Grand Canyon of Tuolumne [4.5 Day] - Yosemite Guided Backpacking Trip

Grand Canyon of Tuolumne [4.5 Day] - Yosemite Guided Backpacking Trip

The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River trek is considered one of the highlights of Yosemite National Park. This route follows the Tuolumne River through a deep canyon that leads from Tuolumne Meadows to the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The Impressive granite peaks and domes, spectacular waterfalls, alpine meadows, and nonstop views of the Tuolumne River are enough to make this a once-in-a-lifetime trip! The trail descends into the Grand Canyon passing some of the most notable waterfalls in Yosemite including Waterwheel and California falls. What makes this trip unique is that following the descent into the canyon, you are hiking alongside the Tuolumne River for over 15 miles- providing some of the most exhilarating swimming holes to play in making this the perfect summer trip! This hike then continues to Pate Valley and climbs back up to stunning views of the hetch hetchy reservoir. A truly unique and sublime experience of Yosemite!

Duration/Miles & Elevation

• 4.5 Days
• 31 Miles
• +5,650ft, -5,950ft
• Time: 8:00 AM

Difficulty Rating & Description

DIFFICULTY RATING (1-5)

3-4

This trek follows well-maintained trails and has a moderate hiking distance of about 8 miles per day. There will be sections of steeper terrain and rocky sections of trail with bigger step-ups and step-downs. Due to the elevation gain of this trek (most of which is coming out of the canyon), it is considered a challenging Level 3-4 hike. Weight carried will be between 30-40 lbs per person.

What's Included

• Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad, and multi-day backpack, headlamps, utensils, and poles.
• High-quality, synthetic sleeping bag (Laundered after every use- $15 cleaning fee) – or bring your own!
• Breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinner prepared by your guide while in the field.
• Professional local mountain guide certified as Wilderness First Responder, Food Handling & Leave No Trace Principles with years of professional and personal wilderness experience and a passion for leading others.
• Wilderness and National Park backcountry camping permits.
• Bear canisters for food storage.
• Water Filtration systems- all water is filtered by your guide!
• Emergency equipment including an extensive first-aid kit and satellite communication device (InReach Explorer).
• For Yosemite National Park Treks: Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite.
• A discount of 10% off any TrekSierra trip after your first!

Fitness Requirements

Previous backpacking experience is required. The ability to carry an overnight backpack for up to 9 miles a day with 1000-2000 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row. Very good physical condition is required.

Trip Highlights

• Tuolumne Meadows
• Tuolumne River
• WaterWheel Falls
• California Falls
• Swimming Holes!
• Pate Valley
• Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
• Harden Lake

Cancelation Policy

Due to the high costs of outfitter/guide and government permits, all deposits are non-refundable. We will attempt to reschedule you with a $100 per person change of date fee. In the unlikely event that TrekSierra must cancel a program, you may reschedule for no fee or have your deposit refunded. No refunds will be made due to weather or route conditions. TrekSierra is not responsible for additional expenses incurred in preparing for a trip, including but not limited to: non-refundable airline tickets, equipment purchases, medical expenses, and hotel reservations. TrekSierra strongly encourages participants to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Coverage should include trip cancellation, baggage loss, non-refundable airline tickets, accident/life coverage, and travel days. TrekSierra also encourages participants to purchase medical, disability, life, and rescue insurance. TrekSierra does not provide any such insurance coverage and participants acknowledge it is their own responsibility to acquire insurance for themselves. All fees are due 30 days prior to the departure date. Full refunds less a $250.00 registration fee are available more than 30 days prior. 50% refunds are given within 20-30 days of departure. No refunds are given within 20 days of the departure date. All refund requests must be received in writing/email. Late payments may result in the cancellation of a reservation with no refund given. No refunds will be given if any participants cannot complete the trip or end the trip early.

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