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.

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 Sentinel 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.

Cook's Meadow Loop (Easy)

1 mile (1.6 km) loop trip; 30 minutes; flat

Hours

Year-round

Getting Here

Located near Yosemite Village Parking area. Cook's Meadow is accessible from shuttle stops #5 (Yosemite Valley Visitor Center) or shuttle stop #6 (Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead).

Rules & Regulations

• Share the trail! Leashed pets, bicycles, and strollers are allowed.
• 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.).

Hazards & Warnings

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

Accessibility

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