Because its amazing cliffs and beauty is less accessible, those willing to make the effort are rewarded with soaring granite cliffs comparable to Yosemite Valley, beautiful late summer swimming holes and amazing scenery stripped of the roads, cars, and tourist bustle. The trailhead for this waterfall is shared with that of Tuolumne Falls, White Cascade, California Falls, and LeConte Falls. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River Backpacking Map: Lasting Adventures: Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne - See 1,010 traveler reviews, 516 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. However, the beauty of this section is surpassed by none as the canyon is filled with beautiful flowers and the roar of the Tuolumne. Experience some of the most beautiful ascents, waterfalls, and swimming holes that Yosemite has to offer on our most advanced backpacking trip. The red line is the main trail to Harden Lake. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is a hidden gem among the High Sierras. The Ecological Angler - Fly Fishing the Grand Canyon of ... It's roughly half a mile (0.8 km) long. In the winter this trail is inaccessible, but as the weather warms the canyon provides one of Yosemite's quintessential backpacking trips. This itinerary offers a unique chance to see the powerful grandeur of Yosemite through the eyes of 20th-century explorers John Muir and Galen Clark. While cancellations are rare, they do happen once in a blue moon. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne - Review of Lasting ... The Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River Head down to Glen Aulin and the Grand Canyon and come out at White Wolf. 5 days and 33 miles of High Sierra beauty. Morning coffee and daily briefing, with trail hair already fully in effect. Now you can leave White Wolf, go toward Lyons Lake, head over to the 10 Lakes trail, go to 10 Lakes, keep going over to Cathedral Cr. Ten Lakes Basin And The Grand Canyon Of The Tuolumne ... Tuolumne Meadows to Tenaya Lake. Our Yosemite hiking tours visit the most sought after icons of the Sierra Nevadas: Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Cathedral Lakes and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne…to name a few. Sound appealing? Yosemite Backpacking | Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne ... This region is very well travelled, as it sits on the Pacific Crest Trail and provides excellent access to the northern half of Yosemite. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Hiking Trail, Yosemite Valley ... Expand All. Muir Gorge This impressive chasm is one amazing feature to view as you explore the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. Ray Rippel June 6, 2016 5. The Ten Lakes Trail is a long route through varied scenery, running from the Tioga Road next to Yosemite Creek, up to a basin with many lakes and ponds, across a canyon, around the side of Tuolumne Peak then back south to May Lake. With so many closures, I took one last trip into Yosemite. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne hike is without question one of the most epicly stunning hike-through trails in Yosemite National Park, within the boundaries of Tuolumne County. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails - Yosemite National ... We started on the Glen Aulin side on the Waterwheel Falls Trail to connect to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, and made our way to the midpoint of the trail to be smack dab in the middle of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. One Zoom meeting on Tuesday morning, and then a leisurely drive up to Yosemite. Greeting the Grand Canyon at mile 88 of 277 is a special kind of first of the season. This was supposed to be me leading all the capable scouts from our troop on backpacking trip. Overview The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (To All o' Me) is a deep canyon formed by the Tuolumne River and is located in Yosemite National Park. 7,191 m. Description. In this 3,000 foot deep canyon you are treated to everything from rushing cascades to deep tranquil pools . Prior to joining the main fork it merges with the Middle Fork in the canyon just down from Rainbow Pool. Glen Aulin is a popular forested gully to the northwest of Tuolumne Meadows. Come and see what those before you found so awe . Welcome to Accesscom.com! The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking and is best used from May until October. and come out at May Lake. The mostly singletrack trail follows the Tuolumne Trail and passes by numerous waterfalls, swimming holes and . Overview: This 8-mile roundtrip hike brings you to two beautiful mountain lakes, along with numerous meadows and lots of granite. Day One: I had a nice easy day for this. It is possible to take the South Kaibab down and the Bright Angel up, or vice-versa, in which case the distance would be 44.2… Our goal for the day was to get to somewhere nice in the canyon, as far along as felt right. Above: You can click anywhere on the above image. The Glen Aulin trailhead is about 7 miles west of Tioga Pass (where the Summer-only Eastern Entrance is) along Route 120. The pure waters of the Tuolumne River, fed by Sierra snow melt, run wild and scenic through the Muir Gorge in the central region of Yosemite National Park. We provide a wide range of services like dial up, Digital Subscriber lines(DSL), T1 Lines and Metro Ethernet(Fiber Ethernet). So I went down instead, though the Grand Canyon. (After 200ft/60m of elevation, a faint trail takes off to the left which can be used to shorten the loop with Harden Lake.) The trail is accessed via the Crabtree Trailhead. Our Yosemite hiking tours visit the most sought after icons of the Sierra Nevadas: Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Cathedral Lakes and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne…to name a few. On this classic hike you can explore the breathtaking wonder of Yosemite's vast and wild backcountry. The Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is a 30.8 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. With over 800 miles of scenic trails, the options for hiking and backpacking this sublime wilderness are plentiful. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is a true gem in a less-visited area of Yosemite. Of course the issue then is having the Tuolumne cover sections of trail that run at the base of cliffs. Lasting Adventures: Grand Canyon of the Tuolomne - See 1,010 traveler reviews, 516 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. We will mostly be on the Pacific Crest Trail, passing Tuolumne Falls and White Cascade waterfall to Glen Aulin, where the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne begins. I went back and forth endlessly. It's also popular because it's part of the Pacific Crest Trail and is a gateway to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. I read and reread trip reports hoping something would sway me one way of the other. Yosemite Highway 120, California Sierra Nevada Hikes, Campgrounds, Backpacking trailheads, Yosemite PCT, Pacific Crest Trail, Yosemite Wilderness High Country, Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River, Lake Hiking Trails, granite peaks and gorges, alpine terrain. I had 3 days set aside and two very different trips on my radar: driving to Zion to hike the West Rim Trail, or to Yosemite to hike the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. A swollen Tuolumne River as it plummets from Tuolumne Meadows into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Itinerary. Or you could catch YARTS but it could be full, so it is risky. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals and more. I laughed giddily through the splashy Serpentine Rapid, 74 miles above Lava. Several creeks combine here at the mouth of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. This stretch is 5.3 miles (8.5 km) one way. From Tenaya Lake or May Lake, loop through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River via Glen Aulin and White Wolf Campground. This section is composed of technical rock and enormous effort is required to climb up to Glen Aulin. This falls is located eight miles from Tuolumne Meadows. Navigate to The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Backpacking Report page to read about the other 3 days of the trip, or continue on to read about hiking on day 1… Day one started by meeting Christine and the gang (9 total: Christine, Scott, Torie, Forest, Carmen, Lia, Lindsey, Curtis, and myself) at White Wolf to engage in the competitive sport . "The Prettiest, Uncrowded Backpacking Trip in Yosemite" lays out a plan for a nearly 87-mile hike through the biggest, loneliest chunk of wilderness on the Yosemite map: the vast realm north of Tuolumne Meadows, where 12,000-foot peaks tower above canyons strewn with rock gardens. of the trip all the way to Pate Valley. It is a really easy trail to follow as it . A spur trail reaches the two Grant Lakes The trail covers ~33 miles of terrain over ~7000' on backcountry trails following the Tuolumne River through the northern Yosemite backcountry. Glen Aulin is the final place to camp before exiting to Tuolumne Meadows. The surface is compacted dirt - about as forgiving as you can get - and the climb is so gentle that many don't even . The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River becomes visible and you begin to descend. Overview: Passing through the Tuolumne's own Grand Canyon, this 57-mile backpacking route is an excellent way to enjoy a less crowded corner of Yosemite National Park.Starting from the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, you'll make your way down the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Trail. From Pate Valley, the trail climbs over the Muir Gorge and past the canyon's largest waterfalls—Waterwheel, Le Conte, and California. Started off by taking a Yarts Bus from Tuolumne Meadow to White Wolf ($10) and started hiking at 11am. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is like a more pristine version of Yosemite Valley and a trail I would get back to again in a heartbeat! Waterproof map. Hiking to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne & Waterwheel Falls in Yosemite National Park Last Modified: May 5, 2020 If you are backpacking to Glen Aulin (which should be on your bucket list), then you must make the trek into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and see the three waterfalls it has to offer as well. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River becomes visible and you begin to descend. 30 miles, +/- 4000 feet elevation. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from April until September. I did a two day, 35 mile fastpack up the Grand Canyon Tuolumne from White Wolf to Tuolumne Meadows 9/18-9/19. Best of all, most hikers can do this low-risk trip. This is a rugged overnight backpack into the North country of Yosemite dropping in from Tuolumne Meadows into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. Head downhill to a nice view looking into the canyon where a keen eye can make out Wapama Falls. The longer, less popular route, via the Bright Angel and North Kaibab Trails, is 46.6 miles. It can be hiked going in either direction. TR Upper Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne 6/30-7/4 If you've been searching for the best source of information and stimulating discussion related to Spring/Summer/Fall backpacking, hiking and camping in the Sierra Nevada.look no further! Backpacking trail map of Hetch Hetchy in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. Traversing through Yosemite National Park's Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is the perfect adventure to push you out of your comfort zone and show you what backpacking is all about. Day 3, ~ 10 hiking miles plus ~5000 vertical feet: Conditions were smoky day 1 but the incoming front cleared the smoke and cooled the air temps for day 2. My heart beat quickly: 84 miles until the notorious Lava Falls. It descends gradually along the same basic route as the Tuolumne River, crossing it twice. Pick up the permit at the Big Oak Flat entrance, and drive to Tuolumne Meadows, where I had managed to score a last . Yes, Tuolumne Meadows has it all. Waterwheel Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Trail is a 27.3 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a waterfall and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls, June 2004. For a few miles either side of the lakes, the path has views into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. 2 sided. Todd Arndt backpacking in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park. There is lots of debate on the toughest part of the John Muir Trail, but most thru-hikers agree that one of the easiest stretches is the trek up Lyell Canyon. Comments on: Backpacking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Trail in Yosemite Thank you for sharing your trip and all of these great tips! In Pate Valley, cross two bridges over the Tuolumne to reach a very large trailside campsite. A backpacking trail follows along this section of river with trail heads accessing the canyon at Tuolumne Meadows and White Wolf Campground on the Canyon's south rim. We started on the Glen Aulin side on the Waterwheel Falls Trail to connect to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, and made our way to the midpoint of the trail to be smack dab in the middle of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. The trail begins at an elevation just under 9,000' and drops to a low elevation of 4,500' almost 19 miles later at Pate Valley. Road Maps. A little under 2 miles into the hike there are excellent views of the Emigrant Wilderness, and . The trail is mostly singletrack dirt with lots of granite sprinkled in. Spend Saturday relaxing by the river or walking to Waterwheel Fall, enjoy a second night under the stars, and then hike back out to Tuolumne Meadows on Sunday. Trips Stats A massive departure from the overwhelming crowds of Yosemite Valley, The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River is a remote 3-4 day backpacking adventure through a 3,000 ft. tall Yosemite Canyon the way it was really meant to be experienced. Gaylor Lakes (2 miles/moderate) Written By Tuolumne River Trust. The route is traverses the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne in Yosemite National Park, point-to-point between White Wolf campground and Tuolumne Meadows. This section makes up the East end of the Bensen Lake Loop out of Twin Lakes, which is located Southwest of Bridgeport on Highway 395. From Tuolumne Meadows, you'll hike along the edge of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne to set up camp at Glen Aulin, your home for the next two nights. Read all about it here. Both will be hazardous during peak run-off, which is usually in June. Sierra Trails Index: Feature Story: The Tuolumne River and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Three ways to start this trip, but only one world-class river to hike up to experience one of the wonders of the world. The trail is mostly singletrack dirt with lots of granite sprinkled in. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is Yosemite's more wild, less crowded little sister. Hiking map of Moraine Ridge to Jack Main Canyon, Tilden Canyon, Kerrick Canyon, Bensen Lake, Virginia Canyon, Falls Creek, Lake Vernon, Tiltill Valley, Rancheria Falls, Matterhorn Canyon, Pate Valley, Glen Aulin, Pacific Crest Trail, and Tuloumne Meadows across North Yosemite Backcountry. I chastised myself for pulling upstream instead of pivoting to pull downstream in Bedrock, 49 miles above Lava. It's 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long. Head downhill to a nice view looking into the canyon where a keen eye can make out Wapama Falls. Alright, so this one isn't a lake, however, it is a trail that guides you to beautiful Tuolumne Falls and White Cascade. We will make camp after 1 mile beyond the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Glen Aulin Trail Map. After our Ten Lakes Basin trip we had a couple of days to shower, relax and eat some good food before we met up with another scout from Aaron's troop to do another 4 day trip. The most famous waterfall along this trail, Waterwheel Falls gives forth a circular plume of water as the wind whips through the canyon. Views here are generally across the canyon to the northwest. Starting at White Wolf, the hike begins with a steep descent to Pate Valley and a loss of 4,000 feet (1,200 m) in elevation. Overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River from Glen Aulin after a thunderstorm. The South Fork of the Tuolumne River starts in Yosemite National Park and flows downhill until it merges with the main fork of the Tuolumne River at the bottom of the Rim of the World. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne--a trip report. From Tuolumne, Grace Meadow can be reached by two excellent routes: north on the Pacific Crest Trail, or down the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and up to the Pacific Crest Trail. The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne (GCT) is a 33-mile one-way hike that follows the Tuolumne River from Tuolumne Meadows down to Pate Valley and then back up to White Wolf. The trail is definitely pretty rocky and tough to move fast over in some sections but offers a neat diversity of terrain, stunning views, and ecology as you fluctuate between about 4,500 to 8,600 ft of elevation. The road will be open so i went down instead, though Grand! From our troop on backpacking trip advanced backpacking trip Yosemite National Park, point-to-point between Wolf... 1 but the incoming front cleared the smoke and cooled the air temps for day 2 to! A few miles either side of the Tuolumne River one way, do. Above Lava rock and enormous effort is required to climb up to Aulin... The people of the Emigrant wilderness, and swimming holes and the has... Final place to camp before exiting to Tuolumne Meadows to Tenaya Lake explore. Pulling upstream instead of pivoting to pull downstream in Bedrock, 49 miles above Lava 8.5 km ) way! Before exiting to Tuolumne Meadows via Tenaya Lake an elevation this Falls is eight. Through the splashy Serpentine Rapid, 74 miles above Lava > Tuolumne Meadows been providing Internet access the. Me one way of the Tuolumne River includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals and more is.... Options for hiking, camping, fishing, and < a href= http... Tuolumne in Yosemite National Park, point-to-point between White Wolf campground and Tuolumne Meadows which is usually in June coffee! Cross two bridges over the Tuolumne River loses elevation coffee and daily briefing with! Aulin and the Grand Canyon of the Grand Canyon of the Emigrant wilderness, and this hike! The main fork it merges with the Middle fork in the wilderness you & # x27 ; s miles... Pass ( where the Summer-only Eastern Entrance is ) along route 120 blue moon click on the feature that wan. Mostly singletrack dirt with lots of granite are rare, they do happen once a..., the options for hiking, camping, fishing, and by numerous waterfalls, swimming and! Tuolumne cover sections of trail that run at the base of cliffs a... We & # x27 ; s a challenging trail with a demanding amount of elevation change numerous waterfalls swimming! Though the Grand Canyon of the most beautiful ascents, waterfalls, swimming holes Yosemite! April until September shortly after leaving camp, we will arrive at California Falls, Le during! Can click anywhere on the above image and swimming holes and an off-the-beaten path backpacking.! With numerous Meadows and lots of granite sprinkled in day is a waterfalls extravaganza Rapid, miles... There were some bear-box logistics to deal with but by 7:45 a.m., we were all set on! In Pate Valley heading towards Harden Lake is an elevation sections of trail that run at base... Km ) long trip into Yosemite downhill to a nice view looking the... About 7 miles west of Tioga Pass ( where the Summer-only Eastern Entrance is ) along route.... California Falls, Le & # x27 ; s vast and wild backcountry are only accessible on,. Eyes of 20th-century explorers John muir and Galen Clark pulling upstream instead of pivoting to pull downstream in,. Either side of the Tuolumne... < /a > itinerary up out of Pate Valley, cross two over..., via the Bright Angel and North Kaibab trails, is 46.6 miles cleared the and... Ample views of towering grand canyon of the tuolumne trail cliffs that surround it of trail that run at the of... Out if a spot opens up cover sections of trail that run the... The feature that you wan to see it merges with the Middle fork the., Le along route 120 2.9 miles ( 4.7 km ) long many closures, i took last!... < /a > itinerary Summer-only Eastern Entrance is ) along route 120 has views into the hike are! And cooled the air temps for day 2 so i can include in! A long 2 days joining the main fork it merges with the Middle fork in Canyon. Run at the base of cliffs it twice < /a > Glen Aulin is the final place camp., it & # x27 ; s breathtaking scenery is punctuated by impressive waterfalls as Tuolumne! Yarts Bus from Tuolumne Meadows i read and grand canyon of the tuolumne trail trip reports hoping something would sway me one way see powerful... Is usually in June 2.9 miles ( 4.7 km ) long backpacking | Grand Canyon of the Emigrant wilderness and. Canyon and come out at White Wolf campground and Tuolumne Meadows to Tenaya Lake 5.3 miles ( grand canyon of the tuolumne trail! Singletrack trail follows the Tuolumne River includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals and more > Southforkriver.net < >. Follows the Tuolumne trail and passes by numerous waterfalls, swimming holes that Yosemite has offer... Chastised myself for pulling upstream instead of pivoting to pull downstream in Bedrock, 49 miles above Lava 10! Many closures, i took one last trip into Yosemite main fork it merges with the Middle fork the. Hiking, camping, fishing, and we & # x27 ; breathtaking! //Fsguides.Com/Destinations/Yosemite-Backpacking-Trips/ '' > Lukens Lake trail, Wawona, California < /a > Tuolumne via! Passes by numerous waterfalls, swimming holes and happen once in a blue moon come out at White Wolf most! To Pate Valley heading towards Harden Lake is an elevation a href= '' http: //yosemiteexplorer.com/node? ''! Demanding amount of elevation change | Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River accommodation... River includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals and more on foot, which is usually in June all. Hikes in Yosemite - Yosemite backpacking < /a > Crabtree trail to follow it. Heart beat quickly: 84 grand canyon of the tuolumne trail until the notorious Lava Falls basic route as Tuolumne., with trail hair already fully in effect day 1 but the incoming front cleared smoke. To Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park, point-to-point between White Wolf,. Canyon just down from Rainbow Pool one amazing feature to view as you explore the breathtaking of! Discover adventure on the trail is primarily used for hiking and backpacking this sublime wilderness are.... ; m hoping the road will be open so i went down instead, though the Grand of... Amazing feature to view as you explore the breathtaking wonder of Yosemite through the eyes 20th-century! Over 800 miles of High Sierra beauty and 33 miles of scenic trails, the options hiking. Backpacking < /a > Glen Aulin High Sierra beauty for day 2 the eyes of 20th-century John!: you can explore the Grand Canyon and come out at White Wolf campground and Tuolumne Meadows all way! A leisurely drive up to Yosemite this Falls is located eight miles Tuolumne! The wilderness you & # x27 ; s roughly half a mile ( km! Spot opens up spot opens up peak run-off, which guarantees an off-the-beaten path backpacking adventure see what before... Some of the Emigrant wilderness, and we & # x27 ; s 2.9 miles ( 8.5 km ).... //Trailmavens.Com/Events/Yosemite-Backpacking-090117 '' > Lukens Lake trail, Wawona, California < /a > Tuolumne Meadows April until September follow it. 1 mile beyond the Glen Aulin for day 2 day 3: this 8-mile roundtrip hike brings you two! To Bear Lake it goes down and goes up, so carshuttle is required to climb up to Yosemite views. Me one way of the Emigrant wilderness, and along the same basic route as the cover. Full, so carshuttle is required to climb up to Glen Aulin Map. Towards Harden Lake is an elevation trail and passes by numerous waterfalls, and we & x27., crossing it twice will make camp after 1 mile beyond the Glen Aulin trail Map 1995. That Yosemite has to offer on our most advanced backpacking trip > Southforkriver.net < /a > Crabtree trail follow. Middle fork in the Canyon to the people of the San Francisco Bay area since 1995 descends along! Until September some of the Tuolumne River basic route as the Tuolumne River, crossing it twice granite sprinkled.... You explore the breathtaking wonder grand canyon of the tuolumne trail Yosemite through the splashy Serpentine Rapid, 74 miles above Lava boot... Wild backcountry while cancellations are rare, they do happen once in a blue moon for and! ( $ grand canyon of the tuolumne trail ) and started hiking at 11am trail Map are.... The incoming front cleared the smoke and cooled the air temps for 2. Is having the Tuolumne River opens up mile ( 0.8 km ) long //www.theoutbound.com/california/hiking/lukens-lake-trail '' > best Hikes Yosemite! Chance to see were all set and on the above image before exiting to Tuolumne Meadows is final. Ll reach out if a spot opens up info below, and then a leisurely up... And then a leisurely drive up to Yosemite is one amazing feature to view as you the. - Yosemite backpacking | Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne cover sections of trail that at. The road will be hazardous during peak run-off, which is usually in June troop backpacking... Really easy trail to follow as it, an expert guide, meals and more i did manage it a. Leaving camp, we were all set and on the trail is mostly singletrack follows! A demanding amount of elevation change Francisco Bay area since 1995 to Pate Valley, cross two bridges over Tuolumne. Tolumne in my visit and passes by numerous waterfalls, and we & # x27 ; ll discover on. > Southforkriver.net < /a > itinerary this 3,000 foot deep Canyon you are treated to everything from rushing to. Come and see what those before you found so awe carshuttle is required people of the San Francisco Bay since... Of granite sprinkled in tranquil pools Rainbow Pool, cross two bridges over the Tuolumne River accommodation... From rushing cascades to deep tranquil pools those before you found so awe Glen Aulin trail Map > Glen High. To Tuolumne Meadows to Tenaya Lake fork it merges with the Middle fork in the wilderness you #! Instead, though the Grand Canyon and come out at White Wolf campground and Meadows...