Get ready for an incredible dog-friendly day 1 in the Yosemite National Park as Toby and I lead you to its most iconic landmarks, including Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow, and Tunnel View.
Our day began with capturing breathtaking moments at Tunnel View, where the grandeur of Yosemite unfolded before our eyes. Eager to explore further, we ventured into the valley and embarked on a delightful walk through Cook’s Meadow, leading us to the enchanting trail of Lower Yosemite Falls. After a lunch at Village Grill, we concluded this eventful day with a leisurely stroll to the lower loop of Mirror Lake.
Tunnel View
Leaving the cabin, we set off, heading north along the windy Wawona Road. After approximately 30 minutes of driving, we arrived at the renowned tunnel, eagerly anticipating the breathtaking sight that awaited us. Emerging from the tunnel, we arrived at Tunnel View with a convenient parking area on the right, inviting us to pause and take in the awe-inspiring panorama of Yosemite National Park. This captivating stop is a must before descending further into the Yosemite Valley. However, it’s worth noting that you can also relish this magnificent vista on your way up, as parking spaces are available on both sides of the road.
Cook’s Meadow / Lower Yosemite Falls
After capturing some photos at the Tunnel View, we made our way towards the heart of Yosemite National Park — the Yosemite Village. The scenic drive took us approximately 20-30 minutes, allowing us to savor every moment as we marveled at the park’s grandeur. As we arrived at our destination, we were relieved to find a parking spot in the Yosemite Valley Parking Lot.
Our first destination was the Yosemite Falls Vantage Point, accessed by following Sentinel Drive westward. We strolled on the paved Cook’s Meadow Loop for about 0.5 miles, enjoying the picturesque surroundings and taking countless photos with the magnificent Yosemite Falls as our backdrop. As expected from a meadow, there weren’t many trees or shade along Cook’s Meadow Loop; I was grateful for my hat and sunscreen.
Crossing Northside Drive, we set foot on the well-marked Lower Yosemite Fall Trail, a picturesque 1.2-mile pathway suitable for adventurers of all ages. Before starting the trail, we used the restroom conveniently located at the trail’s entrance, as there are no restrooms along the trail itself. Opting for a counterclockwise route, we took our first break at the Yosemite Falls View area, where Toby playfully dipped his paws into the cool waters. Continuing our ascent, we arrived at the bustling Lower Yosemite Fall Vista Point, surrounded by a lively crowd. Despite the gusts of wind and spray from the waterfall, we remained patient and managed to capture a cherished family photo with the Lower Yosemite Fall providing a breathtaking backdrop.
Completing our walk, we retraced our steps along the Cook’s Meadow Loop, relishing the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.
Dog-Friendly Lunch Spot
We decided to take an extended lunch break at the dog-friendly Village Grill, an ideal spot for our furry companions since all the seating is outdoors. The menu offered a simple selection of burgers, sandwiches, and classic sides like French fries, accompanied by refreshing fountain drinks. Considering its location in the bustling Yosemite Valley, the prices were quite reasonable. I made sure to feed Toby some wet food and got him a water cup from the restaurant to keep him hydrated and refreshed. He seemed delighted and eagerly lapped up the cool water.
Mirror Lake
After rejuvenating ourselves, we hopped back into the car in search of parking near Curry Village, which would grant us easier access to the Mirror Lake trail. It’s worth noting that both Southside Drive and Northside Drive in Yosemite Village are one-way roads. Initially, I ventured onto Northside Drive with the intention of returning to Southside Drive via Sentinel Drive. However, Sentinel Drive was closed, so we took a detour near the El Capitan Viewpoint, adding a mere 15 minutes to our journey but granting us the opportunity to savor the captivating view.
Rather than turning towards Yosemite Village as we did earlier, I continued along Southside Drive, following the signage for Curry Village. I found street parking on Happy Isles Loop Road near the Lower Pines Campground.
We walked along Happy Isles Loop Road, which transitions into Mirror Lake Trail. This paved and shaded road, exclusively for pedestrians, stretched for approximately a mile. Clearly marked signs guided our way, ensuring a hassle-free hike. As we reached the entrance of the Mirror Lake area, where a restroom was conveniently located, we encountered a “no dogs beyond this point” sign, which caught me by surprise. Nevertheless, we paused near the sign to soak in the scenic view and enjoy the peaceful ambiance by the water.
With our brief respite complete, we retraced our steps, ready to return to our cabin for a well-deserved dinner.
Interactive Map
View our interactive map on Google Maps. Select the “Cook’s Meadow & Lower Yosemite Falls Trail” and “Mirror Lake Trail” layers for a detailed map of our walking route at each spot!
