car all year, however tire chains may be required, depending on conditions.

Weather: Quite variable, with weather ranging from hot to cold, dry to rainy or snowy.
Yosemite Valley & Wawona (4,000 ft / 1,200 m): 54°F (12°C) / 35°F (2°C)

Rivers & Waterfalls: Water levels tend to be very low, with waterfalls (including Yosemite Falls) containing little or no water. Some waterfalls, including Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil, run all year, however their flow slows to a trickle by fall.

Fall colors: Yosemite is not known for having spectacular fall colors because most of the trees are evergreen. Still, big-leaf maples, black oaks, Pacific dogwoods, and other deciduous trees tend to be showy around mid-October.

Plowing through snow
Tioga Road Opening & Closing
Find out when the Tioga Road opened and closed each year since 1980
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Altocumulus clouds over Yosemite Valley
Detailed Climate Data
Find detailed climate data for Yosemite Valley from the Western Regional Climate Center
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Half Dome with a cloud
Current Conditions
Find out current conditions and facilities information
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Visitor crossing Tioga Road near trailhead

Did You Know?
The Tioga Road is the highest trans-sierra route in California, crossing Tioga Pass at 9,945 feet in elevation.
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Last Updated: August 22, 2011 at 18:13 MST