Cook's Meadow view of Half Dome & Golden Elm

@nickif24

California

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Yosemite National Park

Nestled in one of California’s most iconic meadows you’ll find perfect views of Half Dome. Visit at the right time and you’ll capture the sun bursting through a Golden Elm!

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Easy

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

$30 per vehicle, 7-day pass; free with National Parks Pass

Pack

Wide-angle lens (19mm)
Tripod
Warm clothing

How to get there

N37° 44' 45.0384"W119° 35' 29.5584"

The featured image is of a lone Elm Tree bathing in the sunlight in Cook’s Meadow. Once you're in Yosemite Valley, follow Southside Drive east for approximately 4.1 miles. Turn left on Sentinel Drive for 0.3 miles. Turn left on Northside Drive for 0.4 miles and park near the Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead. You will see Cook's Meadow and the lone Elm Tree on the left side of the road (south side of Northside Dr). If you reach the lodge at Yosemite Falls, you've gone too far.