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Waterwheel Falls

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 18/100 · Easyout and back#waterfalls#river#wild-and-scenic#canyon
Distance
20.6 mi
Total gain
1,850 ft
Net gain
1,850 ft
Net loss
1,850 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Waterwheel Falls is the Tuolumne River's most theatrical moment: at peak runoff the river launches over a granite step in a wheel of spray that can top 20 feet — the river literally throwing itself in circles. The out-and-back from Tuolumne Meadows is 20.6 miles through the river canyon, a classic Yosemite overnight.

Highlights

  • The falls' signature waterwheel — spray thrown in a full circle at high water
  • A river canyon route through the gateway of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne
  • Glen Aulin as the natural halfway camp
  • Early summer is the show — time it with the snowmelt

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Glen Aulin Trailhead (Tuolumne Meadows) · parking: Tuolumne Meadows trailhead parking; shuttle in season
  • Water: The Tuolumne River the entire way; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Tuolumne Meadows store at the trailhead.
  • 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 (the canyon floor sits far below) 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: June, July, August.

Snow: Usually snow-free by June; the falls peak in early summer runoff.

Heat: The canyon bottom is warm; the river offers relief.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in the canyon in early July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The effect diminishes by August — plan for peak runoff
  • The canyon is hot and dry in late summer
  • Bear canisters are required

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 — Waterwheel Falls. 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 (20.6 mi round trip) and elevation gain (1,850 ft) from Tuolumne Meadows.
  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.