Trip Overview: The 33 mile/4 day Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River backpacking trip is considered one of the highlights within Yosemite National Park. This route follows the Tuolumne River through a deep canyon that leads from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to Tuolumne Meadows. Much of the canyon is only accessible via backpacking or very long day hikes, so you are likely to get away from the crowds during this trek (a rarity in Yosemite!). +6,000 / -5,500 feet of elevation gain and loss across the course of this trek with a peak elevation of 8,660 feet.  Highlights include impressive granite peaks and domes, spectacular waterfalls, alpine meadows, and nonstop views of the Tuolumne River. 

Backpacking Trip Info

Dates: 8/16/2023 – 8/20/2023
Miles: 33 (point to point)
Elevation Change: 6,000 ft+
Trail Type: One way (point to point) w/ transportation back to start

This Adventure will begin on Wednesday as we caravan from Los Angeles up to June lake where we will camp on Thursday night.  Hikers can head up whenever they would like but everyone needs to be into camp by midnight to get a good nights rest for our adventure to start on Friday morning.   

Day 1: 11.5 miles; +620 feet / -3,700 feet; White Wolf to Pate Valley. 

On Thursday morning we’ll start our trek with a long descent with views of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir before making our way into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne where we will follow the Tuolumne River for the remainder of the day to our camp in Pate Valley.  We’ll camp along the river and in close proximity to a great swimming hole and beach, perfect for a refreshing swim after a great day of hiking.

Day 2: 6.9 miles; +2,060 feet / -1,120 feet; Pate Valley to Grand Mountain.

On Friday we’ll begin the 20 mile route through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne.  The trail follows the Tuolumne River as we slowly ascend up to Tuolumne Meadows.  This portion of the trail is the highlight of this trek and provides near constant views of the river as well as many views of towering canyon walls and countless waterfalls.   We will traverse the Muir Gorge and do some climbing before descending to our campsite on the Tuolumne River, with beautiful views of Grand Mountain and Colby Mountain and another amazing swimming hole.

Day 3:  6 miles; +2,070 feet / -370 feet; Grand Mountain to California Falls

Saturday’s hike is one of the more beautiful sections of this trek.  We’ll continue hiking up the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and pass by two of the more impressive waterfalls along the route, Waterwheel Falls and LeConte Falls.  We’ll setup camp once again on the Tuolumne River.  After setting up camp, adventurers will have the options to either relax in camp or take a small hike up to the top California Falls to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of the falls.

Day 4: 8 miles; +1,240 feet / -410 feet; California Falls to Tuolumne Meadows

On Sunday, we will get up early (around 5:30am) to make our way to our exit point at Tuolumne Meadows by 10am where we will catch the YARTS shuttle back to our vehicles at White Wolf.  Along the way, we’ll see an amazing view of California Falls under the moonlight before entering the Glen Aulin Valley & Meadow.   As we exit the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, we’ll pass by several impressive waterfalls including: White Cascade, Tuolumne Falls, and several others. 

****This trip is dependent on the success of obtaining Wilderness Permits through the Wilderness Permit Lottery.  Should LASN not be awarded permits, trip registration fees will be refunded***