Westfall Meadows Trail

The Westfall Meadows Trail is a great option for those seeking a tranquil hike in Yosemite. Compared to trails on the north side of Glacier Point Road, this southern adventure has remained a hidden gem, in large part due to the lack of signage—but we’ll let you in on the secret! Note: much of the path is exposed, so be sure to pack plenty of water and wear adequate sun protection in the summer months. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of wildlife! As there is no parking right at the trailhead, there’s an informal parking area on the north side of the road about 328ft past the trailhead. The National Park charges an entrance fee; refer to the NPS website for additional details.

Embark on your adventure along the Westfall Meadows Trail from the informal trailhead off Glacier Point Road. From here, follow the path south through the mildly undulating terrain. Enjoy the shade of the towering pines while you can, before the route opens to the exposed meadowlands. Eventually, there will be intersecting routes that you will ignore and continue hiking south. The beauty of this trek is that you can customize it by choosing your own turnaround point whenever you begin to feel tired.

We hiked all the way to Alder Creek before turning around. When you are ready to return to the trailhead, retrace your footing along the same path.