Overview

Yosemite National Park offers visitors many opportunities to explore the great outdoors, and one place you can enjoy some great views and an easy hike is around Sentinel Meadow. In the spring, with wildflowers abloom and Yosemite Falls in the distance, you’ll find a wonderful backdrop for family photos.

Location & Information

To reach Sentinel Meadow, drive into Yosemite Valley, taking Southside Drive to the parking for the Swinging Bridge.

Sentinel Meadow is accessible all year, but beware of slippery trails due to ice and snow in the winter.

Contact information:
Yosemite National Park
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
209-372-0200

Activities

• Hiking
  The Sentinel Meadow and Cook’s Meadow Loop is an easy 2.25-mile trail that allows you to skirt these two meadows and offers multiple views of Half Dome and beautiful Yosemite Falls. In the springtime and early in the summer, the meadows are very green and dotted with wildflowers. You can spend up to two hours taking this path, as you’ll want to linger to view all of Yosemite’s wonders.
• Wildlife Watching
  Try walking around the meadow in the evening to see some of the wildlife that frequents this area. You may see a coyote or mule deer. You certainly will hear the frogs croaking in a joyful chorus from the ponds.
• Photography
  This meadow is a favorite of professional photographers, and you’ll see why once you visit. But you don’t have to be a pro in order to get some fantastic shots. This unique meadow will give you a spot to gain some wonderful photos as memories of your trip to Yosemite.

Fun Facts

Sentinel Meadow is likely named for its closeness to Sentinel Dome, which was itself named by the Whitney Geological Survey team (1800s) because the dome resembles a huge watchtower.