Solo trip in October

Question

Hi Folks. I'll be spending three nights at Curry Village in mid-October. This is a solo trip to find myself post divorce (53, female). My goal is to be in nature as much as possible. Past trips to Yosemite have all been to the valley, not to the outlying places. I'd love recommendations for places to hike-- 3-5 miles, limited elevation change-- and see the views. Mirror Lake is on the list for the Valley.

I have fond memories of the Mist trail from when I was a kid, and I'm training hills now so I can possibly do that (if it's open). Will there be much mist on the trail in October? I know they turn the waterfalls off during the off season. :)

I'll be entering and leaving on Highway 120.

Are there places to swim that time of year? I swim year round in Puget Sound, so water temps down to mid-40s are fine with me.

Also, should I bring most of my food in that time of year? Or are there restaurants where I can eat something vegetarian? I'm flying to California, so won't have a cooler with me unless I carry it on the plane.

Answer

What a wonderful trip idea — Yosemite in mid-October can be deeply restorative, especially for a solo nature retreat. Here are thoughts and suggestions based on your plans, plus some practical advice.

1. Hikes for 3-5 miles, limited elevation change

You’re smart to focus on gentler hikes so you can soak in the views without pushing too hard. Here are a few great options:

Mirror Lake / Mirror Lake Loop
- The loop is about 5 miles total, but there’s a 2-mile (round-trip) paved section if you want something shorter.
- Elevation change is very modest (around 100 ft), making it very accessible.
- Note: by mid-October, the “lake” may be more meadow than full water; according to NPS, Mirror Lake is *often emptier in late summer/fall*.
Cook’s Meadow Loop
- This is a very easy, flat, 1-mile loop through the heart of Yosemite Valley.
- Offers iconic views: Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, Yosemite Falls, and more.
- Because it’s flat and accessible, it’s excellent for early morning or dusk when wildlife and light are magical.
Yosemite Valley Loop Trail (Half-loop)
- If you’re okay with something a bit longer but still mostly level, the half-loop is ~7.2 miles.
- The terrain is mixed but not very steep; much of it follows meadow, forest, and river corridor.
- This gives you a broader sense of the Valley’s scale and serenity, with fewer uphill sections.

2. Mist Trail / Waterfall Expectations in October

The Mist Trail (which goes by Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall) may still have some water in October, but flow is usually *much lower* than in spring/summer.
Because of lower flow, there’s typically less mist “spray” — you’re unlikely to get drenched as you might in peak water season. As one hiker put it: > “it’s still worth doing … but it won’t be breathtaking like … when the falls are still raging.”
Be aware of partial closures: some hikers report that portions of the Mist Trail are closed on weekdays in summer-fall for trail work, though weekends are more likely open.
Even if the mist is minimal, you’ll still get lovely views and the stair-like granite steps, especially if you hike toward Vernal Fall and possibly beyond if you feel up to it.

3. Swimming / Water in October

Swimming is generally permitted in many bodies of water in Yosemite, including the Merced River, as long as you use sandy beaches to enter/exit.
Danger: The Merced River can be deceptively hazardous — swift currents, hidden hazards, and very cold water.
At Curry Village, the pool is *closed* by mid-October. The NPS and park concession info note that the Curry Village pool operates in the summer season; by October, it’s generally shut down.
You mentioned swimming year-round and being okay with cold water: some visitors report October water temps in the Merced in the 40s–50s °F.
But: always practice water safety — use the defensive swimming posture in currents, don’t swim near falls, and be extra careful with cold water shock.

4. Food + Dining / What to Bring

Here’s how food works in and around Curry Village in October, plus suggestions for what to bring:

Curry Village Dining Options
- There are several food spots: Pizza Deck (outdoor pizza), Meadow Grill (rice bowls, salads, breakfast), and the Seven Tents Pavilion.
- The Meadow Grill has *vegetarian options* (rice bowls, salads) according to their menu.
- For breakfast, there’s a Coffee Corner offering oatmeal and pastries.
- A note from visitors: there’s no communal kitchen for cooking; “cooking isn’t allowed” in some tent areas, per other guests.
Bring Some Food (Especially Snacks / Simple Meals)
- Given that your trip is solo and reflective, bringing in some non-perishable, easy-to-carry food (nuts, dried fruit, granola, sandwiches) is a very good idea.
- Since you won’t have a cooler, consider shelf-stable vegetarian foods, plus fruit, energy bars, or other light staples.
- If there’s a small store / market at Curry Village or nearby, stock up when you arrive: it can save time and money.

5. Personal & Reflective Time

Since your goal is to be in nature and reflect, here are a few suggestions beyond hiking:

Get up early (sunrise) for quiet moments on the Cook’s Meadow Loop — the light on Half Dome and the cliffs in the morning can be magical.
Use the 2-mile paved Mirror Lake walk to simply “be” — even if the lake is low, the meadow, reflections, and quiet are calming.
Bring a journal, sketchbook, or camera — quiet spots near Tenaya Creek (along the Mirror Lake loop) can be perfect for introspection.
Consider joining a ranger-led walk or program (if available) — they often talk about nature, geology, and park history, and it can be meaningful to connect with the place through their stories.

6. Safety & Practical Tips

Check current trail conditions at Yosemite’s ranger station or visitor center when you arrive — water flow, trail closures, or icy spots might matter.
Wear layers: October days can be warm in the sun, but mornings and evenings will likely be chilly.
Bring good footwear: even easy trails like Mirror Lake or Cook’s Meadow can have uneven or rocky spots.
Pack a bear locker or safe storage for food if you bring snacks; curry village and valley lodging areas require proper food storage.
Always tell someone your hiking plan, especially since you’re solo: morning hikes are safer and more peaceful.

Summary

Yes — your plan to focus on nature, moderate hikes, and reflection is very doable in Yosemite in mid-October. The Mirror Lake loop and Cook’s Meadow loop are excellent for your goals. The Mist Trail may still have water but likely limited mist, and there may be trail-hour considerations. Swimming in the Merced is possible but cold and potentially risky; the Curry pool will probably be closed. Food-wise, there are decent vegetarian options, but bringing some food will give you flexibility and more peaceful moments.

This trip sounds like it could be deeply healing — you’ll be surrounded by iconic granite, the whisper of creeks, and the open skies. I hope it gives you both solace and inspiration.

Solo trip in October

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