November is a grand time to visit Yosemite National Park. Crisp mornings and cool evenings, sunny days, chromatic views, and the chance of first snow all paint your next perfect travel picture. It is the least crowded time to visit the park, which means quieter and more intimate outdoor adventures. Plus, you can catch the last glimpse of Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Mariposa Grove before they close for the season. We’ve come up with eight reasons your visit to Yosemite should be in the few remaining weeks of November. And remember to pack layers and tire chains, just in case!

“Each year, hundreds prepare and gather in various locations throughout Yosemite Valley, in hopes of witnessing one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena, the fire lit Horsetail Fall, also known as ‘Firefall.’ The stunning visual phenomenon occurs when an ephemeral (seasonal) waterfall that flows after snow melt or heavy rainfall on the west side of El Capitan, pairs with a cloudless sky and bright orange sun setting in just the right position to reflect off the granite rock behind the falls. When all those factors combine, it causes the waterfall to light up and transform into what looks like molten lava pouring down the massive rock for a solid 10-12 minutes. There is generally a two week window each year to potentially witness the Firefall. Typically this time window is starting around Valentines Day (how romantic!).”

“The Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, previously known as Badger Pass Ski Resort is located 17.6 miles (about 30 min. drive one way) from Wawona inside Yosemite National Park. Conditions permitting, it is open from mid-December through mid-March, and brings many visitors to visit and test out its slopes each year. With an elevation difference of 7,200-8,000 feet, and a vertical drop of 800 ft, it offers 88 acres of groomed ski area, 10 ski runs, and five chairlifts. It’s ideal for all-levels of snowboarding, downhill and cross country skiing, tubing, and much more. Plus, it’s affordable and family-friendly. “

“Winter in Yosemite is magical! We are talking snow covered peaks, frosted trees, frozen waterfalls, frazil ice, little to no crowds, and a heap of activities including ice skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, hot cocoa, quality time next to a roaring fireplace, and more. And these are just a few of the essential activities to create your perfect winter family vacation.”

Tioga Pass Road aka Highway 120 makes way for perfect summer and early fall adventures in Tuolumne Meadows. After a heavy winter, the waterfalls are still strong, and there is even some snowmelt on some of high country trails. We have a list to plan your perfect day of trail hiking, whether you’re just looking for a short and sweet stroll or something to test those limits. The best part? Even with its popularity, and short season, Tuolumne tends to be much less crowded than Yosemite Valley (cue prayer hands).

Check out the free Tuolumne Meadow Shuttle if you’re planning to knock out a few trails in a day. 

Yosemite National Park brings in over four million visitors each year!  Since 4 million yearly fans can’t be wrong, there are many reasons to want to visit Yosemite, and plenty of reasons to stay within the park boundaries during your next visit. During peak season, we expect large crowds, heaps of cars, traffic delays (sometimes 1-2 hours), busy attractions, and limited parking and lodging. Here are five reasons why staying in Wawona will allow you to spend less time in your car, and more time enjoying what this great park has to offer… 

"When you visit Yosemite, every view in the park feels like a wonder. Every minute you are surrounded by the sheer beauty and natural amazement everywhere you look; a rushing river, a waterfall, a glistening lake. You are confronted with breathtaking vistas, a seemingly never-ending redwood trees, giant granite cliffs that have seen the beginning of time, and more. We've come up with a list of the most spectacular places in the park."

“It’s spring in Yosemite! The snow has melted in nearly all of the lower elevations, the rivers and streams are rushing, the baby animals are strolling, the flowers are blooming, and the mountains are calling. What better way to see the natural beauty of Yosemite than by taking a hike during this exciting time? Whether you are looking for a short and sweet hike through the meadow, along the river, or crave a more strenuous hike to visit a raging waterfall, we have you covered with this post.” 

“Most people who have had the opportunity to venture through Yosemite National Park, have driven through the famous and historical Wawona Tunnel. It is part of three main roads in Yosemite Valley, transporting you down to Tunnel View and Yosemite Valley, or up to Wawona and Mariposa Grove on California State Route 41, towards on the south entrance. There isn’t anything more spectacular than driving through Wawona Tunnel to reach one of the most stunning views in the park. The spectacular Tunnel View looks eastward into Yosemite Valley, including the Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Here are other great facts about the tunnel…”

I think Spring in Yosemite might be my favorite, and I got to write exactly why that is for Redwoods in Yosemite... 

It’s not too late to plan a trip to Yosemite this fall! Check out this article I wrote for Redwoods in Yosemite on the must-do’s for the season.

I was able to write about this giant for Redwoods in Yosemite, before revisiting it in June 2018… It is truly a sight to behold.

The Ferguson fire that roared through the Yosemite region was scary but was no match for the brave firefighters who defended our amazing National Park.  Now that the park re-opened, we have compiled a list of must-sees and dos during your next visit. Late Summer is a great time to jump in the cool water, take a hike on a misty trail and visit the phenomenal high country. Read more via the link... 

Wrote this gem about traveling gluten free through Yellowstone National Park for Travel Dejavu...