Having been to Yosemite National Park several times but never to Tuolumne Meadows, I decided now was the time. I did some research and discovered this hike that starts in Tuolumne Meadows and follows the Tuolumne River to Waterwheel Falls.

Now, I want to start off by saying that it’s easy to forget you’re in Yosemite when you’re in Tuolumne. Tuolumne is equally beautiful but in a different way and the people are few. It takes about an hour and a half to drive there by car, but it’s much easier to get lost in nature.

Right from the start you will pass by Soda Springs, where pockets of naturally sparkling mineral water bubbles up from inside the Earth. Supposedly it’s safe to drink, and to this day scientists still don’t know what causes this spring.

The hike to Waterwheel Falls is about 19 miles and it follows the a portion of the PCT until you reach Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. From there the trail splits from the PCT and down into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. Almost the entirety of this hike follows the Tuolumne River and you pass waterfall after waterfall, so many I started to lose count.

But here they are in order:

• Tuolumne Falls

• White Cascade

• California Falls

• Le Conte Falls

• Waterwheel Falls

And these are just the labeled ones! There were at least 3-4 other waterfalls that weren’t labeled or didn’t have a name. For any waterfall lover, this hike is an absolute must. It’s full of endless beauty, and you can get up close and personal with many of the waterfalls. The river has rocks jutting out in places that let you walk into the center for some awesome views and photos.

It’s also very cool to see the views into the canyon as you continue to follow the river and the walls rise up around you. Waterwheel falls is huge and stunning, and you can get right up close and personal. And it’s so peaceful, there are very few people. Which gives you plenty of time to think and enjoy nature. This is no Mist Trail. Only seasoned hikers and backpackers attempt this hike. Also, if you are a backpacker, Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is awesome, and well worth a stay.

For the most part, the hike down into the canyon and to Waterwheel Falls was easy, flat, or downhill. I didn’t think much of it until time came for the return trip. The elevation gain on the way back was killer, I was already tired and just ready for an easy downhill return hike. Well I am sorry to say, that was NOT this hike. I 100% recommend this hike to anyone who loves waterfalls, because they feel endless on this hike. Usually you can’t get good views or as up close and personal as you can here.

Again, if you’re looking to explore another side to Yosemite with a completely different feeling, then Tuolumne Meadows and the Hike to Waterwheel Falls is for you.

All is Well,

Your friendly Neighborhood Hiker Cowboy Rob