[Objective] The age, occurrence, and development of alpine meadow soil in the Three River headwater region were analyzed to provide guidance for maintaining soil and ecological security in the region. [Methods] The formation and development time of the soil profiles from Xiaqiong, Xiewu, Tongledong, and Doudicun in the Three River headwater region were determined using the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating method of coarse-grained quartz and potassium feldspar (K-feldspar). [Results] The development time of alpine meadow soil in this area was Early Holocene (13—8 ka) and Late Holocene (3—0 ka). The four soil profiles were developed on slope and eolian parent material, respectively. The elemental geochemical characteristics of different soil layers were consistent with the typical aeolian loess in this area. [Conclusion] The development of alpine meadow soil was concentrated in the Holocene period. The parent material of soil was mainly the mixed parent material of slope deposits and aeolian deposits. The input of aeolian dust is of great significance to soil formation in the Three River headwater region, and is also the original material source of slope deposits in this area. The release of aeolian dust during the relatively arid period of Holocene is of great significance to the formation of meadow soil.