Glen Aulin
A long high-country day hike following the Tuolumne River downstream to cascades and the Glen Aulin basin.
Route overview
Follow the Tuolumne River for 8.8 km to Glen Aulin, then retrace the route uphill to the trailhead.
Glen Aulin follows the Tuolumne River through meadows and granite country as the water drops toward a series of cascades. The outbound route loses elevation, leaving the primary climb for the return. Strong water and wet rock can increase hazard near cascades.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, California
- Distance
- 17.7 km round-trip
- Typical duration
- 6–8 hours
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- Approximately 240 m on the return climb
- Best season
- July to October, depending on snow, water levels and Tioga Road access
- Trail type
- Out-and-back river and waterfall hike
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No wilderness permit for a day hike; overnight stays require a wilderness permit and any applicable reservation
Safety context
Stay back from swift water and slick cascade edges; prepare for mosquitoes, thunderstorms and high elevation Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Stay back from swift water and slick cascade edges; prepare for mosquitoes, thunderstorms and high elevation
Highlights
Tuolumne River, Tuolumne Falls, White Cascade, Glen Aulin, granite canyon
Why find a buddy
The long distance, river hazards and uphill return make compatible pacing and shared judgment valuable
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.