McGurk Meadow

Park on the left side of the road about 100 yards after the trailhead for McGurk Meadow. Make sure to take all food out of your can and place it in the provided bear boxes. You should place anything in the box that gives off any sort of scent (even sunscreen, gum, empty water bottles). You will be much happier taking the extra time to put everything in the bear box that you would be if a black bear decided that he wanted what was in your car.

Walk along the side of the road towards Hwy 41 and turn right at the sign for McGurk meadow.

The trail starts on the side of the road with a shot walk through the woods, with little to no elevation change. After 10 minutes you will start your descent, which means that you are getting closer.

At the 0.7 mile marker you will come across a wooden cabin on your left just off of the trail. The cabin was originally built as a shelter for cattle ranchers when there was bad weather. If you have children, let them walk inside (adults will have to crawl as the door is only about 3-4 feet high).

Once you have finished hiking downhill you will arrive at the opening to McGurk meadow. Walk towards the wooden path/bridge and look on either side for spectacular views of the meadow. If you are lucky, the wildflowers will be in full bloom painting the meadow with stunning shades of red, blue, violet, and yellow. July is the best time to visit to see the wildflowers in full bloom.

As you continue along the trail you may find yourself stopping every 10 feet to admire the flowers.

After another 5 minutes after the first meadow you will arrive at the next opening which rivals the first. On the right side of the trail you will find a large log where you can sit to enjoy a snack and marvel at the unbelievable number of wildflowers.

If you with to continue further, its about another 0.5 miles until the trail ends and connects to the Pohono Trail where you can continue to Dewey point. If you just came for the meadow and wildflowers, you have seen the 2 main meadows and there is nothing more spectacular further down the trail—take your time to enjoy the view before heading back the way you came.