McGurk Meadow Trail

Overview

This is a gentle, mostly flat out-and-back to one of Yosemite’s classic high-country meadows. It’s 1.8 miles total (round trip) with roughly 100 feet of elevation change—downhill to the meadow, then a mild climb back. Expect a peaceful walk through open forest that opens onto a long, flower-dotted meadow crossed by a small stream. It’s an easy win: short, serene, and rarely crowded.

What You’ll See

The trail meanders through sun-dappled evergreens to the site of sheepherder John McGurk’s old cabin, then reaches the meadow where a brook winds through summer wildflowers. Deer are commonly spotted, and bear sign shows up in summer—store food properly and keep your distance if you see wildlife. Parts of the path beyond the footbridge can feel a bit brushy later in the season.

Is It Worth It?

If you want sweeping Valley views, this isn’t the spot—think intimate meadow vibes over grand vistas. As a quiet leg-stretcher along Glacier Point Road, though, it’s lovely and underrated. It’s also a smart warm-up or cooldown paired with bigger nearby objectives.

Best Time to Hike

Go when Glacier Point Road is open (typically late spring through fall). For peak meadow color and a flowing brook, aim for June–July. Mornings bring cooler temps, softer light, and fewer mosquitoes. Early season can mean lingering snow or muddy patches; late summer can feel drier and more overgrown.

Route and Extensions

From the signed trailhead, descend gently through forest to the cabin site and the meadow’s boardwalk/bridge area, then return the same way. Want more? Continue about a mile beyond the meadow to meet the Pohono Trail: west leads toward Dewey, Stanford, and Crocker Points and eventually Tunnel View; east heads toward Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, and Glacier Point. Dewey Point from here is a much longer day but delivers the big-view payoff.

Logistics

Parking is directly at the signed trailhead along Glacier Point Road with room for roughly 40 vehicles. There are food-storage lockers at the trailhead. No restrooms here—use the pit toilet at Summit Meadow about a mile west; the nearest flush facilities are at Chinquapin. Mosquitoes can be fierce when the meadow is green; bring repellent and stay on the signed path/boardwalks to protect fragile soils.