Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River: Headwaters Hiking & Rafting

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River: Headwaters Hiking & Rafting - Overview

From the source of California's Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, we follow the course of the Tuolumne on foot into the "Grand Canyon" of this iconic California river. In places, the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne rivals Arizona’s Grand Canyon in depth. Along the scenic 28-mile trekking route, our small groups of no more than ten travelers, expert outdoor guides and naturalists camp at intimate backpacker sites, including one of Yosemite’s most spectacular High Sierra Camps. Towering granite walls, roaring waterfalls and picturesque swimming holes highlight this journey through a classic California treasure. We top it all off with two days of Class IV rafting on the world-class whitewater of the Tuolumne River.

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne - Itinerary at a Glance

• Meet in Groveland, California and travel by van to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. From the headwaters of California’s Tuolumne River, hike just over 5 miles downhill to Glen Aulin, one of Yosemite’s most spectacular High Sierra Camps, situated next to a beautiful waterfall
• Enjoy a leisurely morning at Glen Aulin before setting out for the first leg of our 3-day trek through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. In addition to shear granite, and dozens of beautiful waterfalls, aspen trees, black oaks, chaparral and mixed conifer line the canyon as we continue hiking along the beautiful Tuolumne River
• The final day of our Yosemite hiking adventure, we climb 3,600 feet from Pate Valley to White Wolf. Upon completing the grueling ascent, we transfer to a rustic wilderness lodge for a hot shower, dinner and a cozy bed
• Shuttle down to our put-in on the Class IV Tuolumne River, California’s premier river for top white water rafting
• The first stretch of whitewater brings three of the Tuolumne’s most notorious rapids: Rock Garden, Nemesis and Rams Head
• Stop mid-afternoon to make camp and relax. Our final day of California rafting brings more exciting whitewater including Clavey Falls, Grey’s Grindstone, Thread the Needle, and Hell’s Kitchen as we continue down the Tuolumne. In between rapids, calm stretches of cool water invite us to jump in for a refreshing swim. As we reach Ward’s Ferry and flat water, our expedition draws to a close

Important Yosemite Hiking Information

Although our Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne hiking trip is only moderately strenuous overall, the hiking portion of this trip is not for the faint of heart and includes 28 miles of backpacking and a rigorous 3,600-foot climb from Pate Valley to White Wolf (7,700 feet in elevation). Previous backpacking experience is advised. The beauty of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is stunning and in places rivals Arizona’s Grand Canyon in depth. You will encounter stone stairs and many switchbacks along a steep trail that also includes sections of exposed granite slopes. Therefore, it is not recommended for people who have a fear of heights, medical conditions that restrict them from carrying their belongings in a backpack, or children under the age of 12 years (16 at high water). Even though this trip is escorted by experienced hiking guides and a local naturalist, participants need to take the time to get into very good physical condition before beginning.