Exploring McGurk Meadow & Cabin - Yosemite National Park
Hi friends and happy Monday! This week we’re hiking to one of Yosemite National Park’s best-kept secrets, McGurk Meadow and historic cabin. If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the Summer park crowds and finding a quiet, serene spot in Yosemite’s high country, then this trail is definitely for you. So grab your favorite hiking boots, and let’s explore the natural beauty and rich history of the McGurk Meadow Trail together!
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 1.75 miles RT
• Elevation Change: 150 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
McGurk Meadow in Yosemite National Park
Location
The McGurk Meadow Trailhead is conveniently located off Glacier Point Road, just a little over seven miles from the intersection with Wawona Road. As you drive along Glacier Point Road, keep an eye out for a small parking area on the left side of the road that typically has open spots, even during the busy Summer season. This is a great spot to start your adventure, offering a peaceful alternative to the more crowded trails in Yosemite Valley.
McGurk Meadow Trailhead parking along Glacier Point Road
Trail Information
The trail itself is a gentle, easy hike, accessible for most hikers. The McGurk Meadow hike is less than two miles round trip with under 150 feet of elevation change, so you won’t need to worry about any strenuous climbs. This packed dirt trail has a few uneven/rocky sections and winds through a forested and mostly shaded area until it opens up to expansive meadow views at the end of the hike. The McGurk Meadow Trail is perfect for families, casual hikers, or anyone looking to soak in the beauty of Yosemite’s high country without breaking a sweat.
Yosemite black bear near McGurk Meadow
Trail Highlights
Tall trees and bright green grasses surround this gently meandering trail. One of the highlights of this hike is the incredible variety of wildflowers that bloom in the Summer. Imagine walking through a vibrant tapestry of colors—lupines, paintbrushes, shooting stars, and more—all set against the lush green backdrop of the meadow. It’s like stepping into a living painting! The meadow grasses, honeysuckle, and even wild raspberries add to the sensory experience, making this trail a true feast for the eyes. The abundant flora serves as a perfect home to Yosemite wildlife...in the morning you’ll hear scores of birds singing in the trees, and don’t be surprised to see deer in the meadow and black bears roaming the forest here.
McGurk Cabin along McGurk Meadow Trail in Yosemite National Park
Partially collapsed McGurk Cabin in Yosemite National Park
John McGurk & The McGurk Cabin
At just about three-quarters of a mile into the hike, you’ll come across a piece of Yosemite’s history: the historic McGurk Cabin. This cabin is named after John McGurk, a cattleman who grazed his stock in this area during the late 1800s. McGurk was one of many who were drawn to Yosemite’s fertile meadows for summer grazing, but his story has an interesting twist. While both the McGurk Cabin and McGurk Meadow are named for John McGurk, when Yosemite National Park was established and expanded, the federal government began phasing out grazing. McGurk, who had spent years in these meadows, was eventually forced to leave the area due to new regulations and his removal marked the end of the ranching era in Yosemite. However, the cabin was preserved as a historical site and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The log cabin is a small one-room structure with saddle-notched lodgepole pine logs, but if you visit now you will notice the roof of this historic structure has caved in on itself in recent years. With the massive winter snowfalls at this higher elevation, it’s pretty incredible that this cabin has stood as long as it has. If you’re interested in seeing more historic Yosemite structures, I definitely recommend visiting the Yosemite History Center in Wawona.
McGurk Meadow in Yosemite National Park
McGurk Meadow in Yosemite National Park
McGurk Meadow
Continuing just past the cabin, the trail opens up into the expansive McGurk Meadow. This peaceful, sprawling meadow is the perfect spot for a picnic or just to sit and enjoy the serenity of nature. There’s something truly magical about this place—it’s quiet, removed from the hustle and bustle of the valley, and filled with the gentle hum of nature. The meadow is a haven for wildlife too...keep an eye out for deer grazing in the early morning or late afternoon. Summer is the perfect time to visit because often between early July & mid August wildflower super-blooms can fill the meadow. This wildflower-filled trail offers such a peaceful experience, far removed from the busy Yosemite Valley crowds. However, it’s important to note that at higher elevations, snow melts later in the season, so the sections of the trail can be muddy or wet in spots, even in Summer. And with the water comes the mosquitoes—so make sure you’re prepared for these little pests, which can easily buzz here into late August!
Taft Point in Yosemite National Park
Additional Trails & Hiking From This Area
If you’re up for more than just a gentle day hike, you can continue on from McGurk Meadow to Dewey Point, a beautiful vista offering stunning views of Yosemite’s grandeur. This additional hike adds about six miles and 600 feet in elevation gain to your adventure. It’s a bit more challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort. Strenuous day from McGurk Meadow trailhead also include Taft Point (8 miles) and Glacier Point, which can be reached in under 8 miles (one way).
Summit Meadow along Glacier Point Road in Yosemite National Park
Summit Meadow
For those who might not have the time or ability to hike to McGurk Meadow, you can still get a beautiful meadow view about one mile west from the McGurk Meadow Trailhead. Summit Meadow is located directly off Glacier Point Road, and often features the same Summer wildflower bloom. The meadow itself is closed off for natural restoration, but you can easily enjoy lovely meadow views from the side of the road. A small pullout accommodates a few vehicles and the pit toilets found here are the closest toilets to McGurk Meadow.
McGurk Meadow Trail in Yosemite National Park
Know Before You Go
• Road Closures: Glacier Point Road is closed in the Winter, so plan your visit for the Summer or early Fall. Always check the official Yosemite National Park website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on road closures and trail conditions.
• Trail Conditions: As I mentioned earlier, the trail can be muddy or wet, even in Summer, due to late snowmelt at higher elevations. Waterproof boots are a good idea, and don’t forget your insect protection/repellent!
• Wildlife: Bear proof lockers and trash receptacles are found at the McGurk Meadow Trailhead/parking area. Please do not leave any scented items (food or otherwise) in your vehicle while you’re hiking. There is a hefty fine if a black bear breaks into a car seeking food.
• Recreate Responsibly: Please remember all the Leave No Trace Principles...Yosemite is a place of incredible natural beauty, and it’s up to all of us to help preserve it. Please remember to pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and respect the wildlife and other visitors.
• Camping: If you’re planning to spend more time exploring Glacier Point Road, consider camping at Bridalveil Creek Campground. This campground has recently reopened after much-needed renovations and is one of Yosemite’s hidden gems, in my humble opinion. It’s a great base for adventures like Taft Point, Sentinel Dome, and Glacier Point itself.
• Time to Visit: Early-July to late August is a wonderful time of year to explore Yosemite’s high country. The wildflower superblooms are incredible, especially the lupines. There’s nothing quite like the sight of these vibrant purple flowers carpeting the landscape.
Top 10 Yosemite Spots to Avoid Crowds
McGurk Meadow Trail in Yosemite National Park
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week inside Yosemite National Park. For a virtual visit of McGurk Meadow, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Yosemite Summer wildflowers in McGurk Meadow
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
Wondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.