Walk the Cook's Meadow Loop

Cook's Meadow in fall.

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.

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) loop
Elevation gain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 30 - 60 minutes
Begin at: Yosemite Valley Visitor Center (shuttle stop #5 or #9) Cook's Meadow is also accessible from shuttle stop #11 (near Sentinel Bridge) or 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 (shuttle stop #11), 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).

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 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.

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.).

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Yosemite Valley

The nearest parking are the Yosemite Village and Yosemite Falls parking areas. Sentinel Bridge (shuttle stop #11) also has a small parking area, which is a midway point through this walk (and could work as a starting and ending point). You can begin this walk at the the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, accessible by the Valley Visitor Shuttle (7 am to 10 pm year-round) at shuttle stop #5 and #9. 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. Additionally, the Cook's Meadow area is accessible from stop #11 at Sentinel Bridge.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

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.

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

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

This trail is wheelchair accessible (when not covered in snow). It is comprised of sections that are asphalt and other sections comprised of boardwalks made from treated material. The boardwalks have kickplates to make them more safe for wheelchairs.