Glen Aulin

Updated: Dec 12, 2022

Hike Stats

Distance: 12 miles RT

Elevation Gain: 1100 ft

Location: Tuolumne Meadows section of Yosemite National Park

Date Hiked: June 2021

Getting Here

The trailhead is located in the Tuolumne Meadows section of the park. There are a few options for parking. I parked alongside Tioga Road near the start of the trail that cuts through the main meadow because I wanted to hike through the meadow. You can also park at the Dog Lake/Lembert Dome Trailhead but this route will essentially bypass the meadow.

The Hike

Have you been somewhere in which the name perfectly encapsulates its essence? Glen Aulin is one such place. A Gaelic phrase meaning “beautiful valley,” the name has a special, almost lofty quality to it. With creeks cascading down granite slabs and green meadows turned gold by a late afternoon sun, I could see why James McCormick felt he had to turn to a different language to try to capture it. You'll also see why this particular blog post has more pictures than my previous ones!

Having discovered that sometimes an afternoon start is better for avoiding crowds than an early morning one in Yosemite, I set off across the center of Tuolumne Meadow around 2 pm. The meadow itself is absolutely spectacular and I would encourage anyone who is able to at least go out a half mile to experience the unique place. Royal blue creeks snaked across the meadow where the grass was its peak spring green. The spires of Cathedral Peak and the round Lembert Dome seemed to jut out of nowhere and the laughter of PCT thru-hikers cooling their weary legs in the water would occasionally fill the air. I know that sounds kind of cheesy but it truly was magical. Little did I know that the magic had just begun.

creek running through Tuolumne meadows with granite lembert dome in the background

looking back towards tuolumne meadows with several granite peaks in the background

The next section of the hike was pretty straightforward, involving a long jaunt through the woods, often passing through smaller more intimate meadows. Occasionally the trail would skirt alongside a larger creek and offer lovely views of the surrounding granite cliffs.

overlook on the glen aulin trail out towards granite hills

At about 4 miles in is where the beauty meter was dialed up another notch as the once calmly flowing river began to tumble down large sections of tan-colored granite, beginning to roar as the water stair-stepped down cascade after cascade into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne.

creek rushing towards granite stone towards granite hills

The view from the twin bridges was particularly wonderful, and I made several mini-side trips across the granite to get a close up view of the various cascades (safely, of course!). I was also afforded several nice views of the distant mountain cliffs.

another view of the water stair stepping down the granite with conifers along the water edge

The major highlight (as if there could be a major highlight in a hike full of highlights) was the 50-foot Tuolumne Falls towards the end. Coming around the corner, the waterfall was a bit of a surprise. Unlike some hikes where you can hear the water falling from a distance, this one’s sound blended into the other sounds of the Tuolumne River. The falls created a healthy amount of mist as it tumbled onto the rocks below, and I had somehow timed my arrival just in time for the sun’s rays to filter through the mist creating a rainbow. It was spectacular, and I spent a long while sitting, snacking, and enjoying the sight.

50 foot tuolumne falls with rainbow made by the water spray

woman sitting on the rocks in front of tuolumne falls with rainbow in front of her

tuolumne falls from a distance along the creek

From there the trail continued downhill, eventually crossing another couple of bridges that looked over as the river continued on towards the endless granite cliffs.

the river/creek curving around the granite with peaks in the distance

The endpoint of the day’s hike was at the shorter, but no less impressive, White Cascade Falls. It thundered over the rocks into the deceptively calm pool below. The little beach attracted the small group of backpackers that were staying at the nearby backcountry camp, but the atmosphere was still tranquil so I took a short siesta on the sand.

white cascade falls thundering into the pool below

As the sun started to sit lower in the sky, I eventually was forced to pull myself away and make the long trek back to my car. This part of the hike was not nearly as fun due to the absolutely relentless mosquitos that came out in full force, but they definitely forced me to work on my hiking speed!

glen aulin river moving around the rocks and pines

setting sun casting yellow glow on the granite peaks

Honestly, there are not enough adjectives to sufficiently describe the beauty of this place. I already knew Yosemite was incredible, but Glen Aulin felt almost sacred. When deciding on hikes I tend to choose trails that I haven’t done before, but I would do this hike again in a heartbeat. I hope you get the chance to go experience it for yourselves!

A few more of my favorite shots: