Dana Meadows, Alpine meadow at Yosemite National Park, United States.
This meadow stretches along the Dana Fork, a tributary of the Tuolumne River, in Yosemite's eastern section at roughly 9,730 feet above sea level. The open grassland is crossed by clear streams and bordered by conifer forests.
Before the national park was established, Basque shepherds brought their flocks to these meadows to graze for the season. They carved their initials into trees, leaving a record of centuries of pastoral use.
The meadow is named after James Dwight Dana, a Yale geologist whose 19th-century work shaped understanding of mountain formation and rock structures. His name reflects the scientific study of Yosemite's eastern valleys.
Access opens around June or July after snowmelt, but snow can return, especially from September onward. Sturdy boots and layered clothing are useful for any visit.
Winter snow piles up to about 4 meters deep here, keeping the meadow buried for months. This massive snow accumulation slowly melts into the river system, serving as a natural water supply for the region.
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