Several of us are tentatively planning a trip out to Yosemite for the fall colors in the valley. We are just curious as to what week might offer us the best opportunity to hit it at peak color. I was there 7 or 8 years ago over Thanksgiving weekend and hit some nice color but I'm not sure if that is normal. I'm guessing it typically peaks earlier. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!
Posted by Bob Malvin on August 14, 2007 at 2:26 PM
YOu may want to join or at least check out 2 Yahoo Groups.
For the Yosemite Valley floor: last week of October through first week of November. Your best bet IMO is the first couple days of November.
Its unusual to find all species in peak at the same time. I was there last November 6 - 8 and IIRC black oaks were past-peak while there was still plenty of dogwood in peak color. I've been there other years when the pattern has been different. Around November 3-ish 1997, black oaks, dogwoods and bigleaf maples were all at peak about the same time, while around October 26-ish 2001, bigleaf maples were near peak, while black oaks had hardly begun.
Hope this helps,
Scott
Posted by Lon Overacker on August 20, 2007 at 12:25 AM
Tony,
I agree with the previous posts in terms of timing. Usually the first week in November, give or take depending on what color you're looking for. Speaking of which, if your goal is fall color, Yosemite Valley isn't world re-knowned for fall color. Yes, you've got the dogwood which is scattered, the Big Leaf Maple turning yellow and the Black Oaks and ferns turning brownish... Also, at this time of the year, it's possible that you could see the first season's snow in November. As much as I love Yosemite, I've found the best times were when I could go on a day's notice. Whenever I've "planned" a trip, conditions usually don't cooperate.
I'm not trying to discourage, but only that you be prepared for conditions that don't meet your expectations. Of course, no matter when one goes to Yosemite, there will ALWAYS be opportunities - you just need to be able to adapt and go with it.
Have a great time. I'm looking forward now to winter in the Valley - can't come soon enough.
Discussion
4 repliescalphoto and yosemite hikes
Both have people very willing to share info.
Good luck.
For the Yosemite Valley floor: last week of October through first week of November. Your best bet IMO is the first couple days of November.
Its unusual to find all species in peak at the same time. I was there last November 6 - 8 and IIRC black oaks were past-peak while there was still plenty of dogwood in peak color. I've been there other years when the pattern has been different. Around November 3-ish 1997, black oaks, dogwoods and bigleaf maples were all at peak about the same time, while around October 26-ish 2001, bigleaf maples were near peak, while black oaks had hardly begun.
Hope this helps,
Scott
I agree with the previous posts in terms of timing. Usually the first week in November, give or take depending on what color you're looking for. Speaking of which, if your goal is fall color, Yosemite Valley isn't world re-knowned for fall color. Yes, you've got the dogwood which is scattered, the Big Leaf Maple turning yellow and the Black Oaks and ferns turning brownish... Also, at this time of the year, it's possible that you could see the first season's snow in November. As much as I love Yosemite, I've found the best times were when I could go on a day's notice. Whenever I've "planned" a trip, conditions usually don't cooperate.
I'm not trying to discourage, but only that you be prepared for conditions that don't meet your expectations. Of course, no matter when one goes to Yosemite, there will ALWAYS be opportunities - you just need to be able to adapt and go with it.
Have a great time. I'm looking forward now to winter in the Valley - can't come soon enough.
Lon