Embark on a spectacular 4-day backpacking journey through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, from the remote White Wolf to the iconic Tuolumne Meadows, showcasing Yosemite's dramatic river canyons and high-country beauty. 4-day itinerary, from a saved Wally trip plan.
Four-day counter-clockwise loop from Tuolumne Meadows through three High Sierra Camps. Roughly 30 miles with about 5,000 feet of cumulative climbing, all above 8,000 feet. Start at the Glen Aulin trailhead by Lembert Dome. Day 1 — Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin, about 5.6 miles. An easy first day following the Tuolumne River downstream past Tuolumne Falls and White Cascade. Mostly gentle grade with slabs that get slick when wet. Day 2 — Glen Aulin to May Lake, about 8.4 miles. Climb away from the river onto open benches under Mt. Hoffmann. Longest sustained ascent of the trip and the most exposed; carry water, the creeks between here and May Lake run seasonal. Day 3 — May Lake to Sunrise, about 8.2 miles. Down past Tenaya Lake, across the highway, then up onto Sunrise Ridge. Afternoon thunderstorms are common on this stretch in July and August, so clear the ridge early. Day 4 — Sunrise to Tuolumne Meadows, about 8.1 miles. Over Cathedral Pass with the Cathedral Lakes below, then a steady descent on the John Muir Trail back to the meadows. Permits: a Yosemite wilderness permit is required for the Glen Aulin trailhead, and beds at the camps themselves are a separate lottery. Snow lingers on the Cathedral Pass approach into early summer. Example itinerary, seeded from a saved Wally trip plan.