From the heart of Tuolumne Meadows, the Glen Aulin Trail takes hikers on a journey that feels like poetry in motion—meandering along the Tuolumne River before plunging dramatically into Yosemite’s Grand Canyon. This 13-mile round-trip hike is a Sierra classic: accessible, scenic, and rewarding from the very first step.
Trail Snapshot
- Location: Yosemite National Park – Tuolumne Meadows
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Distance: ~13 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time to Hike: 6–8 hours (or overnight)
- Best Season: July through early October
- Family Friendly: Yes, for teens or experienced younger hikers
Why We Love This Trail
This hike starts gently, tracing the Tuolumne River past wide meadows and forest glades, with postcard-worthy views of the Cathedral Range. At about mile 3, the trail opens up across a mysterious granite slab that feels like a pause before the drama begins.
As you cross the ridge into Yosemite’s Grand Canyon, the trail dips beside granite shelves, crosses wooden footbridges, and follows the river past a series of breathtaking cascades. The descent builds to a powerful finale—White Cascade—where the river bursts into a pool beneath the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp.
💦 Swimming here is cold and deserves your respect—the Tuolumne is moving fast and strong. Late summer is safest, but always check with the High Sierra Camp before jumping in.
Trail Map & Highlights by Mile
- 0.0 mi – Trailhead near Parsons Lodge or Dog Lake/Lembert Dome
- 2.5 mi – Open meadows with views of Cathedral Peak
- 3.5 mi – Granite ridgeline overlook
- 4.5 mi – Trail descends, becomes rockier
- 5.5 mi – Tuolumne Falls
- 6.5 mi – White Cascade & Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp
🧭 Navigation Tip: Stay left at all junctions except the final one before Glen Aulin—there, go right to reach the camp and the cascade pool.
Backpacking Options Beyond Glen Aulin
If you’re overnighting, this trail becomes a gateway to several incredible backcountry options:
- McGee Lake & May Lake Trail – About 1 mile up the south trail; a hidden gem for a quiet night.
- California, Le Conte, and Waterwheel Falls – Continue downriver for dramatic falls and riverfront camping.
- Cold Canyon & McCabe Lakes – Head west across the river into the less-traveled North Yosemite wilderness.
🎒 Trip Note: I’ll be hiking Glen Aulin to Cold Canyon and McCabe Lakes this summer—keep an eye out for that trip report!
What to Bring
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes (it gets rocky)
- Trekking poles (helpful for the descent)
- Water filter or treatment (plenty of river access)
- Swimsuit & sandals (if late summer)
- Layers—weather can change fast
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent
💡 Pro Tip: The granite slabs near Tuolumne Falls and White Cascade can be slick—grippy footwear helps.
Bathrooms, Food & Trailhead Tips
- Bathrooms: Pit toilets at trailhead and Glen Aulin.
- Snacks & Water: Tuolumne Grill/store near trailhead. Potable water available for guests at High Sierra Camp.
- Parking: Day-use parking at Dog Lake/Lembert Dome or roadside lots near Parsons Lodge.
- Food Lockers: Provided at all major parking areas.
Multimedia & Related Trails
🎧 Podcast coming soon: “Glen Aulin – A Trail Journal from the River’s Edge”
📹 YouTube preview: Includes trail footage, gear tips, and White Cascade scenes –
🧭 Nearby Adventures:
Gear We Used on This Trail
All field-tested on our latest trip:
- Lowa Innox GTX Boots – Lightweight, great grip
- Royal Robbins Wilder Pant – Quick-drying, rugged
- Farm to Feet Wool Trail Socks – Breathable and blister-resistant
Check out our Gear Guide for more trail-tested picks and affiliate links to support Sierra Rec Magazine.
Final Thoughts
The Glen Aulin Trail is a love letter to Yosemite’s high country. Whether you’re day hiking, backpacking, or dreaming of a swim beneath a waterfall, this trail delivers solitude, grandeur, and a true Sierra Nevada story. Go explore—and let us know how it moved you.
📩 Hiked it? Share your photos and tag us with #SierraRecMagazine or email your story to info@sierrarecmagazine.com
