Tuolumne River Rafting Near Yosemite National Park
Tuolumne River rafting, available just outside Yosemite National Park, is a standard-setter among all the California whitewater rafting experiences OARS offers.
Pronounced “too-all-uh-me,” and affectionately referred to as “the T,” it’s one of our “Seven Whitewater Wonders” of the World. But it’s not just the 18 miles of nearly continuous Class IV whitewater that attracts paddlers from all over the world to this Wild & Scenic River. A Tuolumne River rafting trip is a true wilderness adventure in the Yosemite region complete with stunning, scenic beauty, brilliant star-filled nights, and big thrills. And you’ve got options. Choose from an adventurous 48-hour getaway with cool hikes up side canyons carved by cascading waterfalls, or a carefree three-day Tuolumne rafting vacation, with lots of time to explore and relax while reconnecting with nature in a secluded river canyon.
An easy drive from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Lake Tahoe, a Tuolumne rafting trip works perfectly into a California vacation itinerary and pairs perfectly with a trip to Yosemite National Park. Short on time? Make your Tuolumne adventure an epic 1-day Tuolumne whitewater rafting adventure!
Trip Highlights
What to Expect
Itinerary & Map
Itinerary at a Glance
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every Tuolumne River rafting trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, camp locations, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:
Day 1
The morning of your trip, you’ll meet up with your trip leader and fellow travelers before embarking on a 3-mile hike to the river. At the put-in, your guides will deliver an orientation and safety talk and fit you with your helmet and PFD (wetsuits and splash tops are also included on all early-season and cold-weather trips). Then, we hit the water!
The Tuolumne is nearly consistent whitewater, with four exciting rapids in the first two miles: Rock Garden, Nemesis, Sunderlands Chute, and Ram’s Head. Come lunchtime, we’ll pull over to a sandy beach for a delicious picnic.
Downstream, we encounter the ultimate thrill: Clavey Falls; this Class IV+ rapid features a series of staircase drops that delivers unabashed excitement. Between rapids, you’re welcome to enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm stretches of cool water.
We reach camp by mid- to late afternoon. Your guides will set up the kitchen, restroom, and common areas while you set up your tent. The guides will serve hors d’oeuvres while they prepare dinner.
This is the perfect opportunity to lounge on the beach with a book, play a game, or chat with your traveling companions. After dinner, the evening is yours to spend as you wish. You might enjoy music, stories, and jokes which are often shared around the campfire, or if you’re in a reflective mood, you might lean back to enjoy the clarity of the big, star-filled sky.
Day 2
After we eat a hearty breakfast and our gear has been loaded back onto the boats, we get back on the “T”. The adventure continues with exciting Class III-IV rapids such as Gray’s Grindstone, Thread the Needle, and Hell’s Kitchen.
The two-day trip provides us with more time to explore the hidden wonders of this canyon. Exciting explorations along the Tuolumne’s side streams bring us to waterfalls, swimming holes, natural waterslides, and clear creeks that offer excellent trout fishing.
As we reach Ward’s Ferry and flat water, our river trip draws to a close. At the take-out, an OARS shuttle will be waiting to give you a ride back to your car.
Meeting Time & Place
Location
Lucky Buck Cafe
7647 CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321
11 miles east of Groveland on Highway 120 (13 miles west of the Hwy 120, Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park). View the meeting place on Google Maps
Meeting time
8:30 AM
Return
Approximately 6:30 PM, depending on water levels
Trip Map
Itinerary at a Glance
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every Tuolumne River rafting trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, camp locations, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:
Day 1
The morning of your trip, you’ll meet up with your trip leader and fellow travelers before embarking on a 3-mile hike to the river. At the put-in, the guides will fit you with your safety gear and deliver a thorough orientation and safety talk. Then, we hit the water!
The Tuolumne is nearly consistent whitewater, with four exciting rapids in the first two miles: Rock Garden, Nemesis, Sunderlands Chute, and Ram’s Head. Come lunchtime, we’ll pull over to a sandy beach for a delicious picnic, or we may even opt to set up camp early and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach taking in some tanning rays, swimming, or joining a game of frisbee, volleyball, or horseshoes.
At camp, your guides will set up the kitchen, restroom, and common areas while you set up your tent. Later, the guides will serve hors d’oeuvres while they prepare dinner.
The evening is yours to spend as you wish after dinner. You might enjoy music, stories, and jokes which are often shared around the campfire, or if you’re in a reflective mood, you might lean back to enjoy the clarity of the big, star-filled sky.
Day 2
After we eat a hearty breakfast and our gear has been loaded back onto the boats, we get back on the “T”.
Downstream, we encounter the ultimate thrill: Clavey Falls; this Class IV+ rapid features a series of staircase drops that delivers unabashed excitement. Between rapids, you’re welcome to enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm stretches of cool water.
Come lunchtime, we’ll pull ashore for a picnic lunch. The three-day trip provides us with more time to explore the hidden wonders of this canyon. Exciting explorations along the Tuolumne’s side streams bring us to waterfalls, swimming holes, natural waterslides, and clear creeks that offer excellent trout fishing.
We’ll reach camp by mid- to late afternoon. This is the perfect opportunity to lounge on the beach with a book, play a game, or chat with your traveling companions as the guides once again prepare a delectable dinner before a jovial night together under the stars.
Day 3
After breakfast, we may spend a leisurely morning in camp savoring our last day in this serene wilderness setting.
Once the gear is loaded back on the boats, the adventure continues with exciting Class III-IV rapids such as Gray’s Grindstone, Thread the Needle, and Hell’s Kitchen.
As we reach Ward’s Ferry and flat water, our river trip draws to a close. At the take-out, an OARS shuttle will be waiting to give you a ride back to your car.
Meeting Time & Place
Location
Lucky Buck Cafe
7647 CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321
11 miles east of Groveland on Highway 120 (13 miles west of the Hwy 120, Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park). View the meeting place on Google Maps
Meeting time
8:30 AM
Return
Approximately 4 – 6 PM, depending on water levels
Trip Map
Dates & Prices
Save $75 to $100 on 2025 departures when you’re one of the first to book by March 31 and request “Premier Pricing” over the phone + see below for more ways to save!
2025 Departures | Price |
---|---|
April 26 All Adult | $599 |
May 3, 7, 10 | $599 |
May 15 All Adult | $599 |
May 20, 29 | $599 |
June 1, 4, 14 | $599 |
June 22 All Adult | $699 |
June 28, 30 | $699 |
July 3, 5, 7, 28, 30 | $699 |
August 1, 4, 11, 13 | $699 |
August 15, 22, 25, 27, 29, 31 | $599 |
Price includes 3% USFS access fee
2025 Departures | Price |
---|---|
May 23 | $899 |
June 10 Wine on the River | $999 |
June 17, 24 | $999 |
July 10 All Adult | $999 |
July 17, 20 | $999 |
August 7 All Adult | $999 |
August 19 Wine on the River | $999 |
Price includes 3% USFS access fee
Deposit
$250
Additional Costs
• Sleep Kit $25 | Tent included
Specialty Trips
All Adult Adventure on the Tuolumne River – 2 Days
Join OARS for exciting Class IV whitewater on our adults-only Tuolumne River trip
All Adult Adventure on the Tuolumne River – 2 Days
Join OARS for exciting Class IV whitewater on our adults-only Tuolumne River trip
The Need-to-Know Info
Trip Details
Included in Your Trip Cost
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- Transportation to our meeting location in the Groveland area
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
- River access fees
- Sleeping bag & a deluxe 2.5-inch thick air-filled sleeping pad (available for rent)
- Wetsuit booties
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
- Gratuities
The number and variety of boats on an OARS trip will vary based on water levels, the number of participants, and other factors we take into account when planning your adventure. Please be aware that in doing so we will ask you to share boat time with your fellow travelers. We don’t assign boats, nor can we guarantee exactly which crafts we bring, but trust us to provide you with the best possible mix for you and others on your trip.
Learn more about the OARS Fleet and the boats that may be a part of your experience: paddle raft, paddle raft with oar assist, oar raft.
After each active day on the river, we pull ashore to camp for the night. Our first task is to unload the boats using a fire-line of crew and guests to expedite the process. Individuals then collect their waterproof bags and locate an area on the beach to camp for the night.
While you put up your tent, the guides will set up the kitchen and central dining/seating area with camp chairs. They will also locate a secluded area away from camp to set up the portable toilet, where privacy is assured.
As guides prepare dinner, hors d’oeuvres are served. This is an opportunity to relax, enjoy a drink if you wish, and reflect on the day with your fellow traveling companions.
In the morning, the first wake-up call lets you know that coffee, hot water for tea or cocoa, juice, fresh fruit, and cold cereal are ready. You can fill your mug and grab a bite, then begin to pack up your personal belongings and sleep gear as the guides prepare breakfast.
After breakfast, the entire camp is broken down and packed up. Once the guides have all of the gear loaded back onto the boats, we’ll head downstream to see what new adventures await us.
More info about Meals & Dietary Restrictions can be found on our Trip Resources page.
Average Air & Water Temperatures
Air (Day) °F | Air (Night) °F | Water °F | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
April | 60-70 | 35-40 | 44-46 | Extremely variable weather; more wildlife & wildflowers |
May | 70-75 | 40-44 | 45-48 | Chance of spring showers—but usually beautiful, sunny days |
June | 80-85 | 46-50 | 48-50 | High-water time; rare rain-clouds |
July | 88-92 | 52-56 | 50-54 | Hot, sunny days; perfect for swimming |
August | 88-92 | 52-56 | 54-58 | Driest month; ideal for sleeping out under the stars |
September | 85-89 | 45-49 | 58-60 | Warm summer temperatures start to cool down |
Whitewater & Water Levels
The water on the Tuolumne River is released from hydroelectric facilities located upstream. These water releases are solely controlled by the city of San Francisco and its Hetch Hetchy Reservoir; whitewater rafting companies have no influence in the schedule. It is important for our guests to understand that the water flow on the Tuolumne is directly related to the amount of snow in the Sierra Nevada, as well as the demand for water and hydropower. On Tuolumne River rafting trips, we often have to wait for the dam-released water to reach our campsite, causing a later start in the day.
When spring run-off is highest, water is released from the reservoirs in abundance to make room for the in-flow. This can lead to high flows on our trips. Peak run-off usually occurs between mid-May and mid-June, but can vary widely from early May into July. High-water trips equate to a more intense whitewater experience; a high level of physical fitness is recommended. Water temperatures are coldest during the high water period and wetsuits will be required. In reality, the water is quite cold even in late summer, but lower flows and warm air temperatures mitigate the risk of hypothermia.
Before booking your trip with OARS, there are a few important considerations we’d like you to know about.
Reservations and Payments
A $250/person deposit is required at the time of booking with final payment due 60 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 50 days before the departure date will be canceled.
Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior the final payment due date.
Cancellations and Refunds
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.
We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.
Date of Cancellation | Cancellation Fee |
---|---|
180 or more days before your trip | $25/person |
179 – 90 days before your trip | $50/person |
89 – 60 days before your trip | $100/person. The remainder of your payment can be transferred to another trip within the same year (or to a credit account for the following year). No refund. |
59 days or less before your trip | Full fare |
Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.
Canceled Trips
OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 30 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed.
If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less the initial deposit amount and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.
Transfers
If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same season, or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $25/person fee up until 90 days before departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. Transfer requests made 89 days or less before departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.
O.A.R.S. West, Inc. operates on the Tuolumne River as a permitted outfitter of the Stanislaus National Forest
Ancestral Lands Acknowledgement
We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons on state and federal lands where we operate are the ancestral homes of indigenous communities. Where we operate on the Tuolumne River from Meral’s Pool to Wards Ferry Bridge, we acknowledge the territories of the Central Sierra Me-wuk.
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