Yosemite or Glacier in Late Nov?

[Hank]

Glacier is very likely to be mostly closed by late November, and darn cold to boot.  Yosemite won't have the waterfalls of spring, but will be warmer.  It's more accessible at that time of year with the possible exceptions of Tioga Pass and Glacier Point roads, depending upon the snow loads.

As for comparability of views, they're unique in my book.  I wouldn't miss either and can't imagine how you would go about weighing one against the other.  On the plus side, if you tire of it there's lots going on outside Yosemite, but within easy reach:  Sequoia and Mineral King, the Merced River, and all those oak trees and grassy hills between Mariposa and Modesto.  If Tioga did happen to be open you can hop over to the other side of the Sierras for the eastern view, possibly even to Mono lake or Death Valley.

[kaelaria]

Maybe I need to think about rescheduling the Glacier trip till spring.

[blangton]

Actually, mid-October might be a bit early for the Valley floor in Yosemite.  But, the surrounding eastern Sierra will be prime about then.  The park is much less crowded, accomodations easier to find, cheaper and the temps perfect.  It is my favorite time of year to visit.

As you get nearer, check the following websites for fall color updates:

CalPhoto

Click on the Fall Colors upate section...

Also, the Sacramento Bee newspaper does an extensive fall color update each year.

The Sacramento Bee

This link has the archives for the last several years of this special section so you can see galleries of past year's seasons along with dates, etc.

Take care and maybe I'll see ya there!

Bill

[kaelaria]

I'm planning a 1 week stay somewhere out west at the end of November this year.  I'm having a hard time narrowing down the most suitible location.  From what I've seen and read, Glacier appears to have the most scenic locations that I would be interested in, but I'm worried that most will be closed by that time.  Yosemite looks like it will be more open, but are the views comparible?  Are either a good location in late November, or should I be thinking somewhere else entirely?

[Lisa Nikodym]

From past experience, it's conceivable but *highly* unlikely that Tioga Road and Glacier Point (in Yosemite) will still be open in late November.  And, as Hank said, the waterfalls in the Valley won't be going very much that time of year.  Winter, spring and summer are just better times to be in Yosemite than fall.

Have you thought about the following places instead?  They might be better in late November:
Death Valley
Grand Canyon and/or the national parks of Utah
Olympic Nat'l Park (coastal and rain forest areas, but not the mountains, which may be snowed in)
Hawaii (OK, that one's waaaay out west  :laugh: )

Lisa

[weberpoint]

I will be spending three days in Yosemite in mid-October.  Does anyone have experience with the park at that time of year?  Is it too late for fall colors?  Thanks.

[weberpoint]

Bill,

The information that you posted is very helpful and much appreciated.  Thanks!

Mike