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Glen Aulin

37.876736,-119.346085

4.8/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

12.19 miles

Elevation Gain

600 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Alex Souza

Glen Aulin has a backpackers campground with potable water and pit style restrooms. The beautiful white cascades of Glen Aulin Falls is just a stones throw from camp, making for a great swimming hole on a hot summer afternoon. Enjoy a sunset over the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. 

Start your hike to this waterfall oasis in the heart of the sierra at the parking lot for the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. The Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp sits along the beautifully winding Tuolumne River. White Cascade an 80ft waterfall sits at the edge of camp and provides an excellent swimming hole at its base. Don't miss the excellent sunsets here. A few nearby granite promenades serve as great viewing points down the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne.

Nearby Waterwheel Falls makes a great day trip from camp. A 6 mile round trip hike down the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River will get you there with plenty of waterfalls and prime swimming holes along the way.

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Features

Fitness
Camping
Fishing
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Forest
River
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Glen Aulin Reviews

Following the powerful Tuolumne River for a good amount of this hike is awe-inspiring (especially after this winter). The waterfalls were raging and you could feel the power of the river standing on the footbridges. We had to camp away from the backpacker's camp since the footbridge was washed away, but this spot would make an awesome camp spot if you wade across or wait until the bridge is fixed!

I'm a fan of Glen Aulin because it has abundant water year-round. The backpacker's camp makes backpacking much easier for beginners (potable water, composting toilet, bear lockers, etc.). If you have a bear canister and want to continue past Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, camping near California Falls or Waterwheel Falls along the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is beautiful.

Just finished this trip as a day hike from Tuolumne Meadows. Pool at the base of White Cascade is So cold but refreshing after the hike down. Highly recommend this as another great day destination out of Tuolumne Meadows.

I did my first backpacking trip on this trail with a group of friends. It was really hot in the summer, but it was super nice to dip in the water for a bit. Lots of mosquitos! Quiet even though it's a popular trail, and it is SO beautiful. Highly recommend this trail.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mt. Conness

Dog Lake Loop

Rock Climb Lembert Dome, Yosemite NP

Young Lakes

Lembert Dome via Dog Lake Trail

Enjoy a Sunset at Tuolumne Meadows