Big Meadow Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

A scroll-able topographical map showing all trails and roads in the wilderness can be found at: fs.usda.gov/recarea/sequoia…. Note: you first have to scroll out first to find your area of interest and then scroll in to see the details for that area.

This trail is reasonably maintained and fairly easy to follow. It is only rated "Difficult" because it has some short, steep sections. It is not spectacular, but it is a pleasant hike in the spring and early summer after the snow melts. I used it as part of a loop that took me past Taylor Meadow, Church Dome, Manter Meadow, and beyond.

The Big Meadow Trail starts from the southern-most trailhead on the east side of Big Meadow, about 100 yards down from the South Manter Trailhead, which is distinguished by a small stock pen. The trail makes a 150-foot climb over a ridge to reach the upper section of South Manter Creek. It follows the creek for a short distance and then makes a short, but steep, climb over the ridge to leading to Taylor Creek. The entire ridge is covered with small and large rock formations, of which Taylor Dome is the largest.

The trail follows Taylor Creek down for a little over 2 miles, until it crosses Taylor Creek at the end of Road 24S32-Church. For the last half mile, it goes over a smooth, slick-rock bed.

According to the official map, the trail continues to follow Taylor Creek, passing on the north side of Taylor Meadow, which is private land surrounded by a barb-wire fence. I failed to see that section of the trail. I may have just missed it, or it could be one of the many sections of trails in the Domeland that have not been maintained in the last few years.

Instead, I followed Road 24S32-Church and then went off-trail around the south side of the meadow and worked my way over to the Woodpecker Trail and Road 24S13-Taylor, which leads toward Church Dome.

On the official map, the Big Meadow trail continues another 2 miles south to pass Rattlesnake Meadow and end at the junction with Bartolas Road South. I did not hike that section and have not found any information about it.

Beware of rattlesnakes. I saw one on the trail that didn't rattle until I was very close, and then it crawled into a log next to the trail. When crossing logs, it is good to put your poles down on both sides before stepping over.