With fall officially here, it’s time to start planning your next getaway to Yosemite and Bass Lake! The fall season is sometimes overlooked as a time to visit the region. The summer travel season has just ended, the weather is getting cooler, and the holidays and holiday travel season are still a ways away. But while it may soon be too cold for swimming or water sports, there are a number of reasons why fall might just be the best time to visit Yosemite and Bass Lake. Here are just a few:
Come for the open trails, stay for the scenery
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While many fall weekends, particularly in late September and early October, will still draw crowds, the number of visitors to Yosemite drastically decreases once summer ends, making fall a great time to visit the park. The water levels in the park’s falls will be low, but most trails and areas within the park remain open through October, and even into November if the weather stays fair. Empty or near-empty trails are great for hiking, but they are also great for catching photos of the park’s most iconic landmarks without worrying about other visitors getting in your shot. During October and November, many of the region’s trees also begin to change, making for some great views. No matter what season you visit, it’s a good idea to check for trail closings before you head into the park.
There’s still time to celebrate the Centennial of the National Park Service
If you haven’t visited Yosemite during the National Park Service’s Centennial year, there’s still time! While the NPS celebrated it’s 100th anniversary on August 25, 2016, there are still ranger-led hikes and talks centered on celebrating the history of the NPS. Stop by Yosemite’s Visitor’s Bureau or check online for the latest Yosemite Guide for more information.
Fall is for festivals, craft shows, and more!
While events and festivals happen year-round at Bass Lake and The Pines Resort, fall is packed full of them! Coming up first is the 14th Annual Sierra Art Trails Yosemite Foothills Open Studio Tour. From September 30 to October 2, visitors can tour a number of studios and galleries along the Sierra Art Trail for a chance to see demonstrations, chat with artists, and purchase works directly from the artisans who crafted them. A preview event is already underway at the Stellar Gallery in Oakhurst. Visit between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until September 30 to see some of the art that will be featured during the Open Studio weekend, and to plan your route for the big event. Tickets are on sale now online and at a number of galleries and venues in the area.
Opening October 28 and running until October 30 is the popular Pines Village Craft Fair! From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, a number of local vendors and craftsmen will be displaying and selling their wares. It’s a great chance to find unique handmade goods and artisan crafts, from homemade jams and jellies, to custom clothing, wood crafts, and more! It’s also a great opportunity to get an early start on your holiday shopping!
The Bass Lake Halloween Carnival will also take place on Saturday, October 29th! The whole family will enjoy this not-so-scary family-oriented Halloween festival, which features a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating, inflatables, carnival games, a costume contest, and even a chance to trick or treat in the Village. There’s also plenty for adults to enjoy, from beer tastings, to golf cart drags, a cider and hot chocolate bar, and more. The event will run from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Pines Village Park, and is free to attend, though some activities will have an additional fee. Reservation for the event is free, but required, and will open online soon. With both the Halloween Carnival and the Craft Fair happening during the same weekend, it’s a good idea to book your stay at The Pines Resort early!
On November 5th, The Pines Resort will welcome comedians Ryan Dalton, Stephen Furey, and Jason Webb, as well as host Torio Van Grol, for Comedy Night at Bass Lake. If you love stand-up comedy, this event is sure to have you rolling! Early bird tickets priced at $7.50 per person are on sale until September 30, after which general admission tickets will be available for $10 per person. If you purchase tickets at the door on the day of the event, they will be $15, so be sure to get your ticket early! A full bar and dinner menu will also be available for purchase at the event, which is for guests 18 and up only.
The holidays are just around the corner!
Fall also means the beginning of the holiday season. The holidays are always a popular time to visit The Pines Resort, so it’s never too early to start planning your own holiday getaway! On Thanksgiving Day, Ducey’s on the Lake will have a Thanksgiving Buffet, complete with all of the traditional holiday favorites, including turkey and cranberry sauce, prime rib, honey glazed ham, apple and pumpkin pies, and more! Reservations are required for this popular event and can be made by calling (559) 642-2585 x.444 or (800) 350-7463.
Once Thanksgiving is over, the Pines Village Holiday Bazaar begins! Like the Pines Village Craft Fair, this event features local vendors and craftsmen, and is a great chance to do some holiday shopping. The Bazaar begins November 25 and ends November 27, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission to this event is free.
On Saturday, November 26, be sure to join us for the 25th Annual Bass Lake Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights! Our most popular holiday tradition features a holiday raffle, a float parade and contest, the chance to get pictures with Santa, and of course, the annual lighting of the Bass Lake Christmas tree! Details and times for these events will be announced closer to the date, but be sure to book your room or chalet at The Pines Resort early, as the weekend is sure to sell out!
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