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Upper Horse Meadow
A high meadow loop near Lee Vining with Mono Craters and Yosemite views
About
Upper Horse Meadow sits in the high country just south of Lee Vining, reached by a dirt road that turns west off Highway 395. Paired with neighboring Lower Horse Meadows, it forms part of a 6.5-mile dirt-road loop that draws hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV riders in roughly equal numbers — a genuine multi-use corridor rather than a single-purpose trail.
What to expect
The terrain is high-elevation meadow, and the grade is not steep, so it works for riders and hikers who want mileage without a serious climb. Open meadowland opens up views east toward the Mono Craters and west toward Yosemite's high country, and the area is known for good color in both spring wildflower season and fall. Riders looking to extend the outing can continue past the meadows into Bohler Canyon.
Getting there
Access is via a dirt road signed for Horse Meadows, turning west off Highway 395 just south of Lee Vining. Expect an unpaved surface typical of the eastern Sierra's back-country road network — check current conditions locally before heading out, especially early or late in the season when snowmelt can leave sections soft or rutted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of trail is Upper Horse Meadow?
It's a multi-use dirt road, not a singletrack hiking trail — shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV riders as part of a 6.5-mile loop with neighboring Lower Horse Meadows.
How difficult is it?
The route runs through high-elevation meadow terrain described as not steep, making it a moderate, approachable outing rather than a technical climb.
Is Upper Horse Meadow inside Yosemite National Park?
No. It sits just outside the park boundary near Lee Vining, though it offers views west toward Yosemite's high country.
When's the best time to visit?
Spring brings green meadows and wildflowers; fall delivers strong meadow-grass and foliage color. Because the road is unpaved and high elevation, snowmelt can leave it soft early in the season.
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