Adventure 008, Hike 021 - Cooks Meadow

Capture California, the Game-2012

Adventure: 008, Hike 021- Cook Meadow

Team: Thing One, Thing Two

Date:  June 24, 2012

Location: Yosemite Valley

Hike Info:

Trail: Cook's Meadow Interpretive Trail

Distance: 1.1 (0.5)

Duration: :45 (:15)

Elevation Rise: 7'

 

Description:
This is another short trail. One which we “discovered” last year during Capture California. It is a trail which rightly starts around the visitor's center, goes to Yosemite Falls area, and then loops back to the visitor's center. Today we did most of this by getting off of the tram at the Yosemite Falls bus stop. Then visiting the Falls—seeing a wedding party, always a thrill. Then joining the Cook's Meadow Interpretive Trail along the backside of the Yosemite Falls trail. This made the total hike around 1.1 miles. Because we then cross the north side drive and enter into Cook's Meadow.

As we mentioned, our time in Yosemite Valley was because we brought along a couple of Rachel's friends. We had previously stopped at Bridalveil Falls. Then ate lunch and headed up to Happy Isles. At Happy Isles we went through the nature center learning about the various animals which inhabit the area. We even talked with the Yosemite Conservancy volunteer who was staffing the center about Capture California—he had seen our Thing One, Thing Two T-shirts.

So by the time we reached Yosemite Falls, our friends had already been thrilled by the awesomeness of the Valley. But you cannot leave the Valley without a pilgrimage to Yosemite Falls. Even running as low as it is, it is inspiring. As said before, instead of returning the main way back, we went around the east side of Yosemite Creek, amongst the residence housing and by the Yosemite school. We then crossed the road and started on Cook's Meadow Interpretive Trail. This trail is a combination of description of the history and nature of the area, it allows you to see much of the best of the Valley--Yosemite Falls, Fallen Arrow, North Dome, Royal Arches, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and the list goes on. It is no wonder this guy Cook thought this meadow would be a perfect place to build a hotel. What a sight to wake up to! Not only that, but he used the meadow to make hay for his horses. We decide to take the shuttle bus back to the car and call it a day—a really good day.