NOTE: Photos from a previous trip can be found here.

We’ve taken one of our all time favorite backpacking trips and made it better! The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is one of the most beautiful backpacking trips ever. It covers just less than 30 miles of amazing terrain along waterfalls and in the shadow of granite domes. It's a trip not to be missed. Historically, we’ve done this trip in three days. In three days you see some amazing scenery, but don’t have time to sit down and enjoy it. We have added a fourth day to this trip, giving us more time to enjoy the river as we hike through.

Itinerary: Arrive in Yosemite on Wednesday evening (Aug. 12) or by 9:00 am on Thursday (Aug. 13). Camping and breakfast can be arranged for those who arrive on Wednesday evening. We’ll start our backpacking trip on Thursday morning at Tuolumne Meadows, hiking along the Tuolumne River, our companion throughout the trip. We’ll pass the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp and make our way past several waterfalls as we descend into the canyon.

With a variety of riverside campsite opportunities available to us, we’ll have some flexibility in the distances we cover each day, but you can expect between 5 and 8 miles per day. The first three days should be pleasant as we follow the river downstream. We’ll be camping by the river each night and should have time to cool off each day in the river, so bring something to swim in! Our last day will be a tough one, as we climb out of the canyon. It’s over 8 miles of uphill hiking, gaining about 4,000 feet of vertical along the way. The memories from three days of beautiful hiking should be enough to keep your mind off the enduring climb. We should finish our trip late in the day on Sunday.

Along the way, your Outdoor Adventure Club guide will impart knowledge and tips, and prepare some of the finest backpacking food you could think of. Even seasoned backpackers enjoy the Outdoor Adventure Club’s "catered" backpacking experience.

What to bring:
A more extensive gear list will be sent with your confirmation. The Outdoor Adventure Club has gear available to rent, so let us know if you need to rent.
* Tent
* Sleeping bag rated for 35ºF or colder
* Sleeping pad
* Backpack (60-80 liter, no daypacks)
* Rugged, supporting, waterproofed hiking boots
* Water bottles or Camelbak
* Personal toiletries
* Goretex or other rain jacket and pants
If you are interested in making the trip as easy as possible, we can help you outfit yourself in “fast and light” style. Your back will appreciate it, especially on the long uphill day! Email Richard@OutdoorAdventureClub.com for more information on the lightweight option.

The Outdoor Adventure Club guides will be cooking up some great meals on the trip. Be ready to eat well as we spend the weekend in the woods, and let us know if you have any dietary considerations. We are happy to accommodate just about any diet.

A thorough trip description will be sent with your confirmation. The details will include when and where to meet, what to bring, and more of what to expect.

Where is this trip?

View Tuolumne in a larger map Driving directions to the meeting spot will come with your confirmed reservation.

Includes:

• Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders
• A map of the hike
• All necessary permits for backpacking in Yosemite
• All meals from Thursday breakfast to Sunday lunch
• Group cooking gear (stoves, pots, water filters)
• Bear resistant food containers
• Group first aid supplies
• 4 days of guided backpacking

You need to supply your personal backpacking gear: backpack, tent, sleeping bag, pad, appropriate clothing, and personal items. A complete gear list will be sent to you with your reservation confirmation.

The Outdoor Adventure Club has a supply of backpacking gear available for rent. For a list of available items and pricing, follow this link: OAC Gear Rentals
Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to rent gear so we can reserve it for you.

Pricing:
OAC Member: $375
Non-member: $425

Limited to just 13 people, so sign up early.

Sounds fun- Sign me up!!