From golden foliage to star-filled skies, fall is the perfect season to explore the breathtaking beauty of national parks. With crisp mountain air, fewer crowds, and unique seasonal adventures, these four destinations provide unforgettable autumn escapes. Explore, unwind, and invite your readers to experience fall in full color.
Yosemite National Park | Tenaya at Yosemite
Tenaya at Yosemite is a premier resort in California’s mountains and surrounded by the Sierra National Forest. This ideal location also grants guests convenient access to Yosemite National Park. With fewer crowds and crisper temperatures in the fall, guests can fully immerse themselves in Yosemite Valley’s colorful foliage during this season. With a network of scenic trails right from Tenaya that lead through remote alpine woods and alongside cascading waterfalls, the vibrant fall foliage will further enhance the already captivating views. Every stay at Tenaya comes with more than just a room—it comes with access to endless ways to explore. Pedal through the pines on complimentary mountain bikes, conquer the rock-climbing wall, or test your skills with archery, gold panning, and bocce ball. Guests can enjoy guided hikes, on-site yoga classes, and daily activities like “Fun at 4”—all included in the cost of your stay. And when the day winds down, gather around the outdoor fire pits for nightly s’mores under a clear mountain sky.
To be truly engulfed in nature’s beauty, Tenaya’s Explorer Cabins will be the clear choice for you, but be sure to also check out the newly renovated lodge rooms, suites, and cottages as well. With accessible nature, excellent amenities, and breathtaking vistas, Tenaya at Yosemite beckons visitors to embrace the beauty of fall in this remarkable destination.
Yellowstone National Park | Yellowstone Vacations
As autumn falls upon Yellowstone National Park, this iconic destination offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing and admiring the stunning fall scenery. Fall at Yellowstone means fewer crowds and unique opportunities for exploration, making it the perfect time to check this legendary destination off your bucket list – and Yellowstone Vacations will help you do just that with guided group tours and car rentals for solo expeditions. As you explore Yellowstone, including geysers, waterfalls and native wildlife, your home base should be somewhere nearby and comfortable.
Accentuate your experience by staying within a mile of the park entrance. In West Yellowstone, choose from the Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone or a guest room at Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, Yellowstone Park Hotel, or Holiday Inn West Yellowstone. Or, if you’d rather stay in Gardiner, check out the Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins or The Ridgeline Hotel at Yellowstone. Take advantage of the decreasing temperatures and embark on a beautiful hike to admire the golden yellow leaves of the distinguishable aspen trees. As the temperature drops, the animals of Yellowstone often move to lower elevations, which means more opportunities for wildlife sightings. Seeing wildlife like elk, bear and bison in their natural habitat is an unparalleled experience. Cascading rivers wind through the terrain, creating the perfect spot to cast a line during the region’s prime fishing season. This fall destination shouldn’t be missed. Adventure awaits!
The Grand Canyon | The Squire at Grand Canyon
Fall at Grand Canyon National Park is an incredibly special time. Here, you can experience cozy accommodations just minutes from the heart of the park. As the region’s only IHG hotel, The Squire at Grand Canyon offers a variety of amenities like e-bike rentals, resort-style pools, a bowling alley, on-site dining and more. Located inside the park and just a short walk to the South Rim, Yavapai Lodge is set in a peaceful setting surrounded by wildlife and rugged views.
Looking for adventure? Take to the skies with a breathtaking helicopter tour or explore the canyon’s rich history on a heart-pounding hummer ride. By night, look up – this International Dark Sky Park offers a front-row seat to a dazzling universe of stars, planets and constellations. Best of all, soak in tranquil moments and take in picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets over iconic vistas and landscapes that go for miles and miles.
This fall, make it a priority to see one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Shenandoah National Park | Big Meadows Lodge, Lewis Mountain Cabins and Skyland
Shenandoah National Park is home to endless beauty, a wide array of native plants and wildlife. You can’t go wrong with any season in Shenandoah, but fall offers vibrant vistas of colorful foliage and crisp weather. Nestled along the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers rich wilderness, cozy lodging and unique experiences. Shenandoah offers lodging inside the park at historic lodges and cabins to rest after a day full of nature walks among the fall foliage throughout the park.
Choose Skyland for a high-elevation, with breathtaking views or opt for the lush surroundings at Big Meadows Lodge. There are many ways to explore this national park in the fall, including by horseback at Skyland Stables or cruising along Skyline Drive! You’ll also find a seasonal rotation of unique activities like rock climbing and rappelling adventures during the day and astronomy and night sky programs in the evening. Enjoy tours and events in this area, including whiskey tours and musical performances! Both adventure enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy nature’s autumn displays will appreciate everything this east-coast national park has to offer this fall!