McGurk Meadow Trailhead

McGurk Meadow Trailhead sits along Glacier Point Road, about 7.5 miles from the Wawona Road junction, and it's one of the easiest half-day hikes in the Yosemite high country. The out-and-back trail covers 1.6 miles round-trip with only about 150 feet of elevation gain, dropping gently through lodgepole pine forest to a wide, sun-fed meadow. Plan on roughly 1 to 1.5 hours if you're just visiting the meadow and cabin.

What You'll Find

The trail ends at McGurk Meadow, a grassy clearing named for John McGurk, a sheepherder who built a small log cabin here that still stands near the meadow's edge. Wildflowers peak in early summer, when snowmelt keeps the meadow green; by late season it dries out considerably. The trailhead has a vault toilet and bear-proof food storage lockers, but no other facilities.

Going Farther: Dewey Point

Hikers looking for more can continue a mile past the meadow to a junction with the Pohono Trail, then head left toward Dewey Point for sweeping views over Yosemite Valley. That extension turns the trip into roughly a 7.8-mile round-trip with about 1,300 feet of gain, closer to a 4 to 6 hour outing.

Good to Know

• Glacier Point Road, and this trailhead, is only open roughly late May through October or November, depending on snowpack.
• Pets and bicycles are not permitted on the trail.
• Overnight parking at the trailhead is prohibited starting October 15.
• Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) for current road and weather conditions.