Join Toby and me on Day 2 of our dog-friendly Yosemite itinerary, as we explore the peaceful Wawona Meadow Loop and make our way up to Glaicer Point.
On the second day of our trip to Yosemite National Park, Toby and I opted for a more tranquil and less crowded experience, away from the bustling Yosemite Village. We wanted to take it easy after an eventful first day. We began with a peaceful stroll along the scenic Wawona Meadow Loop trail, immersing ourselves in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Later, we embarked on a drive up to Glacier Point, making a stop at Washburn Point along the way to capture the breathtaking views. At Glacier Point, we explored the various vista points, capturing stunning photos of Yosemite’s iconic landmarks from a distance.
Wawona Meadow Loop
Our first stop in the morning was the picturesque Wawona Meadow Loop Trail. After parking the car in the Wawona hotel parking lot (although I wasn’t entirely sure if it was allowed, we didn’t receive any tickets or complaints), we made our way across the road to reach the trailhead.
The trail encompasses a delightful 3.5-mile loop around the breathtaking Wawona Meadow, which took us approximately 2 hours to complete. The trail itself is mostly flat and paved, offering a pleasant and accessible hiking experience. The majority of the loop is shaded by towering trees, providing relief from the heat. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re in the mountains, so don’t forget to apply sunscreen and wear a hat for sun protection. Be prepared for the presence of flies along the trail, so having insect repellent handy is a must.
We found the trail to be peaceful and serene, encountering only a few fellow hikers and some cyclists who whizzed by. Toby thoroughly enjoyed his time, reveling in the scents and delights of the new surroundings.
Glacier Point
The Glacier Point offers a stunning vantage point to admire iconic Yosemite landmarks, providing a fresh perspective on the Yosemite Village. While the Four Mile Trail allows adventurous hikers to trek all the way from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point, it’s important to note that dogs are not permitted on this trail. However, during the summer, the Glacier Point Road is open, allowing for convenient access to this magnificent viewpoint.
After enjoying the serene beauty of the Wawona Meadow Loop, we set off on a scenic drive northward along Wawona Road for approximately 30 minutes. Upon reaching the intersection, we turned onto the Glacier Point Road. The winding mountain road led us for another 25-30 minutes until we arrived at the Washburn Point, where we couldn’t resist pausing to take in the awe-inspiring vistas and capture photographs.
Continuing our journey, it only took about 5 minutes to reach Glacier Point itself. We found a parking lot and a few convenient restrooms. Exploring the small paved loop at Glacier Point, we relished the opportunity to marvel at the panoramic views from various vantage points. The famous landmarks of Yosemite, including the majestic Half Dome and the enchanting upper and lower Yosemite Falls revealed their splendor from a distance. The loop was relatively flat and easy to traverse, making it a pleasant experience for all.
We indulged in an hour of stretching our legs, immersing ourselves in the breathtaking scenery, and capturing countless cherished moments through our camera lenses.
Interactive Map
View our interactive map on Google Maps. Select the “Wawona Meadow Loop” and “Glacier Point” layers for a detailed map of our walking route at each spot!
