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Glen Aulin

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 17/100 · Easyout and back#waterfalls#river#beginner-friendly#high-sierra-camps
Distance
12.6 mi
Total gain
750 ft
Net gain
750 ft
Net loss
750 ft
Elevation
7,920–8,560 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Glen Aulin is the friendliest river trip in Yosemite: a 6.3-mile descent from Tuolumne Meadows along the Tuolumne River to a High Sierra Camp at the mouth of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. It is one of the park's easiest overnight routes, with swimming holes, granite slabs, and the PCT running through camp.

Highlights

  • The Tuolumne River's cascades and swimming holes the entire way
  • Glen Aulin's High Sierra Camp and its signature waterwheel falls just below
  • An easy net descent — the hardest work is the return climb
  • PCT hikers passing through camp all summer

How hard is Glen Aulin?

CaliPeaks rates this route 17/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 750 ft puts this trip at 6% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 12.6 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 8,560 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 3 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Glen Aulin Trailhead (Tuolumne Meadows) (8,560 ft) · parking: Tuolumne Meadows trailhead parking; shuttle in season
  • Water: The Tuolumne River corridor; treat all water.
  • Resupply: Tuolumne Meadows store at the start.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Glen Aulin entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,600 ft (this route stays below the line) unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Usually snow-free by early July.

Heat: Pleasant high-country temperatures.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in the meadows and canyon in early July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The return is a 750-foot climb — easy out, warm back
  • Bear canisters are required
  • Glen Aulin camp has limited high-use sites; plan around them

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails — Glen Aulin. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tuolumne-meadows-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (12.6 mi round trip) and elevation gain (750 ft); Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp context.
  2. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  3. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.
  4. SRTM90 elevation data. OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Elevations at trailhead and destination sampled for this record.