Guided Yosemite Tours: Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne
For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map.
Day 1
Meet your guide in the parking area in front of the White Wolf Lodge/Campsite at 4 pm. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. If time allows before dinner, explore some of the areas hidden gems. Enjoy dinner with the group and camp in the White Wolf Backpacker’s Camp at approx. 8,000′. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 0 / +0′, -0′
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast and packing up we will start our hike. Today is a long (though mostly downhill) 10.5 mile hike dropping over 3,500′ into Pate Valley (4,380′) on the western end of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 9.5 mi / +100′, -3,600′
Day 3
Today we will begin our hike paralleling the Tuolumne River as we head east and gradual uphill. As the river winds both along the river and up onto some granite walls and outcroppings we will be awarded with some dramatic views in all directions. We will hike approximately 7 miles to a riverfront campsite within the granite walls of the canyon and across from where Cathedral Creek cascades into the Tuolumne. (Campsite elevation: 5,500′) Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 6.9 mi / +1,600′, -350′
Day 4
We will continue our hike up the Tuolumne hiking another 7 miles to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp (7,980′). En route we will past famous spillways along the Tuolumne River such as Waterwheel Falls, LeConte Falls, and California Falls. At Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp we will have a chance to rest and relax along the beach below. After dinner, hike a few minutes from camp onto a bluff for a spectacular sunset! Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 6.5 mi / +2,250′, -0′
Day 5
Today we depart the Tuolumne River gorge and head up into the open space of Tuolumne Meadows (8,600′). We will hike 8-miles total while taking breaks along the way at prime water holes and even a few smaller lakes. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 5.5 mi / +700′, -0′. After reaching Tuolumne Meadows we will catch a shuttle back to our vehicles at White Wolf. Our expected ending time is between 12 pm-2 pm.
Included
Guides, permits, shuttle costs, all meals in the backcountry (Day 2 breakfast through Day 5 lunch), and all group gear (cooking gear, bear cans, water filters, first aid, toiletries, etc.). We also include internal frame backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles, and eating gear (as requested) at no extra cost.
Not Included
Examples: Personal items (see Equipment List online), dinner night one, optional trip insurance, tips for guides (10-20% of trip fee), Yosemite gate entrance fee (~$35), and alcoholic beverages.
Note: This is a strenuous trip. Participants should be experienced backpackers and/or in above-average to good physical condition. All trips are subject to Lasting Adventures obtaining the necessary wilderness permits. Although our success rate is 98%, should we not obtain the exact trail-head, a trip of equal quality will be obtained. Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. You will be kept in contact throughout this process.
*All trips are pending permit availability which we gain 24-weeks in advance. Please refrain from making travel arrangements until we have confirmed dates.