The present application discloses novel systems and methods for yawing an autonomous wind turbine. In an embodiment, the wind turbine includes a control system configured to determine a control action signal for a yaw drive mechanism of the wind turbine as a function of the wind condition(s) and as a function of the load condition(s). The control system is configured to monitor change(s) associated with the load condition(s) to determine if the load condition(s) is too high for too long, or in need of attention, before yawing of the wind turbine is initiated or, if the load condition(s) are getting too high, after yawing has been initiated. In another embodiment, the control system includes a load sensor system with proximity sensors arranged adjacent, on, and/or about the main shaft flange of the nacelle or on the rotor blades of the wind turbine.