What's so special about meadows and wetlands? Nowhere else in Yosemite will you find a greater diversity of plants and animals. Meadows and wetlands are vital for deer and bears, for numerous birds, and for an unbelievable number of smaller creatures, all of which depend upon an amazing variety of plants.

And, to top it off, the openess of meadows provides great views of the surrounding area.

When visiting meadows, tread carefully and use existing boardwalks and trails where they exist. If you see wildlife, keep wildlife wild; respect animals from a distance.

You'll find several meadows in Yosemite Valley, a large meadow in Wawona, and numerous meadows along the Tioga Road and, of course, at Tuolumne Meadows.