Left Meadow Trail

Left Meadow Trail is the smaller half of a short loop just outside Fish Camp, the town that marks Yosemite's southern doorstep. Combined with the neighboring Right Meadow Trail, it forms a 1.3-mile loop through Sierra National Forest, rated easy, with roughly 239 to 246 feet of elevation gain — most people finish it in under 40 minutes.

Finding the Trailhead

This is a quiet, low-key trail, and that's part of the appeal — but it also means the trailhead isn't obvious. Hikers note it sits behind what looks like a plain parking area lined with logs, tucked out of view until you're right on top of it. Pull the trail up on a mapping app before you arrive rather than relying on signage alone.

What to Expect on the Trail

The loop winds through forest and meadow terrain that draws birders as much as hikers, and its gentle grade makes it a good option for a short leg-stretch on the way in or out of Yosemite's south entrance near Fish Camp and Summerdale Campground. It's open year-round, dogs are welcome on leash, and thanks to light foot traffic, you'll likely have long stretches of meadow to yourself.