1-800-346-6277Tuolumne River Rafting Near Yosemite National Park
2-Day Value: Mar 13; Apr 10, 18, 29; May 1, 4 (Wine Trip), 8, 11 (Wine Trip)
2-Day Peak: May 18, 25; Jun 8, 12, 15, 20, 28; Aug 29
3-Day: July 3, 13, 18, 26, Aug 5, 9, 17 (Wine Trip), 23 (Wine Trip)
2-Day Wine Trip: May 4, 11
3-Day Wine Trip: August 17, 23
2-Day Value: $425
2-Day Peak: $484
3-Day: $591
2 Day Wine Trip: $525 (see below for details)
3 Day Wine Trip: $791 (see below for details)
Deposit:
$125Additional Costs:
$8 per person per day federal, state and local access fees
Sleep Kit/Tent $25/$30
River Rating  | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Class IV | 12 Yrs (16 during high water) |
Tuolumne Wine on the River Trips
Combine river running with gourmet meals and premium wines presented by some of the West's finest vintners.
- 2-Day Wine Trip: May 4, 11
- 3-Day Wine Trip: August 17, 23
View more information on Wine on the River trips >>
- Legend
- Directions
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Tuolumne River Rafting Near Yosemite: Overview
What’s your pleasure? The Tuolumne River in California, located just outside Yosemite National Park is a standard-setting river among all the California rafting experiences O.A.R.S. offers our guests and is one of our "Seven Whitewater Wonders in the World". We serve up the Tuolumne River (pronounced Too-all-uh-me) also known as “The T” - anyway you want it! There’s a thrill-stacked one day Tuolumne River rafting trip, an adventurous 48-hour getaway with cool side hikes up side canyons carved by cascading waterfalls as well as a carefree three-day Tuolumne rafting vacation with lots of time just for you. All three California rafting options take you to headwaters of the Tuolumne River which originate in the internationally renowned wilds of Yosemite National Park. A true wilderness trip on a "Wild and Scenic" river, the Tuolumne River spills 18 miles into a desolate, awesome river canyon roaring with whitewater – big in spring, moderate in late summer. Offered seven months a year, a Tuolumne rafting trip works perfectly into a California vacation to San Francisco, Napa Valley and the California coast.
Tuolumne River Rafting Near Yosemite: Itinerary at a Glance
- We meet near Groveland just outside of Yosemite National Park for the start of our Tuolumne River rafting trip
- Within the first two miles of the trip, three of the Tuolumne’s most notorious rapids: Rock Garden, Nemesis and Rams Head offer an eye-opening introduction to the scenic river canyon
- The rest of the morning is spent sharpening our paddling skills and maneuvering rafts through chutes, around boulders and over sudden drops
- Spend time relaxing alongside the river and enjoy a delicious lunch
- Back on the Tuolumne River, each mile brings more white-knuckling thrills, laughs, adrenaline and high fives
- Around mile five, a distant rumbling signals the biggest whitewater in the canyon: Clavey Falls. The ultimate thrill, Clavey is actually a series of three staircase drops that are sure to deliver heart-pounding and unabashed excitement
- Camp alongside the river and enjoy the scenic wilderness while hiking, fishing or just relaxing
- Back on the river after a hearty breakfast, Grey’s Grindstone, Thread the Needle and Hell’s Kitchen provide more whitewater thrills
- The three-day option offers time to explore the hidden wonders of this canyon. Great hikes along the Tuolumne’s side streams reveal waterfalls, swimming holes, natural waterslides and clear creeks that offer excellent trout fishing. There’s also time for relaxing on the beach or joining a game of Frisbee, volleyball or horseshoes
- Our trip concludes back at your car near Groveland
Show Mile By Mile Guide
Rafting the Tuolumne River in California near Yosemite:
Mile by Mile Guide
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Mile 0
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MERAL'S POOL Put-in (start) of O.A.R.S. Tuolumne River Whitewater Rafting trips. This section of the Tuolumne River is named for Gerry Meral who was one of the first people to kayak the Tuolumne and who has been a crusader for river preservation.
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Mile 0.1
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ROCK GARDEN (IV). At lower water flows, this boulder-strewn section is extremely technical. Rafts typically have to cross from river right to river left. At higher flows there is a large reversal near the bottom of the rapid. There is a beautiful sandy beach and campsite on river right. O.A.R.S. sometimes uses this camp for multi-day trips on the Tuolumne River.
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Mile 0.4
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NEMISIS (IV). Found just after a sharp left-hand bend, this is another very technical rapid at low-water flows. It is a fun, wild ride at higher flows. The Nemesis is a big boulder cluster about half way down.
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Mile 0.8
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SUNDERLAND'S CHUTE (IV+). This rapid is named for Dick Sunderland, one of the Tuolumne River’s early kayak explorers. The river turns right and then drops over a rough gravel bar/chute on the left. The river’s gradient here is 80 feet per mile.
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Mile 1.0
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HACKAMACK HOLE (IV). There is a sharp drop divided by two big rocks near the center at low flows. At high flows they form a river-wide reversal that is hard to miss. This rapid was named for Bob Hackamack, a river enthusiast who has been involved with Friends of the Tuolumne, the Sierra Club and numerous other conservations groups.
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Mile 1.5
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RAM'S HEAD (IV; V above 3500 cfs). The Tuolumne bends left and drops. At medium and high flows the boulder creates a powerful spouting hole. There is a good recovery pool below.
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Mile 1.9 - 2.1
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INDIA & LOWER INDIA (IV) There are two short chutes separated by a small pool. According to private boater and geologist Terry Wright, PhD., this rapid is named after India Fleming, who was 14 years old when she first ran the Tuolumne during one of the early exploratory kayak runs. Apparently, she was the first female to run this river.
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Mile 3.3
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Tin Can Cabin. Found on river left, this camp is occasionally used by Tuolumne River fishermen. The Tuolumne River is stocked by the California Department of Fish and Game with salmon, rainbow trout and brown trout. There are several mines up the gulley on the left where it is possible to find mining artifacts. It is proper etiquette to leave what you find.
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Mile 4.4
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STERNS (IV) When the water flow is low, rafts must run a narrow chute between the left wall and a van-sized rock. Get turned sideways heading into this rapid and you will be sure to experience some real whitewater excitement!
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Mile 4.7
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EVANGELIST (IV) The river bends right into a series of short drops with a big rock/hole right of center. This infamous Tuolumne River rapid is so named because it is “holey.”
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Mile 5.4
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The confluence of the Tuolumne and Clavey Rivers. The Clavey River enters from river right. Small campsites can be found on either side of Clavey Falls, the biggest rapid on your Tuolumne River whitewater rafting adventure. It is often fun to camp here and anticipate throughout the night your upcoming ride through Clavey Falls Rapid.
There are many good hiking and fishing opportunities up the Clavey River, however, both activities are dangerous at high water. Always check in with your guide(s) before adventuring away from camp. Be on the lookout for poison oak. |
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Mile 5.4
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CLAVEY FALLS (IV+). This rapid is one of the reasons the Tuolumne River is considered the jewel of California Whitewater Rafting. Your thrilling California whitewater experience in this rapid begins with two big drops. The first drop is considered “The Falls” and it can push boats into a frothy current, sending rafts into the left wall. There is a very large hole across the left half of the river just prior to the second drop. It is hard to miss the hole when the river flow is above 2000 cfs. Navigating your way through this rapid earns bragging rights in any setting.
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Mile 5.9
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Access to the Hamby Trail is found on river left. This two-mile trail leading to Ferretti Road has approximately 40 switchbacks and an 1850-ft elevation gain (and a startling quantity of ticks).
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Mile 7.5
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Powerhouse Campsite. This wide, sandy campsite is found on the right side of the Tuolumne River. Destroyed by flood in 1937, this powerhouse originally provided electricity for miners early in the century. A trail on the left bank leads out of the canyon.
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Mile 7.9
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Grapevine Creek enters the Tuolumne river on the right. Grapevine Campsite can be found downstream on the left.
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Mile 8.2
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Your Tuolumne River whitewater rafting experience is not always about the whitewater. History avails itself to those seeking hidden treasures: an abandoned hard rock mineshaft is on the left. Be on the lookout for artifacts, and practice proper Leave No Trace etiquette: leave historical artifacts where you find them.
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Mile 8.3
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Indian Creek enters from the left. There is a campsite on river right, and an old mining road climbs out of the Tuolumne Canyon just downstream.
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Mile 9.5
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GRAY'S GRINDSTONE (IV) Gray's Grindstone, one of the longest rapids on your Tuolumne River whitewater rafting trip, is over one-half mile long.
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Mile 11
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THREAD THE NEEDLE (IV) Rocks block most of the river. There is a "Chicken Shot" on river left, but only the truly adventurous have been known to "thread the needle" between the rocks in the center. There are two campsites on river left near this rapid.
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Mile 12.2
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The quartz mine shafts found on both banks were abandoned around 1909. Be on the lookout for remnants of a steam engine on river right.
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Mile 12.6
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CABIN (IV). There is a big hole just below the entrance to this rapid. The river then bends right and drops down a curving chute. On the left is Big Humbug Creek.
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Mile 12.8
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Big Creek enters from the left, where there is a large, unshaded campsite. Follow the creek a short way to a waterfall. There are Indian mortar holes near the creek's mouth.
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Mile 12.9
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HELL'S KITCHEN (IV). This rapid starts with Class III drops over a jumble of boulders, and it then turns into a slalom between large rocks.
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Mile 14.4
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There is an old, tattered suspension bridge which marks the site of abandoned quartz mines. There are still remnants of old mining equipment found on river left. The Mohican trail leads out of the canyon from river left.
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Mile 15.1
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The North Fork of the Tuolumne enters from river right, and there are campsites here. Found upstream on the tributary is the site of an old bridge, which once linked Tuolumne City with the Mohican Trail.
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Mile 15.8
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High-water mark of New Don Pedro Reservoir. There are more whitewater rapids from this point - when the reservoir is low. When the reservoir is full - the river is flat and still.
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Mile 16.5
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Turnback Creek enters on the right. History states that an abundance of gold was located here in 1856.
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Mile 17.5
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PINBALL (IV+) Pinball Rapid is exposed only when Don Pedro Reservoir is low.
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Mile 18
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Ward’s Ferry Bridge Cold drinks and a return shuttle to your vehicle await at the take-out of your O.A.R.S. Tuolumne River rafting trip.
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Information for this Mile by Mile guide was gathered from the books “California Whitewater” and “A Guide to the Best Whitewater in the State of California”, as well as from a variety of sources on the Internet.
- Testimonials
- Reviews
- Write a Review
“The guides that were with our trip were amazing. They couldn't have been better. My group is a bunch of mid-twenty year old men and they accommodated our unique style of fun to perfection. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. For a first time rafter their knowledge and flexibilty allowing my group to do things out of the norm made the trip. We were able to push the envelope so to speak without going too far. My friends and I will definitely be back and will go in with the best expectations. Our recommendations have already landed three other groups to either take a trip or reserve a trip. Thank You O.A.R.S.”
Joshua Altopp ~ Redlands, CA
“The Tuolumne is a wonderful river. It offers a great wilderness experience since there is limited access except by raft or kayak., and the rapids are very challenging and fun. The best thing about O.A.R.S. are your guides - I have a lot of confidence in their experience and ability and that makes me feel secure about taking a trip on a river like the Tuolumne.”
Diane McCarthy ~ El Dorado Hills, CA
“Our raft guide (Billy) was the best part of the trip. He was very engaged with our group and seemed to have as much fun as the rest of us. I enjoyed all the information about the history of the river, as well as the wildlife and natural surroundings. Overall, the level of service was very high. It felt luxurious to have all meals taken care of! The food was excellent.”
Jessee Mayfield ~ Raleigh, NC
“All of the Guides were exceptional. They were a lot of fun and VERY hard working. I enjoyed everything on the trip. It was a wonderful experience and don't think that anybody could do it better than Oars. I also appreciated how the guides all seemed to be very concerned with all the rafters' safety.”
Stacey Norstrud ~ League City, TX
“The lead guide did a great job. I felt he was looking out for both my health and safety therefore I could relax and totally enjoy the trip. The whitewater was great and I was made to feel part of the group - even though I traveled as a single female. Just a great trip.”
Becky White ~ Winter Haven, FL
“The guides were well informed on how to relate to customers at all levels of experience. They informed us well with everything from safety precautions to having a good time. I felt safe and at ease, knowing that I was definitely in good hands. The cook and wine crew were also adventurous, which made a unique bond between the rafting and food experience. I felt free to be myself, and improve at my own pace over the course of the tour. I had a great time and am very thankful for my O.A.R.S experience.”
Holly Acosta ~ Bear Valley, CA
“Both the OARS staff and the other "guests" were great. We liked that there were enough rules to keep people safe, but plenty of freedom to really relax and have a great time. The pace of the trip was good...plenty to do, but lots of time to relax.”
Beth Pollock ~ Chicago, IL
“My wife and I just returned from a 3-day trip on the Tuolumne and wanted to tell you what a fantastic time we had. Everything really was outstanding, from the skill of the guides to the quality of the food. Our fearless leader was a standout in every way. He was funny, but clearly in control. He knew how to calm the concerns of nervous clients, while making sure that all of us got to experience all the thrills the river has to offer. He was well informed on everything riparian, from local river issues to legends and even some salty river guide jokes. The other guides were also excellent, perpetually in good humor, and took care of our every need. We particularly enjoyed the hikes to local swimming holes. Thanks very much.”
Larry Abramson ~ Washington, DC
- Weather
- Packing List
- Trip Planner
- Recommended Reads
| Average Temperatures | ||
| Month | Low | High |
| April | 35° | 65° |
| May | 42° | 73° |
| June | 48° | 82° |
| July | 54° | 90° |
| August | 53° | 90° |
| September | 47° | 87° |
| Water Temperatures | ||
| Seasonal Average: 50° - 60° F | ||
Current Conditions
What to bring on the Tuolumne River Rafting Near Yosemite National Park trip
This is a sample list. Please refer to your trip planner for a detailed list for your particular trip. If you do not already own any of the items on the suggested packing list feel free to call our office for suggestions. However, many of the items listed are available for purchase online in the OARStore. Please be mindful of the natural environment when purchasing items for your trip. Whenever possible, consider recyclable containers, rechargeable batteries, natural (non-toxic) sunscreens, lotions, biodegradable soaps, and so on.
1-Day Trips
- Sunscreen & lip protectant
- Water bottle with securing strap
- Shade hat/visor
- Sunglasses (preferably polarized) with securing strap
- Swimsuit (or shorts and quick drying top)
- 1 pair tennis shoes or river sandals (on river)
- Wetsuit (for April - June trips only)
Additional Items for Multi-day Trips:
Equipment:
- Duffel bag
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, ground cloth, sheet and small pillow – (early and late season trips require a synthetic-fill bag rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Backpack/Daypack for day hikes. It should be large enough to carry water, lunch and camera, as well as a warm layer of clothing for spring & fall trips (750 – 2000 cu. in)
- Water bottles: 2 heavy-duty and minimum 1-liter capacity each with a carabiner to attach it to the boat. For day hikes, hydration systems like a CamelBak® are great, but you will still want 1 water bottle while in the boat
- Headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries and bulb
- Plastic bags: large trash bags and zip-loc bags to separate clean and dry clothes from wet and dirty
- Camera w/extra media cards and batteries
Personal Items:
- Sunglasses (preferably polarized) with securing strap and a spare
- Towel: small, quick-drying and washcloth
- Toiletries including biodegradable soap and shampoo with moisturizer (Nature's Gate is recommended by our guides)
- Sunscreen: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher
- Lip protection: SPF 30 or higher
- Moisturizing lotion or cream: 1 bottle (Skin tends to get REALLY DRY – this is a VERY important item!)
- Insect repellent (with deet)*
- Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts (Blowing sand can cause problems for contact wearers)
- Cash for gratuities and goodies
*During certain months, mosquitoes can be a bothersome problem. Please make sure you bring an adequate supply of insect repellent.
Clothing:
- Long-sleeved shirt: 2-3 lightweight and light color for sun protection (UPF rated shirts are great)
- Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection (No jeans while on the river)
- Shade hat or visor with securing strap and a spare
- Bandana
- Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant) to protect you from the wind and splash from rapids, as well as rain. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists and ankles to prevent water from seeping in
- Swimsuits: 2 (two piece suits recommended for women). Tankinis are a great option
- Underwear: quick-drying
- Shorts: 2 pair lightweight, and quick-drying
- Hiking shorts: 2 pair (some people prefer different shorts for the river and hiking)
- T-shirts or lightweight quick-drying tops: 3-4
- River sandals: 1 pair to wear in the boat and for short wet hikes (such as Teva)
- Athletic shoes or lightweight hiking boots: 1 pair, comfortable and with good tread
- Hiking socks: 3-4 pair mid-weight
- Synthetic long underwear top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
- Fleece top & bottom: 1 set light to mid-weight
Additional Essentials for spring & fall:
- Extra pair of dry shoes for camp
- Wetsuit booties and/or neoprene socks
- Additional fleece top & bottom
- Warm hat and gloves: synthetic or wool
- Fleece vest
Optional Items:
- Solar shower: small “solo” showers heat up faster and are easier to use
- Bathing towels/wipes: pre-moistened disposable wipes such as Coleman Swash Cloths
- Binoculars: small
- Whisk broom: small (no long handle). To sweep wet sand off of tent and ground cloth
- Paddling gloves
- Splash jacket and pants
- Lightweight cord and clothespins for drying clothes in camp
- Notebook and pen
- Sketchbook, paperback book
- Small daypack or fanny pack for hikes
Download our travel planner here:
Tuolumne_River_Trip_Planner.pdf
Trip planner is in PDF format and requires Acrobat Reader.
