Find Fall Magic as Autumn Comes to Bass Lake, The Pines Resort and the Local Area
Bass Lake is a fantastic year-round vacation destination in Sierra National Forest; but Autumn stands out as one of the best times to visit. With fewer tourists compared to the summer months, you can enjoy the lake’s many activities in a more peaceful setting. The weather remains pleasantly warm for water fun, and as the sun sets, the air turns crisp and cool—ideal for cozying up with s’mores by the firepit. Plus, our outdoor pool and spa are open throughout the year for your enjoyment.
Read below for information on the best nearby activities this time of year, our Fall Special that will save you money when booking with us, and important information about visiting Yosemite!
Plan Your Fall Frolic of Fun
The Concierge at Pines Resort is happy to book for you:
- Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad rides. This historic steam engine train offers rides through the nearby forest. The railroad offers a moonlight special ride throughout the fall, and some include jazz concerts. The railroad is open through mid-Autumn.
- Yosemite Trail rides: Horseback riding in the forest: Yosemite Trails offers one-two and five-hour rides in the Southern Yosemite/Fish Camp Area throughout the Fall.
- 4 X 4 Jeep rentals by Yosemite Adventures: A great way to see the local terrain is on an All-Terrain Vehicle. Yosemite Adventures has vehicles to rent for self-guided or guided tours and hikes.
Let us know your favorite fall activities and let us help you book some wonderful Autumn adventures. We can also share our staff’s fall favorites. Contact us at: Concierge@basslake.com.
Yosemite in the Fall
Fall is a perfect time to visit Yosemite National Park. This World Heritage Site is quieter, summer crowds are gone and the leaves on the trees along the Valley Floor turn a vibrant yellow. It’s a great treat for photographers and offers spectacular visual memories for all.
No matter the season, the Park is beautiful and has a variety of activities to offer year-round. If your summer was too busy to take time off and get away, now is the time to start planning your fall trip to Yosemite. Here are the best reasons why Fall in Yosemite is the perfect time to visit:
- Peaceful & Quiet – 70 percent of the Park’s annual visitors come during May to August, so as mid-fall approaches, crowds and long lines begin to dissipate.
- Comfortable Weather – September is essentially an extension of summer with daily lows in the 80s; daily lows in October are in the 70s; in the 50s in November.
- Affordable – Less crowds mean more lodging availability. The Park also offers fee-free days on National Public Lands Day (September 28, 2024) and Veterans Day (November 11, 2024).
- Outdoor Activities – Hiking is popular during the fall months with less crowds, making you feel you have the paths to yourself. Waterfalls begin to slow causing drier and safer trails. Yosemite rock climbing, fishing and bike riding also begins to peak as the temperatures drop.
- Colors – Experience the breathtaking hues of autumn foliage with many Dogwood trees, Oaks and Maples on the Valley floor that turn beautiful hues of vibrant pinks, yellows, oranges and reds as the seasons begin to change.
- Events – Yosemite and the nearby towns offer many festive fall events such as festivals, carnivals and parades for the whole family!
For example, the Pines Resort at Bass Lake hosts the following events in the fall:
- 1st Annual Bass Lake Oktoberfest (Sunday, September 29th, 2024)
- Halloween Carnival and Fall Festival (Saturday, October 26th, 2024)
- Arts & Craft Fair (multiple dates: November 29th – December 1st, 2024)
- S ‘mores roasting and bonfires (several times a week)
- Comedy Shows
- Workshops and Paint Night (Saturday, October 6th, 2024)
- Traditional Thanksgiving Day Buffet and 4-Course Dinner at Ducey’s on the Lake
- Christmas Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights
- Breakfast with Santa
- Pet Pictures with Santa
- Themed Events at the Glice Skate Rink
- and more…
For more details visit our event calendar.
Make Your Reservation
As of August 15 through October 27, Yosemite reservations are required for park entry only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between the peak hours of 5am and 4pm. If you’re planning to explore the natural wonders of Yosemite, be sure to secure your spot in advance if you plan to visit on the weekend by visiting recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. It’s a breathtaking experience you won’t want to miss!
Enhance your Yosemite experience and consider the following:
- Photo Safari Yosemite – This creative tour company can lead and show you the best fall photo taking spots inside Yosemite. Guides are available to caravan through the Yosemite Valley with you or be in your car as a personal guide. Other options if you want to “leave the driving to someone else”.
- Discover Yosemite and Crossroads Tours offer half, full-day and private tours of the National Park. Please see the Pines Concierge for more information and to book these tours.
Keep this in mind…
The Tioga Road Yosemite Gate at just under 10,000 feet is the highest elevation of any national park gate in the United States. Just beyond the gate is spectacular fall colors as you drive the next 30 minutes to get to the intersection of Highway 120 and Highway 395. The Whoa Nellie Deli at this junction has been rated as having the BEST fish tacos in America by Sunset Magazine. There is so much to see on the Eastern Side of the Sierra. There are several fall leaf viewing guides, canyons, and trails available to visitors in the Mammoth Lakes Area.
Bass Lake and Fall fun awaits – We hope to see you soon!
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