Walk or use a mobility device on the path to travel over Yosemite National Park’s Cook’s Meadow and be awed by amazing scenery. Cook’s Meadow Loop trailhead is located in Yosemite Village. Stroll along the trail’s 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) length to see many of the parks highlights, such as Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, Sentinel Rock, Royal Arches and Yosemite Valley Chapel.
The convenient location in the village allows you to get ready before and after a trip on the loop by visiting the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center. Two other areas where you can join the loop are near Sentinel Bridge and the Lower Yosemite Fall trailhead, which is also an easy hike. Stay on the trail to avoid damage to the meadow. Be sure to carry out all garbage for disposal after your walk.
The trail is open throughout the year and provides an excellent vantage point for winter photography. En route you’ll see Yosemite Falls, which is the park’s highest at 2,425 feet (739 meters). Half Dome is a fascinating geological formation with one of its faces a sheer drop, while Glacier Point towers nearly 3,600 feet (1,100 meters) above the meadow. Look toward the top of Glacier Point, which is so high its top is unscarred from glaciers during the Ice Age.
Opposite Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Rock is another popular formation for climbers and resembles a sentry guarding the valley. Witness the climbing challenges of the Royal Arches that become instantly identifiable with their curved formations in the rock face, directly behind the Ahwahnee hotel. Follow the Cook’s Meadow Loop path for an introduction to a significant number of attractions in Yosemite National Park.
The best ways to travel through Yosemite Valley are on foot or bike, particularly at busier times when parking may present a challenge at some attractions. Do the circuit of the loop at Cook’s Meadow for relaxing views of Yosemite National Park’s highlights.
