Dewey Point via McGurk Meadow
A forest-and-meadow route to a quiet south-rim viewpoint above Yosemite Valley.
Route overview
Descend through McGurk Meadow, join the Pohono Trail, climb to Dewey Point and return by the same route.
Dewey Point combines the McGurk Meadow approach with a longer section of the Pohono Trail. The route first descends before climbing toward the valley rim. The final viewpoint offers major vertical exposure and requires careful behavior near unguarded edges.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Glacier Point Road, Yosemite National Park, California
- Distance
- 13.2 km round-trip
- Typical duration
- 4–5 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- 230 m total, including descent and later climb
- Best season
- July to October for normal hiking; winter use requires a separate snow-travel assessment
- Trail type
- Out-and-back rim viewpoint hike
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No wilderness permit for a day hike
Safety context
Stay well back from unguarded edges; prepare for weather changes, limited water and a climb on the return Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Stay well back from unguarded edges; prepare for weather changes, limited water and a climb on the return
Highlights
Dewey Point, Yosemite Valley rim, El Capitan-area views, McGurk Meadow
Why find a buddy
Valuable for cliff-edge awareness, navigation at junctions and shared pacing over the longer route
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.