Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows is a broad subalpine meadow in Yosemite's high country, where the Tuolumne River winds between open grassland and granite domes. It rewards a stop on foot: the river and the big open space are the point, rather than one single overlook. For a short visit, walk toward Parsons Memorial Lodge; if you're exploring the high country, the meadow also makes a good starting point for a longer hike.

The easy walk toward Parsons Memorial Lodge is a good way to get into the meadow without committing to a long hike. Paths toward the lodge and Soda Springs are mostly wide gravel, though the bridge on the Parsons route has several stone steps at both ends, so it isn't fully wheelchair accessible. Stay on official paths to protect the fragile meadow. Dogs, bicycles and strollers aren't allowed in the meadow or on its hiking trails. For a longer outing, the route toward Glen Aulin is more challenging.

This is one of the Sierra Nevada's largest high-elevation meadows. In summer, green grass and wildflowers spread across the flats, edged by western white pine, mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine. Granite peaks and domes rise beyond the trees. For a photo, use a bend or still pool in the river in the foreground with the domes behind it; that gives the broad landscape a sense of depth.

Belding's ground squirrels, mule deer and yellow-bellied marmots are frequently seen here. The trees around the meadow include western white pine, mountain hemlock and lodgepole pine, with open grass between the stands. When the meadow is wet, mosquitoes can swarm, so be ready for them on the walk.

Parsons Memorial Lodge is where John Muir and Robert Underwood Johnson conceived the idea of establishing Yosemite National Park. The short walk to the lodge adds a worthwhile piece of park history to a stroll through the meadow.