McGurk Meadow
A serene, shaded trail leading to a beautiful meadow with wildflowers and a historic cabin, offering a peaceful Yosemite experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking
McGurk Meadow
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, shaded trail leading to a beautiful meadow with wildflowers and a historic cabin, offering a peaceful Yosemite experience.
"A beautiful, easy hike that connects to many other landmarks or can be a destination on its own."
🚗 Beat the Parking Rush
Arrive early or on a weekday to secure parking, as it fills up quickly. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The trail has some elevation change; wear sturdy hiking shoes for a pleasant trek. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
McGurk Meadow
The meadow itself
A beautiful, serene meadow offering a peaceful escape and a chance to see a flourishing ecosystem.
Historic Log Cabin
South side of the meadow
Discover a charming old log cabin nestled within the woods, adding a touch of history to your hike.
Connections to Other Trails
Trail junctions
This trail serves as a gateway to stunning viewpoints like Dewey Point and Sanford Point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trailhead Access & Parking
Trail Conditions & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Beat the Parking Rush
Arrive early or on a weekday to secure parking, as it fills up quickly. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The trail has some elevation change; wear sturdy hiking shoes for a pleasant trek. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the trail can be exposed in parts. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The meadow and surrounding vistas are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Beat the Parking Rush
Arrive early or on a weekday to secure parking, as it fills up quickly. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
The trail has some elevation change; wear sturdy hiking shoes for a pleasant trek. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, as the trail can be exposed in parts. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera! The meadow and surrounding vistas are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Meadow
Consider extending your hike to Dewey Point or other nearby viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise McGurk Meadow for its beauty, accessibility, and peaceful atmosphere, often recommending it as a less crowded alternative to other popular Yosemite viewpoints. The well-shaded trail and the charming meadow with its historic cabin are frequently highlighted as positives. Some note that parking can be challenging during peak times.
"If you can't get a parking spot at Glacier Point and Taft Point, then take this short-relaxed hike to McGurk Meadow. It's rare that all the parking fills up here. The trail is well-shaded and the meadow is beautiful. There is a little elevation change, but nothing crazy."
Jon Endicott
"Beautiful, easy hike that connects to many other landmarks or can be a destination on its own. There is a sign along the road and some space for parking just beyond it. The trail starts at the road sign."
Dallin Kimble
"There's an old log cabin in the woods along the south side of the meadow. The creek used to be pretty good fishing -- lie on your belly and dangle a fly over the water. The fish are pretty skiddy. Used to be mostly eastern brook -- that was 50 years ago."
Charles Sikora
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The McGurk Meadow trailhead is located off Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park. Look for the sign along the road. Parking is available just beyond the sign.
Yes, there is a parking area, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Yosemite Valley shuttle buses do not typically service this trailhead. Driving your own vehicle is the most common way to access McGurk Meadow. Check Yosemite NPS for any seasonal shuttle updates.
From Yosemite Valley, drive towards Glacier Point Road. The trailhead is a scenic drive up the mountain. Allow ample time for the drive and potential traffic.
Glacier Point Road is typically open seasonally, usually from late spring through fall. Always check the Yosemite National Park website for current road conditions and closures before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, a specific permit is not required for day hiking McGurk Meadow itself. However, if you plan to do overnight backpacking or hike Half Dome, separate permits are necessary.
Yosemite National Park has an entrance fee per vehicle, valid for seven days. You can purchase this at the park entrance stations or in advance online. Check the NPS website for current fees.
Yosemite National Park sometimes implements peak-hour vehicle reservations during busy seasons. It's crucial to check the official Yosemite NPS website for the most up-to-date reservation requirements before your trip.
McGurk Meadow is accessible during daylight hours when Glacier Point Road is open. There are no specific opening or closing times for the trail itself.
Yes, your America the Beautiful Pass is accepted for park entrance fees at Yosemite National Park, including access to McGurk Meadow. This pass covers the entrance fee per vehicle.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to McGurk Meadow is generally considered easy to moderate. It involves some gentle elevation gain but is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels.
The hike to the meadow itself is relatively short, often around 1-2 miles roundtrip depending on how far you explore within the meadow. However, it can be extended by connecting to other trails.
You'll find a beautiful, open meadow often dotted with wildflowers in season, surrounded by pine forests. There's also a historic log cabin to discover.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the McGurk Meadow trailhead parking area. It's always a good idea to confirm their availability with the NPS.
Absolutely! McGurk Meadow offers lovely opportunities for landscape and nature photography, especially with its wildflowers and serene atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at McGurk Meadow. You'll need to pack a picnic or plan to eat at facilities in Yosemite Valley or at Glacier Point.
Yes, picnicking is a great option! Pack your own food and enjoy it amidst the natural beauty of the meadow. Remember to pack out all trash.
Bring snacks, sandwiches, and plenty of water. Consider items that are easy to carry and don't require refrigeration. Bear-resistant food containers are recommended if you plan to leave food unattended.
Dining options are limited on Glacier Point Road. The Glacier Point Snack Stand may be open seasonally, but it's best to confirm operating hours.
The closest significant grocery stores are located in Yosemite Valley. It's advisable to stock up on supplies before heading up Glacier Point Road.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Wildflowers (in season), the historic log cabin, the serene meadow landscape, and the surrounding forest are popular subjects.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Yosemite National Park, including at McGurk Meadow, to protect wildlife and visitor experience.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive meadow, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Wander through the meadow to find your own unique perspectives. The area around the log cabin and the edges of the meadow often provide beautiful compositions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities once you're on the trail.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Yosemite Valley
Combine your visit to McGurk Meadow with other stops on Glacier Point Road, such as Glacier Point itself (if accessible and parking allows) or Taft Point. This allows you to maximize your day trip and experience a variety of Yosemite's iconic landscapes.
Arrive early to ensure you can find parking at the trailhead, as this is a common bottleneck for day-trippers. 📸 Nature Photographers
The historic log cabin also offers a unique subject, blending human history with natural beauty. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) is particularly magical here, with soft, warm light illuminating the meadow.
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive meadow views and a telephoto lens for capturing details of wildflowers or any wildlife you might encounter. Remember to be patient and respectful of the environment while seeking the perfect shot. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Connecting Trails and Viewpoints
The trails are generally well-maintained, though some sections can be rocky or have moderate inclines. Many visitors use McGurk Meadow as a starting point for longer day hikes or even multi-day backpacking trips.
When planning your route, consider your fitness level and the time available. The trails branching from McGurk Meadow can add significant mileage and elevation gain. Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts before setting out, and be prepared for varying terrain.
The Meadow Ecosystem and History
Historically, the meadow was also a site of human activity, evidenced by the old log cabin still standing on its south side.
Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and respect the meadow's ecosystem. Stick to marked trails to avoid disturbing sensitive vegetation and wildlife. Observing the meadow's natural processes, from the blooming flowers to the insect life, can be a deeply rewarding experience.
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