Cook's Meadow Loop in Yosemite National Park

Cook's Meadow Loop

This short, easy hike is a great introduction to some of the Park's most iconic landmarks.

Plan Around Cook's Meadow Loop

A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.

Add to tripView park guide

Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.

Cook's Meadow Loop Details

Once used as a summer spot for a local hotel owner's grazing cattle, Cook's Meadow is reached via this trail. A wooden boardwalk winds through the open, marshy meadow, past banks of cow parsnips and masses of fragrant pastel western azaleas. From the path, which is one of the most popular with Park visitors and wheelchair accessible, there are excellent views of Half Dome, Glacier Point, the Royal Arches, and especially Yosemite Falls. Trailhead: Valley Visitor Center (shuttle stop #5 or #9)

Difficulty

Low

Distance

1.0 mile

Estimated time

30 minutes

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Cook's Meadow Loop

Compare nearby parks around Cook's Meadow Loop when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

1.1 mi away

Yosemite

National Park · CA

122.9 mi away

Pinnacles

National Park · CA

174.4 mi away

Death Valley

National Park · CA

213.5 mi away

Lassen Volcanic

National Park · CA

309.3 mi away

Great Basin

National Park · NV

309.3 mi away

Joshua Tree

National Park · CA

Nearby Points of Interest Around Cook's Meadow Loop

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cook's Meadow Loop while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Swinging Bridge Picnic Area

Stop here to swim in the cold waters of the Merced River.

0.1 mi away

Swinging Bridge

Stop here and take a swim in the Merced River while enjoying the excellent view of Yosemite Falls.

0.2 mi away

Four Mile Trail

Breathtaking sights of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, and the Royal Arches await you on this trail.

0.2 mi away

Four Mile Trail

Breathtaking sights of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks, and the Royal Arches await you on this trail.

0.2 mi away

E5 Four Mile Trail

This trail offers magnificent views of Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Valley.