Overview
Post Corral Meadow is one of the accessible subalpine meadows in the Dinkey Creek area of Sierra National Forest, reached by an 8-mile loop that starts and ends at the popular Dinkey Creek Campground. The loop is a good complement to the longer Dinkey Lakes Wilderness routes, offering a true loop structure (uncommon in this part of the forest), consistent forest walking, and a meadow destination that provides open views and wildlife watching without requiring wilderness permits or the mileage of the full lakes circuit.
The Dinkey Creek area sits at roughly 6,000-7,000 feet, high enough to escape the worst of Central Valley summer heat while remaining accessible for a longer portion of the year than the wilderness lakes above. The meadow holds wildflowers through July and provides grazing habitat for deer that are often visible in the morning and evening. Black bears use the meadow edges for foraging, particularly in late summer when berries ripen.
No permit or fee is required for the hiking trail; day use parking at the campground requires the fee or an America the Beautiful Pass. Before visiting, check current conditions for road access and any fire restrictions. Leave No Trace principles apply throughout, particularly in the meadow where staying on established trails prevents the vegetation damage that concentrated foot traffic causes.
The Route
Miles 0 to 3: Campground to Forest Interior
From the Dinkey Creek Campground day use parking, the loop heads into the surrounding forest on a well-defined trail. The first three miles move through white fir and red fir forest with a gradual, consistent climb. The forest provides good shade and the trail is quiet once away from the campground noise.
Miles 3 to 5: Post Corral Meadow
The forest opens into Post Corral Meadow at roughly mile 3. The meadow is a broad subalpine flat with seasonal creek drainage, wildflowers through mid-July, and open views of the surrounding ridgelines. Deer are frequently visible in the meadow morning and evening. The trail skirts the meadow edge rather than crossing through the vegetation; the view into the meadow from the trail edge is the main visual experience.
Miles 5 to 8: Return Loop
The return portion of the loop descends via a different drainage back to the campground. The forest character changes slightly on the return with some sections of denser lodgepole pine. The campground becomes audible and visible in the final mile.
When to Visit
June through October. The Dinkey Creek Road opens in late May or early June; the trail is accessible shortly after. Wildflower peak in the meadow is late June through July. Fall (September-October) is excellent with fall color and quiet trails. Fire conditions can restrict campfire use from August onward.
What to Bring
- Many hikers carry 1.5-2 liters of water for this length; water is available at the campground. Individual needs vary.
- Layers: even summer days cool quickly in the forest at 7,000 feet.
- Bear spray if carrying for the campground area; bear encounters are common in the Dinkey Creek area.
Practical Details
Day use fee applies at the Dinkey Creek Campground parking as of 2026; America the Beautiful Pass accepted. No permit for hiking. Flush restrooms at the campground. Dogs allowed on leash. Developed campsite reservations through Recreation.gov.
See veteran benefits on national forests for the America the Beautiful Pass for veterans.
Getting There
From Shaver Lake on Highway 168, turn south on Dinkey Creek Road and drive approximately 9 miles to Dinkey Creek Campground. The road is paved to the campground. From Fresno, take Highway 168 northeast approximately 45 miles to Shaver Lake, then south on Dinkey Creek Road. Total drive is approximately 1.25 hours from Fresno.