Yosemite National Park Travel Forum

We are traveling the first week of October and are new to hiking. Any suggestion and attire we need during that time?

It can vary but be prepared for cooler temps at night. It may not break 60 during the day but you might experience and Indian Summer day which would be much more temperate. Snow is not out of the question. See this page about potential fall weather:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fall.htm

There is a nice outfitter shop in Yosemite Village in case you need to purchase something you didn't bring with you (e.g., rain shell, fleece, etc.).

Average weather temps for October are from a high of 77 F, day, to a low of 37 F at night. I always feel a hat is a good protector from the sun, wind, and rain. A light weight jacket or cotton sweater is good for early morning or late afternoon hikes. Also good shoes/boots, not tennis shoes, are the number one piece of attire needed for hiking. Check out a local sporting goods store for name brand hiking shoes. I have Timberland boots and have had great comfort from them, but there are many labels. Some hikers like to carry a walking stick, which you can purchase inside the parks general store. A water bottle and holder is also a piece of gear I like to carry with me. Make sure you follow the trails and if off trailing, let someone know where you are heading because a cell phone that works in the valley is hard to find. Get a map of trails and always know what direction your base is and where to meet if you lose sight of your hiking partner/s.

When I hiked in Yosemite in October it got pretty warm during the day. Dress in layers, tank top/t-shirt as a base layer, light-weight long sleeve layer, and a warmer top layer fleece or jacket. Gloves would be nice as well. A small day pack or hydration pack will come in handy for carrying these items as you warm up, as well as some snacks, lunch, water, sunscreen, and trail maps. I second the suggestion to get good hiking shoes. Especially if you are around rocks and water, tennis shoes do not provide the traction and support you need. For the evening, bring your winter clothing- winter coat, long underwear, hat, gloves, wool socks- whatever you've got. It can get cold!

Don't forget days are shorter in October. Start early, and figure out a time you agree to turn around even if you haven't reached your destination. I passed a lot of people coming back from half dome that were going to be heading back in the dark. I wouldn't recommend this since temperatures will drop fast when the sun goes down, and there are still bears around. Since you are new to hiking, you might want to stick with some shorter, easier trails like Cook's Meadow and Mirror Lake. If you are up for a good challenge, Vernal falls is always fun (weather permitting).

Good point by Rene about the shortness of daylight. The one time we were there in October we hiked to Half Dome (16 miles round trip from the valley floor). We didn't want to come back in the dark so we got up early and started before daylight by about an hour. Be sure to use headlamps. They're a lot easier than having to hold a flashlight.

And yes, do get good hiking shoes. I always see people on trails in Keds, Crocs, and sandals (not Tevas). That's just insane.

Mahalo for the suggestions! I see that you had Bearded Papas in Hawaii Kai but did you have a chance to try Hawaii's Choc creme puff from Liliha Bakery? Most popular by the locals.

We are looking forward to Yosemite. Where did you stay? I'm going to post another question and see what others have to say.

Aloha!

Mahalo for the information!

Recommend lodging in the area?

We've stayed in various places in the Valley. We've camped in Lower Pines campground. Curry Village has some rustic cabins with bathrooms that are convenient. I've also stayed at the Yosemite Lodge which is a basic motel-like accomodation. If you can get one of the cabins at Curry Villge I'd do that. But book as soon as you can. Accomodations in the Valley are very popular and some shutdown by October because it's not the high season meaning there are less beds available.

I haven't yet been to Liliha Bakery yet. Next time for sure! Thanks!

Aloha, just a note. The inside the park lodgings may cost more than outside. The town of Oakhurst, see my pages on this town http://www.members.virtualtourist.com/m/736c8/b83a4/
Oakhurst has a lot of motels, so the prices are competitive. Oakhurst is only a few miles to the south entrance of YNP.

OOPs. I was pupuli. Leave out the www. in the webpage for Oakhurst. Mahalo

Pupule, G, pupule!

No troubles, brah!

Pupuli boddah you? Kay den. Hana hou. Pupule. My Ohana would say I was lolo. Pau. Aloha, Brah.

Pupule mo' bettah, yeah? Okeh, all pau now.

Wow, for a minute there I thought you were from Hawaii too! LOL

Aloha, Lived on windward side, Kaneohe. One of my daughters got married at Haiku Gardens way back. before tourists. lol

LOL! The windward side is nice but I still love No. Shore