Cook’s Meadow

Ready to capture some epic shots? Cook’s Meadow contains both the Yosemite Falls Vantage Point and the famous Elm Tree, so this is definitely is your go-to spot for some stunning photography opportunities! 📸🌄!

Flow Level Throughout the Seasons:

  • Spring: Peak flow from April to June, thanks to snowmelt. The waterfall is at its most dramatic during this time3.

  • Summer: Flow starts to decrease, but you can still catch some decent volume, especially in early summer.

  • Fall: Flow continues to decrease, and by late summer, it might be a trickle.

  • Winter: The waterfall often freezes, creating stunning ice formations.

Best Photography Opportunities

  1. Yosemite Falls: The tallest waterfall in North America, cascading in three tiers. Perfect for capturing the grandeur of nature!

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The Elm Tree: This historic elm tree, often mistaken for an oak, makes a great foreground for images of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls.

The elm tree in Cook's Meadow is a true icon. Planted in the mid-1800s by James Mason Hutchings, it's the last of its kind in the area2. Its leafy contour calls to mind the shape of Half Dome, making it a favorite subject among photographers. Fun fact: this tree has seen more sunrises and sunsets than most of us will ever experience! Catch the right light at sunrise and watch it light up!

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Fun Fact

Did you know that Cook's Meadow is named after the Cook family, prominent business owners in Yosemite and nearby communities in the late 1800s? Talk about leaving a lasting legacy!

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