Yosemite Valley
National park · California
Yosemite Valley's black oaks and bigleaf maples color the meadows below El Capitan and Half Dome in late October, thinning the summer crowds without thinning the granite. Cook's Meadow and the Valley Loop Trail frame the display.
Don’t miss
Peak: September 27–October 1
Color builds from September 14 · mostly bare by October 22
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Yosemite Valley’s own coordinates and elevation (1231 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Yosemite Valley on the map
More things to do in California
June Lake Loop
Scenic drivePeak September 26
A 16-mile loop off US 395 threads four alpine lakes below Carson Peak, and by early October its aspen groves turn the roadside gold. Pull off anywhere along the pavement; Reversed Creek and the June Lake overlook give the classic Eastern Sierra shot.
Don’t miss: Reversed Creek aspen groves · Views of Carson Peak · Four lakes along one loop road
Bishop Creek Canyon
Scenic drivePeak September 28
South Lake Road climbs from Bishop into a narrow Eastern Sierra canyon where quaking aspens along Bishop Creek turn brilliant gold, usually peaking mid-to-late October. North Lake and South Lake bookend one of California's densest fall color drives.
Don’t miss: South Lake and North Lake · Aspen groves along the creek · Parchers Camp turnout
Lundy Canyon
TrailPeak September 22
A trail up Lundy Canyon climbs past beaver ponds and waterfalls through some of the Eastern Sierra's thickest aspen groves, glowing gold by mid-October. The out-and-back from Lundy Lake is Mono County's signature fall color hike.
Don’t miss: Beaver ponds and waterfalls · Dense aspen groves · Lundy Lake trailhead
Apple Hill
OrchardColor nearby peaks October 29
El Dorado County's Apple Hill district strings dozens of family orchards, cider presses, and pie stands along Carson Road above Placerville, a Sierra foothill harvest tradition since the 1960s, running weekends from September through December.
Don’t miss: Dozens of family orchards · Cider pressing and pie stands · U-pick apples and pumpkins
Frequently asked
- When does Yosemite Valley peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for September 27–October 1 (best estimate September 29). Color starts around September 14 and is mostly bare by October 22.
- What is Yosemite Valley best for?
- Fall hiking with iconic views.
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