How To Prepare For A November Weekend In Yosemite

Yosemite in the Fall

This is a very special time of year in Yosemite National Park, when the seasons are tangibly changing across the face of the land—and you have front-row seats to the show, with the theater often wonderfully calm and quiet.

Crowds will return to Yosemite for Thanksgiving week—and, if you’re planning on coming here during that vacation, hurry up and book now with Scenic Wonders so you can be sure of a place to stay! Right now, though, the park is quite uncrowded—yet evocatively beautiful.

Autumn Sights

You can still generally catch some autumn color courtesy of hardwood trees and deciduous shrubs in Yosemite Valley and middle-elevation slopes. Soak up the palette on foot or bicycle on the valley floor. November is a prime time to visit the famous Mariposa Grove, one of Yosemite’s most magnificent stands of giant sequoia.  It’s a magic interval between the summer crowds and the winter snows—come spend some silent hours among these mighty conifers. A real perk is the Leonid meteor shower, at its height around November 16 this year. Yosemite’s deep, dark night skies are ideal for enjoying this celestial extravaganza of fiery, short-lived streaks in impressive density.

There are still organized outings such as photography walks: Check the Yosemite Guide for the most up-to-date schedule. Weather On a November weekend in Yosemite, weather can come in just about any form.

You may enjoy heavenly Indian Summer conditions or a frigid (but dramatic) snowstorm. Depending on your location and current conditions, daytime temperatures usually range between 30 and 60 degrees.

Be prepared for rain and snow, and carry tire chains even though you may well not need them. Remember that the high country typically gets blanketed in snow this time of year: Glacier Point and Tioga roads usually close the first week of November. Remember: One major benefit to visiting now is the paucity of mosquitoes! Reserve a weekend in a cozy Scenic Wonders cabin, and take in November in Yosemite!

Make Your Yosemite Reservations Today

If you’re looking to explore Yosemite, start planning your trip with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite reservations within the gates of the park. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from all the wonderful spots in Yosemite. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today.

Yosemite National Park Blog