Cook's Meadow Loop

Walk through the heart of it all! Enjoy views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Sentinel Rock, and Royal Arches from the center of Yosemite Valley as you saunter through this large open meadow.

 

 

Morning view of Yosemite Falls from Cook's Meadow

Trail Overview

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) loop
Elevation gain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30 minutes
Begin at: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (shuttle stop #5). Cook's Meadow is also accessible from shuttle stop #6 (Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead).

This short, easy walk offers stunning views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. From the visitor center, walk west along the bicycle path toward Lower Yosemite Fall. At shuttle stop #6, cross the street and follow the bike path, bearing left as the path forks. At Sentinel Bridge parking area, walk out onto the bridge to enjoy a classic view of Half Dome before returning to the parking area. Follow the boardwalk back across the meadow, cross the two streets, and turn right to return to the visitor center.

You can just as easily walk this loop in reverse and can begin walking at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, heading west along the bike path until you come into view of the meadow where you will cross two streets and then enter Cook's Meadow shortly before the boardwalk starts.

This trail is wheelchair accessible (when not covered in snow).

Seasonality

The Cook's Meadow Trail is open year-round and is a great spot to visit no matter when you come to Yosemite as you are always rewarded with a great view. In winter, the path may be snow-covered or icy.

 

Stay Safe

• Boardwalks are slippery when wet and even more so when covered in snow or frost.

Water

Water is not available along the trail. A drinking fountain is located at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, where you may choose to end or start your walk. Additionally, a water fountain is available near the Lower Yosemite Fall restrooms.

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available along this walk. Restrooms are available at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, where you may choose to end or start your walk. Additionally, restrooms are available at the Lower Yosemite Fall area.

Parking

The nearest parking are the Yosemite Village and Yosemite Falls parking areas. The Sentinel Bridge area also has minimal parking available, which is a midway point through this walk (and could work as a starting and ending point).

Transportation

You can begin this walk at the the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, accessible by the Valleywide Shuttle (7 am to 10 pm) at shuttle stop #5. From there, walk west along the bike path toward Lower Yosemite Fall. At shuttle stop #6, cross the street and follow the bike path. You can also begin this walk by taking the shuttle directly to stop #6 and crossing the street into Cook's Meadow.

Trail Etiquette

Share the trail! Leashed pets, bicycles, and strollers are allowed. Also, stay on the path. Do not venture out into the meadow, which causes trampling and damages the ecosystem, which is important to the many plants and animals that thrive in this fragile environment. Keep your food within arm's reach at all times and do not feed the wildlife. Carry out all trash and food waste (fruit peels, shells, etc.).

Other Easy Hikes in Yosemite Valley

• Bridalveil Fall Trail
• Lower Yosemite Fall
• Mirror Lake Loop

<< Back to Yosemite Valley Day Hikes