Experience Yosemite's Best-Kept Secrets: A 3-Day Hiking Adventure with Local Insights
As a local Yosemite wedding and family photographer (and a full-time adventurer), I spend more time in the park than anywhere else—seriously, it’s basically my backyard! I’ve put together the perfect fall hiking itinerary for fellow outdoor lovers. I’ve been roaming Yosemite’s pine-scented trails for nearly two decades now, and while I’m definitely not the fastest or fittest hiker out there (trust me, I'm huffing and puffing up some of these trails 😂), I’ve got a few favorite hikes that I keep coming back to. These are my go-to spots for finding peace away from the crowds at Tunnel View!
This guide is packed with everything you need to know: jaw-dropping hikes (hello, Clouds Rest!), delicious restaurants in Oakhurst and Mariposa, cozy places to stay (our beautiful and secluded Airbnb in Oakhurst!), and even some tips to keep you safe (and sane) during your Yosemite adventure.
Let’s jump straight into some local tips:
Things to know before driving into Yosemite:
Groceries: Buy groceries in Fresno, Madera, Merced or any nearby city. The prices of groceries and gas are heavily increased in Yosemite and nearby towns.
Gas: Yosemite doesn’t exactly have gas stations on every corner—there are only two, and one of them is seasonal. So do yourself a favor and fill up before heading in (or you might be calling AAA, if you can even get service)!
Local Tip: Chukchansi Casino in Oakhurst has a gas station, and since it’s on an Indian Reservation, there are no extra fees or taxes. Translation: it’s the cheapest gas around! I always top off here. Plus, you can try your luck at the casino while you’re at it! 😉
Cell Service: Yosemite’s cell service is about as reliable as spotting Bigfoot—if you’ve got Verizon, you might just catch a signal at the park gate. For everyone else, consider yourself off the grid! Before heading in, download everything you’ll need, like maps, AllTrails routes, reservation passes, and hotel or Airbnb check-in info. Trust me, you don’t want to be that person frantically trying to load directions with zero bars.
Traffic: Okay, let’s talk traffic. I’m a California driver, so patience is not exactly my strong suit (especially behind the wheel). Every time I roll into the park, there’s always that one tourist driving 20 mph under the speed limit while trying to film the scenery... totally ignoring the line of cars piling up behind them. 😩 So, if you’re new to winding mountain roads and feeling the pressure, do everyone (and yourself) a favor—use the turnout lanes! Let the faster traffic go by, and you’ll save yourself from getting honked at by someone on the verge of road rage (seriously, I’ve seen it happen!). Plus, you can take your time and enjoy the views without the stress.
Start Early (like, really early.) Set that alarm because you’ll want to be at the trailhead by 5:30AM.. yes, I said AM! If you're just exploring Yosemite Valley, hitting Tunnel View or Glacier Point around 6AM is perfect. Why? Well, for starters, you’ll beat the crowds (and trust me, they swarm in fast as heck). There's nothing like having the trails and viewpoints all to yourself—just you, the sunrise, and maybe a few deer casually munching on breakfast. If you roll in after 8AM, be prepared for a 30-minute to 2-hour wait just to get into the park. So, unless you want your first hike to be from the back of a car line, early birds really do get the best views!
What to Bring:
Layers! The weather can change quickly in the fall.
A camera (or just your phone—don’t forget I’m a local photographer, hit me if you’d like to do your annual family photos in Yosemite! I promise it is SO worth it!!)
Sunscreen & lip balm (trust me, the high altitude is no joke)
Hiking boots & slippers (After a long hike, you’ll thank me for reminding you to bring slippers!)
LOTS of protein snacks if you plan to do more than 3 miles of hiking
A 2L hydration water pack for the hikes! Plan to bring a few extra bottles in your backpack (just, trust me.. You’ll need it)
Portable charger (I usually bring 2)
Glacier Point during Sunset in Fall 2024
Day 1: Arrival, Settling In & Glacier Point
8:00 AM – Start Your Drive to Yosemite
Pack the car, throw in some hiking boots, and get excited because your adventure begins! The drive to Yosemite from Oakhurst or Mariposa is scenic, especially in the fall when the pine trees are bursting into those pretty orange hues! Be sure to grab a coffee from Cloud’s Rest Coffee in Oakhurst (They have some very unique teas and coffees! Like a Strawberry Matcha or Old Fashioned Cocktail without the whiskey” or Sugar Pine Café in Mariposa is also a great choice before heading into the park!
11:00 AM – Check In to Your Lodge or Cabin
Drop off your bags at your cozy accommodations. You’ve got a few great options for places to stay:
The Yosemite Cabin (My family has a beautiful Airbnb in Sugar Pine, Oakhurst! Which is about 15 minutes from the South Gate entrance). Use code: PRISCILLA15 for 15% off your entire stay! Click here to view website
Yosemite View Lodge (just outside the park in El Portal)
Tenaya Lodge (luxury vibes near the South Entrance)
Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort (budget-friendly cabins in Midpines)
1:00 PM – Glacier Point & Sentinel Dome Hike
Let’s start your hiking journey with one of the most scenic spots in Yosemite—Glacier Point. You'll get breathtaking panoramic views of the entire valley, Half Dome, and even the Sierra Nevada mountains!
Next up, hike up to Sentinel Dome (2.2 miles round trip). The climb is gentle, and the 360-degree views at the top will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. This has honestly become one of my favorite easy hikes!
Pro Tip: It’s a great spot for sunset, but you might want to save your energy for the next two days’ hikes!
6:00 PM – Dinner in Oakhurst or Mariposa
After all that hiking, you’ll need to fuel up. Head to South Gate Brewing Co. in Oakhurst for local brews and some good juicy burgers! I also love Smokehouse 41, El Cids or Oakhurst Grill & Whiskey 41 Lounge. If you’re in Mariposa, try 1850 Restaurant and Brewery!
Pro Tip: Split the truffle fries at South Gate or the 41 Baker at Smoke House 41—they’re to die for!!! Also please beware that many of the restaurants in the area close very early at around 8PM/9PM.
11PM to 2AM – Stargazing at Tunnel View
If you’re up for an extra adventure, you can end your night with some stargazing at Tunnel View. Fall nights in Yosemite are crisp, and the stars in the clear skies are absolutely magical! You can usually see the Milky Way clear as day! Bring a blanket and cozy up while you take in the stars.
Day 2: Clouds Rest Hike – A Heck of an Adventure
6:00 AM – Early Start for Clouds Rest
Rise and shine—it’s time for the Clouds Rest hike, one of the most iconic trails in Yosemite. At 14 miles round trip and about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, this hike is a beast but SO worth it. The summit offers arguably the best view of Half Dome (without all the crowds). I know many, if not all, locals can agree that this hike is better than Half Dome!
Pro Tip: If you’re afraid of heights, the knife-edge section near the summit might make you a little uneasy—just take it slow and enjoy the views. You got this!
What to Pack:
Plenty of water and snacks (at least 3 liters of water)
Trail mix, energy bars, anything protein and a big sandwich for the summit lunch
A small first aid kit and blister tape.
Sunscreen
2:00 PM – Post-Hike Recovery & Relaxation
After tackling Clouds Rest, you deserve some downtime (Trust me, your legs will be shaking after the last 3 miles). Head back to your lodge and relax those tired muscles. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the Merced River (if it's warm enough).
5:00 PM – Dinner Time
For dinner, head to The Narrow Gauge Inn in Fish Camp, a rustic spot with a great vibe and delicious food. Their steaks and homemade bread are chef’s kiss!
8:00 PM – Campfire and S’mores
Nothing says “fall in Yosemite” like sitting around a fire roasting marshmallows. If your lodging has a fire pit, make sure to grab a s’mores kit from a local store (extra chocolate is never a bad idea). Don’t forget the ghost stories (maybe I should write a blog on the scary stories surrounding Yosemite) —or just scroll through your Instagram feed showing off today’s hike!
Day 3: Upper Yosemite Falls & Taft Point
7:00 AM – Breakfast and Head to the Valley
Fuel up with breakfast at your lodge or grab a quick bite from Cool Bean Café in Mariposa or at the Yosemite Lodge Food Court (They open at 6:30AM every day)! Today, we’re hitting Upper Yosemite Falls and finishing with a magical sunset at Taft Point, if you’re legs aren’t falling off after some seriously challenging hikes!
9:00 AM – Hike Upper Yosemite Falls
The Upper Yosemite Falls trail is steep (think 4-6 hours on the stairmaster) but rewards you with unbeatable views of one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. The hike is about 7 miles round trip with 2,700 feet of elevation gain—so stretch those legs before you start! Don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping to catch your breath (and snap photos of the valley) multiple times (I honestly think this hike is a bit more challenging than Clouds Rest)
Pro Tip: Fall is the perfect time for this hike since the crowds are fewer, and the temperatures are much cooler. However, the waterfall might be nonexistent.
2:00 PM – Grab Lunch in the Valley
After conquering Upper Yosemite Falls, head to Curry Village Pizza Deck for the best pizza in the Valley or Degnan’s Kitchen for a well-earned lunch. Grab a sandwich or pizza, and don’t forget a cold drink—you deserve it after all that hiking!
Local Tip: Curry Village Pizza Deck has a bar and did you know you’re allowed to go on a stroll with an open can? Meaning, if you take your lunch with you to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, you can crack open a beer (or a bottle of tequila) legally!
4:00 PM – Taft Point Hike for Sunset
For your last adventure, take the short (2.2 miles round trip) but stunning hike to Taft Point. Trust me, this is a very easy hike and nothing compared to Upper Yosemite Falls and Cloud’s Rest. You’ll get wide-open views of the valley, and if you’re feeling daring, stand near the edge of the famous cliff (just don’t look down!)
Pro Tip: Bring a jacket! It can get chilly up there, especially in the evening. Also, have your camera ready—this is one of the best spots in the park for sunset photography. And one of the most magical locations to get married at during sunset in Yosemite (if you need an experienced local photographer, call me!)
7:00 PM – Final Dinner in Oakhurst or Mariposa
Wrap up your last night with a final meal at El Cid Mexican Cuisine in Oakhurst for some yummy fajitas or hit up Charles Street Dinner House in Mariposa for a cozier vibe. Celebrate your Yosemite weekend with margaritas or a glass of wine—you’ve earned it!!
Things to Know About Traveling to Yosemite in the Fall
Weather Can Be Unpredictable: While fall is a great time to visit, always check the weather before you go. It can be warm during the day and very cold at night. It’s very bipolar, but the hikes will warm you up quickly.
Pack Layers: You’ll want warm clothes for early mornings and evenings, but breathable layers for your hikes.
Crowds Are Lighter: Compared to summer, fall in Yosemite is much quieter, making it the perfect time to visit. Parking will be easier, and the trails won’t be packed!
Book Accommodations Early: While fall is quieter, lodging in and around Yosemite still fills up, so make your reservations as early as possible.
Final Thoughts and Tips
Yosemite in the fall is truly magical. Between the beautiful autumn leaves, cooler temps, and stunning hikes, you’re in for an unforgettable experience! Just make sure to stay safe, pack smart, and leave plenty of space on your camera for all the photos you’ll be taking (or you can shoot me a message and I’ll take them for you! And show you all my hidden gems)!