As summer crowds dwindle and temperatures begin to cool across the state, the fall season might be one of the best times to enjoy Yosemite National Park. Californiacrossroads.com offers some guidance on what hikes to plan for this time of year:

Bridalveil Fall

“Start off with a short hike to Bridalveil Fall, only 0.5 miles round trip. It’s one of the best easy hikes in Yosemite. Hopefully, you will see more than just a trickle here, especially if you come after it rains.”

Cook’s Meadow Loop

“Then head over to Sentinel Meadow and Cook’s Meadow Loop, a 2.25-mile flat trail with amazing scenery. Plus, this trail takes you through the Swinging Bridge Recreation Area of the valley and Sentinel Bridge. Sentinel Bridge is a popular spot for viewing the sunset and seeing views of Half Dome reflected in the Merced River: one of the best Yosemite views!”

Mirror Lake Trail

“One fall Yosemite hike you may want to check out is the Mirror Lake Trail. It is easily accessible from Southside Drive and is not a difficult hike at all. Take Southside Drive all the way to Happy Isles Loop Road where you can park at the trailhead. The Mirror Lake loop is a 5-mile trail. The lake tends to begin to dry up by fall, but the views and foliage opportunities make this an excellent Yosemite in fall hike.”

4 Mile Trail

“If you are looking for a challenging hike, try 4 Mile Trail. Technically, it is 4.8 miles, but who’s counting with all those Yosemite fall views? This trail leads from the valley to Glacier Point. It is a strenuous climb up of switchbacks, but it also contains some of the best views in the park. View El Capitan, Tenaya Canyon, and Half Dome along the trail. It is recommended that you take the hiker’s bus up to Glacier Point and actually descend into the valley.”

Get more helpful information on visiting Yosemite this fall by clicking here.