TAKE THE
HIGH GROUND.

This month, I’m highlighting Yosemite National Park in California. It’s a place where you can enjoy incredible scenery from a challenging mountain trail, a short paved walk, or an overlook just steps from your vehicle.

October can be a great time to visit for cooler weather and lighter weekday traffic. There are a few things to keep in mind this year, though: waterfalls are low or dry, and the Dome Fire has affected roads, trails, and air quality.

The conditions below reflect the October 1, 2026 report, so check the National Park Service’s current conditions before heading out.

What makes Yosemite special

Yosemite covers nearly 1,200 square miles of the Sierra Nevada, with granite cliffs, forests, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and high-country meadows.

Some of the big sights I’d put on a first-visit list are Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Tunnel View, and Mariposa Grove. El Capitan rises more than 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, while Mariposa Grove contains roughly 500 mature giant sequoias.

There’s also a long human history here. People have lived in the area for at least 8,000 years, and Yosemite Valley was known as Ahwahnee. President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant in 1864, protecting the Valley and Mariposa Grove. Yosemite became a national park in 1890. You can read more in the NPS history overview.

When I’d plan a visit

For waterfalls, I’d aim for late May through June, although some high-country roads may still be closed by snow. For cooler Valley walks, I’d consider September through mid-October.

October’s average temperatures in Yosemite Valley are around 71°F during the day and 41°F at night. Up at Tuolumne Meadows, those averages drop to about 57°F and 26°F. I’d pack warm layers and rain gear, and be prepared for an early snowstorm.

I’d allow two days for Yosemite Valley, or three to four days if I wanted to add the giant-sequoia groves and Tioga Road without rushing. Weekdays are the better choice for easier parking and less traffic. Official weather information

What to know about this October

As of the October 1 report:

• Yosemite Valley, Wawona, El Portal, Big Oak Flat, and Tioga roads were open.
• Glacier Point Road was temporarily closed because of smoke and firefighting operations.
• The Dome Fire northeast of Wawona could cause periods of unhealthy air quality.
• Yosemite Falls was dry; Vernal, Nevada, and Bridalveil falls were low.
• Tioga Road had construction delays, with overnight roadside and parking-lot parking prohibited beginning October 15.
• Mist Trail repairs affected the section above Vernal Fall Footbridge Monday through Thursday. The footbridge remained an available turnaround.
• Chilnualna Falls Trail, Ostrander Lake Trail, and surrounding fire-closure areas were closed.
• El Capitan Bridge construction could cause weekday traffic delays, and its pedestrian crossing was closed on weekdays.

There is no timed entrance reservation requirement for 2026. The standard private vehicle or RV entrance fee is $35 for seven consecutive days, with cashless payment. Camping reservations are separate.

Current conditions · Entrance information and fees

Walks and hikes I’d consider

I like having options that range from a short, relatively level walk to a full-day hike. These distances and times come from NPS; I’d allow extra time for breaks, photos, and whatever pace feels comfortable.

For trail maps and complete descriptions, I’d use the NPS Yosemite Valley hiking guide.

None of these day hikes requires a permit. Half Dome requires one when the cables are up, and overnight wilderness trips require a wilderness permit.

My picks for less walking

Cook’s Meadow would be high on my list because it combines fairly level terrain with some of Yosemite’s best views. There’s no need to finish the entire loop—you can walk a short section and turn around.

I’d also consider the accessible eastern portion of Lower Yosemite Fall and the western paved route at Bridalveil Fall. Tunnel View is another good option for seeing a lot without walking far.

A paved trail isn’t automatically an easy one. Vernal Fall Footbridge, for example, involves a steady climb. Wet boardwalks, frost, and loose gravel can also make footing more difficult.

The free, accessible Yosemite Valley shuttle runs from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with buses generally arriving every 8–22 minutes depending on the route. That makes it much easier to park once and explore.

Shuttle information · Accessibility information

There’s plenty to do besides hiking

I’d leave time for a scenic Valley drive, stopping at Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, and El Capitan where parking allows.

The Yosemite Exploration Center has exhibits and a 23-minute park film. The Yosemite Museum and nearby Indian Village of Ahwahnee offer a chance to learn about the park’s Native communities and cultural history.

There are also ranger walks, talks, guided Valley tours, and stargazing programs. Some are free, while others require tickets or reservations.

For biking, Yosemite Valley has more than 11 miles of paved bicycle paths. Bikes are allowed on roads and designated bike paths, but not hiking trails. Rentals were scheduled through October 25, weather permitting.

If Tioga Road remains open, I’d consider a separate day for Tenaya Lake and Olmsted Point. Mariposa Grove is another worthwhile addition, but I’d check the fire and smoke situation before driving toward Wawona.

For wildlife viewing, I’d bring binoculars and watch the meadows around dawn or dusk. Bears are still active in autumn; give them at least 50 yards of space and keep food secured.

The current Yosemite Guide is a good place to find program schedules and visitor-service hours.

What I’d plan for an RV stay

For a trip in my 2023 Thor Hurricane 29M, I’d first look at Upper Pines, Lower Pines, or North Pines. Staying in Yosemite Valley puts the shuttle and many of the main sights close by.

A few campground details matter:

• Yosemite’s campgrounds have no electric, water, or sewer hookups.
• Upper Pines has a dump station and fresh water.
• Many sites accept RVs up to 35 feet, but each campsite has its own limits. I’d book using the motorhome’s actual overall length, including anything extending beyond the bumper.
• Generator hours are 7–9 a.m., noon–2 p.m., and 5–7 p.m.
• Major campground reservations generally release five months ahead, on the 15th at 7 a.m. Pacific, and can sell out quickly.
• Overnight RV stays must be in a registered campsite, not a roadside turnout or parking lot.

Campground details · Reserve a Yosemite campsite

For full hookups outside the park, I’d consider Yosemite Pines RV Resort in Groveland. It lists full-hookup back-in sites from 25–45 feet and pull-through sites from 35–70 feet. I’d verify the specific site’s length and electrical service before booking.

Yosemite Pines site options · Direct reservations

There are also a few road restrictions I’d pay close attention to:

• Hetch Hetchy Road has a 25-foot vehicle-length limit, so I wouldn’t take my Hurricane there.
• When Glacier Point Road reopens, RVs must be 30 feet or shorter beyond Sentinel Dome. I’d confirm my exact length before considering it.
• Larger RV parking is available at Curry Village and Yosemite Falls, but space is limited.
• Mountain roads can be steep and winding. I’d use low gear on descents and be prepared for chain requirements from October through April.

Official Yosemite RV information

How I’d spend two relaxed days

Day one: I’d arrive early, park the RV, and use the shuttle to reach Cook’s Meadow. After a comfortable walk—or just a short out-and-back—I’d visit the eastern portion of Lower Yosemite Fall. Then I’d take a long lunch, see the park film or museum, and finish with a Half Dome view from Sentinel Bridge.

Day two: I’d start with Bridalveil Fall and Tunnel View, then take my time driving through the Valley. If I felt up to another walk, I’d choose the paved route to Mirror Lake. Otherwise, I’d enjoy the overlooks, have a relaxed lunch, or consider a guided Valley Floor Tour.

I’d keep the itinerary flexible around smoke, weather, parking, and how much walking feels comfortable that day. Yosemite has plenty to enjoy without packing every hour.

Before leaving, I’d check NPS current conditions again or call 209-372-0200, then press 1 and 1 for road information.