Yosemite High Country

Backpacking Yosemite: Glen Aulin Pass Thru

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trip dates
To Be Determined
Trip Dates

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
3 Days
trip difficulty
Moderate
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Participants will be carrying their own gear as well as group gear (35 - 45 lbs total), for roughly 6.5 miles each day over easy to moderate terrain with minimal elevation drops and gains. We recommend doing numerous day hikes and training with a 35 - 45 lb pack prior to your trip. Individuals should be in decent physical condition. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian participating on the trip and are subject to manager approval.
trip difficulty
6-15 people

Description

Experience the spectacular beauty of the Yosemite backcountry on this beginner friendly route from Tuolumne Meadows to Waterwheel Falls. In lieu of staying at the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp for two nights, we will camp in more secluded areas of the park. Participants will have plenty of time for rest and relaxation among high mountain waterfalls and rivers. Trails on this route are well maintained with minimal elevation gain and loss, perfect for those new to backpacking. This trip is slightly more difficult than the traditional Glen Aulin adventure as there are more miles with your pack and your pack may be heavier due to the addition of bear canisters.

*Please note that both the June 4-6th and the June 10-12th dates are early season and subject to Tioga Road's opening. Due to the snowpack being low for the season, it is likely the road will be open but there is no guarantee.

Have a question about this trip? Email us at sboutdoors@sportsbasement.com.
You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.

"The coordination, food, and scenery were all top notch." - S A

Itinerary

Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.

DAY 1
  • Meet at the Lembert Dome Picnic Area in Tuolumne Meadows at 9 am
  • Trip orientation and gear discussion
  • Hike 6.5 miles on rolling to downhill terrain
  • Enjoy spectacular views of Tuolumne Meadows
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Make camp near the Tuolumne River
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
DAY 2
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Optional day hike: Hike 2.5 miles predominately downhill along the Tuolumne River to Waterwheel Falls with a lightweight day pack
  • Enjoy spectacular views of the Tuolumne River
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Hike 2.5 miles predominately uphill back to camp with a lightweight day pack
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
DAY 3
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Break camp
  • Hike 6.5 miles on moderate uphill terrain
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Enjoy spectacular views of Tuolumne Meadows
  • Return to the Lembert Dome Picnic Area
  • Congratulations! You just backpacked/hiked 17 miles with 2.2k elevation gain over 3 days!

Packing List

Included:
  • Two Expert, Medically Trained Guides
  • Group First Aid Kit
  • All Wilderness Permits and Camping Fees
  • Bear Canisters
  • Group Cooking Gear (including stoves and fuel)
  • Water Filtration
  • Dinners, Breakfasts, Hot Beverages, and Trail Snacks
  • Pre-Trip Phone Briefing Approximately Two Weeks Prior to Trip
  • An Amazing Wilderness Experience
Not Included:

Transportation to and from Yosemite

Personal Backpacking Gear (see Gear List below; rentals available)

Lunches (although a Trail Snack Bag is provided)

Park Entrance Fees

Insurance of any kind

Guide Gratuities

Face Mask and Hand Sanitizer

Lightweight 2 Person, 3-Season Tent (rentals available)

Backpacking Pack - minimum 60L (rentals available)

Lightweight, Compressible Sleeping Bag rated 15 to 25 degrees (rentals available)

Lightweight Sleeping Pad, inflatable recommended (rentals available)

Headlamp with fresh batteries (rentals available)

Mess Kit (bowl, insulated cup, and spork)

Sturdy Hiking Boots that are broken in

2-3L Water Bladder and 1L Bottle

Sunscreen, Sun Hat, Sunglasses

Hiking Pants/Shorts (lightweight, quick dry)

Wool or Synthetic Hiking Tops (quick dry)

Wool or Synthetic Hiking Socks, Liner Socks

Seasonal Layers: Baselayers, Fleece/Down Jacket, Winter Hat, Lightweight Gloves

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Pack Cover (Poncho at minimum)

Trekking Poles (rentals available)

Lightweight Day Pack

Lightweight Camp Shoes/Water Shoes

Insect Repellant

Small Pack Towel

Camera/Phone

Ear Plugs

Camp Pillow

Luxury Item (small book/kindle, deck of cards, etc.)

Guide Gratuities (optional)

  • Soap
  • Full Wallet and Set of Keys
  • Full sized Toothpaste, Deodorant, Sunscreen, etc. (Please only bring travel size packages of these things or re-package them yourself.)

Reviews

Interested in a private trip? Click here for info.
Sports Basement Outdoors Cancellation Policy

For our Ski Bus trips:

Cancellations for the Tahoe Ski Bus must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time in order to receive a refund of 97%. After that, refunds will not be given, but we will accommodate rescheduling of reservations up until noon the day before the trip.

For all overnight trips or multiple day courses:

If we cancel a trip:
While we make every effort to run our scheduled trips, our current climate reality means that some trips may not be safe to run due to circumstances beyond our control. At our sole discretion, we may choose to postpone, reschedule or cancel these trips. If we decide to cancel,  postpone or reschedule a trip,, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. If participants are unable to reschedule to another date, a full refund will be provided.
Please note: Rain, snow, nearby fires or smoke are not necessarily reasons we will cancel a trip. 

If you cancel a trip:
For all overnight trips or multiple-day courses, you can cancel more than 30 days before the start of the trip/course and receive a full refund.  Between 30 and 14 days before the start of the trip, you can reschedule your trip for a future date, but no refunds are given. If you cancel within 14 days of the start of the trip,, there are no refunds, cancellations or rescheduling. **
**Exceptions may be available for severe illnesses, injuries, or a death in the immediate family. A medical note from a licensed physician or death certificate will be required. If an exception is made, a fee of  50% of the total trip cost will be charged .