Yosemite Bliss: A Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Glen Aulin 🏕️
Nature is calling! 🌲 🥾 🎒 ⛺
Summary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Trip Length | 17 miles, 2 days/1 night |
| Difficulty | Moderate, 1200 feet elevation gain, well-maintained trail |
| Date | Late June 2024, summer |
| Weather | 70's °F, clear, light wind |
| Location | Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin to Waterwheel Falls |
| Logistics | Permits required  , plentiful water sources, drive or shuttles available from Yosemite Valley |
| Highlights | River views, waterfalls, meadows, granite formations |
| Rating | ★★★★★ |
Day 0: Pre-Backpacking Adventure
I decided to arrive a day before my backpacking trip to explore Yosemite Valley and capture some stunning photos. This extra day gave me the perfect opportunity to visit some iconic spots and enjoy a few day hikes in the area. I started with a visit to Tunnel View for that classic Yosemite shot of El Capitan and Half Dome. Bridalveil Fall was next on my list, followed by a drive to Glacier Point just before dawn for some breathtaking views.
The day ended with stargazing at Glacier Point, setting the perfect tone for the adventure ahead. Thanks to my wilderness permit, I was able to camp at the North Pines Backpacker’s Camp, which allows one night of camping before and after the backpacking trip. I felt energized and ready to start my backpacking journey the next morning.
I want to share some awesome spots if you’re visiting for the first time. These places, marked green in the map above, are perfect for photos and just soaking in the beauty of the park.
📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots
Tunnel View: You’ve got to see this! It’s that classic Yosemite view with El Capitan and Half Dome all in one shot. Perfect for those postcard-worthy photos.
Bridalveil Fall: This waterfall flows all year round and it’s just gorgeous. Great spot to snap some amazing waterfall pics.
Lower Yosemite Fall: It’s a short hike, but totally worth it. You get right to the base of the fall – imagine the photo ops!
Sentinel Dome: The hike is moderate, but the views are insane. You get a full 360-degree view of the valley and the peaks. Perfect for those panoramic shots.
Glacier Point: Seriously, the best view in the park. You can see Half Dome and the High Sierra. It’s just breathtaking.
🍔 Food and Recharge
Curry Village: When we need a break, let’s head to Curry Village. They’ve got great food and drinks. And we absolutely have to try the Half Dome pizza 🍕 (with pineapple 🍍 !) at the Pizza Deck. Check out the menu. It’s supposed to be amazing!
🗺️ Adventure Alert
Mist Trail: Heads up, we might get soaked here! But it’s part of the fun. The trail near Vernal Fall is super refreshing and makes for some really cool action shots.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
My adventure started from the Tuolumne Meadows trailhead, a stunning starting point in Yosemite’s high country. The trail initially winds through expansive meadows and serene forests, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding granite peaks. The sound of the Tuolumne River accompanied me, its crystal-clear waters providing a peaceful soundtrack to the hike.
One of the first highlights along the route was Soda Springs, where naturally carbonated water bubbles up from the ground – a fascinating geological feature. Moving on, the trail led me to Parson’s Lodge, a historical stone cabin that stands as a reminder of the area’s rich history.
As I continued, the terrain gradually transitioned from open meadows to a more rugged landscape, with towering granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls coming into view. The path took me alongside the Tuolumne River, where several perfect spots offered breathtaking scenery and a chance to take a break. One notable spot was the Tuolumne Falls, a powerful and mesmerizing waterfall that provided a perfect backdrop for photos.
By late afternoon, I reached the Glen Aulin camp, a tranquil haven nestled by the river. The camp’s serene environment, combined with the gentle sounds of the flowing river and the rustling of the trees, made it an ideal place to unwind after a day of hiking. This first day’s journey was a perfect introduction to the natural beauty and tranquility that Yosemite has to offer.
Map Note:
Day 1: The blue route on the map shows the path taken from Tuolumne Meadows to the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp.
Day 2: The yellow route indicates the day hike planned for Day 2. The trip concludes by following the reverse blue route back to Tuolumne Meadows.
📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots
Make sure to capture the beauty of Soda Springs, Parson’s Lodge, and the Tuolumne Falls.
🏕️ Camp Selection
For a more secluded experience, go all the way to the end of the Glen Aulin camp area. You’ll find more solitude and a peaceful spot to set up your camp.
🗺️ Adventure Alert
Be prepared for mosquitoes 🦟 and bugs, especially close to the river and waterfalls. Bring insect repellent, cover all exposed skin, and consider using a bug net for added protection.
Day 2: Waterfall Wonderland
The second day of my adventure started with a day hike to the stunning Waterwheel Falls. Setting out from Glen Aulin camp, I followed the trail along the Tuolumne River, which was lined with a series of mesmerizing waterfalls. Each waterfall offered a unique photo opportunity, capturing the raw beauty and power of Yosemite’s natural landscape.
Waterwheel Falls itself was a sight to behold. The force of the water cascading over the rocks creates a spinning effect, resembling a waterwheel, which gives the falls their name. The sheer energy and beauty of the falls made the hike worthwhile. The surrounding area, known as the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, added to the grandeur with its rugged granite cliffs and stunning vistas.
After soaking in the views and capturing plenty of photos, I returned to Glen Aulin camp. Although I had originally planned to stay another night, I decided to leave early and head back to the trailhead where I had parked my car.
If you have the time and energy, staying an extra night at Glen Aulin is highly recommended. This allows for a more leisurely exploration of the area and additional stops along the Tioga Road on your way back. Some must-see spots include Tenaya Lake, a serene alpine lake perfect for a refreshing swim or a relaxing break, and Olmsted Point, which offers panoramic views of Yosemite’s granite domes and valleys. These stops provide even more opportunities to experience and capture the breathtaking scenery of Yosemite National Park.
Map Note:
Refer to the previous map for my hiking route to Glen Aulin and Waterwheel Falls.
This map highlights popular stops and food spots along Tioga Road, including Tenaya Lake, Olmsted Point, Whoa Nellie Deli, and Tioga Gas Mart.
📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots
Tuolumne River: Along the hike to Waterwheel Falls, take time to capture the various cascades and the serene beauty of the river.
Waterwheel Falls: The main highlight, where you can get amazing shots of the unique waterwheel effect created by the cascading water.
Exploring Tioga Road: If you decide to stay another night or have extra time, explore more stops along Tioga Road like Tenaya Lake for a refreshing swim or Olmsted Point for stunning panoramic views.
🍔 Food and Recharge
Whoa Nellie Deli: After a long day of hiking, stop by Whoa Nellie Deli located at the Tioga Gas Mart for a delicious meal. It’s a local favorite known for its diverse menu.
Tioga Gas Mart: Conveniently located nearby, it’s a great spot to refuel and grab some snacks or drinks for the road.
As my trip came to an end, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible journey I had experienced. The breathtaking views in Yosemite Valley and along the hiking routes were nothing short of spectacular. From the serene meadows and towering granite peaks to the powerful waterfalls and tranquil rivers, every moment was a visual feast.
One of the highlights of my trip was the people I met along the way. Fellow backpackers shared their stories and experiences, including an inspiring couple in their 70s who were determined to finish the Pacific Crest Trail. Their passion and dedication were truly motivating, and it was a pleasure to exchange tales of adventure with such kindred spirits.
The weather was perfect throughout the trip, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures making each day enjoyable. The combination of great weather, stunning landscapes, and the camaraderie of fellow hikers made this trip an unforgettable experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend this trip to any beginner backpacker. The trails are manageable, the scenery is breathtaking, and the opportunity to connect with nature and fellow adventurers is priceless. Yosemite is a place that will always hold a special spot in my heart, and I will definitely be back to explore other areas of this magnificent park.
Thank you for following along on my journey. I hope my experiences inspire you to embark on your own adventures and discover the beauty of Yosemite for yourself. Until next time, happy trails! 🥾