This beautiful meadow is located in a valley that was originally carved out by glaciers. The meadow and surrounding areas has spectacular wildflower displays in early to mid-summer, including shooting stars, bistort, corn lilies, horse mint, blue bells, lupines, trillium, goldenrod, pussy paws, monkey flowers, columbine, cone flowers, and many more. Bell Meadow also has one of the largest aspen groves on the Stanislaus National Forest, which is especially spectacular in mid-Autumn as the leaves change to yellow and gold. Wildlife species in the area include mule deer, black bears, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, marten, and over 60 bird species. Archaeological sites indicate that the Sierra Miwuk seasonally passed through Bell Meadow.
In addition to featuring a beautiful meadow for you to enjoy, this area also serves as an easy access point into the Emigrant Wilderness. The Emigrant Wilderness is named after Emigrant Pass, which runs along the historic West Walker route that was followed by the first emigrant group to enter the area. If you want to plan a hiking or backpacking trip to one of many alpines lakes or other spectacular destinations, you can obtain a map of the Emigrant Wilderness before your visit at the Mi Wok, Summit, orGroveland Ranger District offices.
Directions: To get to Bell Meadow take Highway 108 east of Twain Harte for about 15 miles. Turn right ontoCrabtree Road and follow the signs to Bell Meadow (about 8 miles from the highway). The last half-mile of road gets a little rough, but the road is drivable for most sedans and vans as long as you take it slow through the rough sections.
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