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 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!
- Get Cozy by the Fireplace in your Cabin
Snuggle up with a soothing cup of hot tea, or delicious cocoa next to the fireplace in your cabin. Not much compares to the comfort of sitting inside sometimes, right? #NetflixAndChill
- Take Fido to a Pet Friendly Yosemite Trail
Did you know 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 in Wawona. Or, explore Bridalveil Fall trail, Cook’s Meadow Loop, Hodgdon Meadow, Cook’s Meadow Loop, up to Glacier Point, or even Lower Yosemite Falls. You can also bring along your fur-baby on the Mirror Lake Trail, or take a cheesy holiday card photo with them in front of Tunnel View. Looks like it’s awww-tumn! Keep in mind, pets are not allowed in the back country, meadows, in public buildings, or in the shuttle buses. This is for you and your pet’s safety. Looking for a pet friendly cabin? Look no further, we have you and Fido covered!
- S’mores and BBQs!
Can you smell, or taste the ooey-goodness already? Go ahead, throw on a couple of layers, and begin roasting. Note: We can’t be blamed for making your neighbors jealous…
4.Explore Glacier Point Road and Tioga Road Hikes (Before roads close for the winter!)
Hurry! Take advantage of having access to both Glacier Point and Tioga Roads before these close for the season. Each has beautiful hikes, as well as phenomenal views, but can’t be accessed when it begins to snow.
5. Celebrate Thanksgiving inside the Park
Create a wonderful memory with your friends, and family, by hosting a Thanksgiving feast in the comfort of your cabin. If you’re not in the mood to cook, there are three wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner options in the park. Although The Redwoods cabins book quite well during around Thanksgiving, there are few homes left to choose from and you can search them here: Vacation Home Availability
6. Visit the Grizzly Giant in Mariposa Grove
Mariposa Grove re-opened its doors in June of this year after four years of restoration. If you’re looking for a less-crowded option in the park, then this is the perfect place for you. It’s gorgeous, and the Grizzly Giant has never looked so majestic. If you’re staying with us, you get access to a shuttle bus which takes you straight there!
7.Explore the Museums in the Park
Visit the Hill’s Studio in Wawona to see recreations of Thomas Hill’s work. Or, journey to the past at the Pioneer Center and get to walk across a covered bridge, visit historic buildings or see horse-drawn wagons. You can also visit the history center in Wawona, explaining the history of Yosemite and how it inspired national parks across the country and the world. While in Yosemite Valley, you can visit The Yosemite Museum, highlighting the cultural history of the native Paiute and Miwok people from 1850 to the present. There is a reconstructed Ahwahnee Indian Village behind the museum, and an art gallery that is periodically open exhibiting pieces from the Yosemite Museum collection. While in the valley, be sure to also visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, displaying the work of Ansel Adams, as well as contemporary photographers and other artists.
Looking for a cabin to get cozy in?
Our stunning Redwoods In Yosemite cabins are located in Wawona, at the Southern entrance of Yosemite, just a few miles from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (free shuttle access to grove when you stay with us). Relaxing and private, these fully equipped vacation cabins border the wild and scenic South Fork of The Merced River, the Wawona swinging bridge and Chilnualna Falls (the second highest vertical drop waterfalls in Yosemite)! Our Event Center includes full use of the Fireside Room and adjacent deck, with an audio and visual equipment and a catering kitchen. Many of our cabins are pet friendly, some feature spa tubs, and all have private decks with BBQ’s and upgraded linens for that, “Home Away from Home” experience. Relax, explore, escape!