Tuolumne Falls
California • Yosemite National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
5.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
500 ft
About Tuolumne Falls
Tuolumne Falls is a picturesque waterfall located along the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park, California. It is a popular destination for hikers exploring the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and offers stunning views of cascading water surrounded by granite cliffs and lush forest.
The Setting
Tuolumne Falls sits at 8,136 feet within Yosemite National Park, in the high alpine of California.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 5.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Tuolumne Falls follows the Glen Aulin Trail, which is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the Tuolumne River, meadows, and surrounding granite peaks. The trail includes some rocky and uneven sections but is generally manageable for most hikers with moderate experience.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene hike through Yosemite's high country, with opportunities to see wildflowers in the spring and early summer. The waterfall itself is a beautiful cascade, especially during peak flow in late spring and early summer. Wildlife sightings, such as deer and birds, are common along the trail.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tuolumne Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $35.00
Permit required
A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Day hikers do not need a permit, but reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park during peak seasons.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Tuolumne Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Tuolumne Falls is in late spring or early summer when the waterfall is at its peak flow due to snowmelt. Fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, but water flow may be lower.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Yosemite National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and stay on designated trails. Carry sufficient water and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Check for trail updates or closures before your visit.
Current Water Conditions
9 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 19 years of record
6.72 ft
Water depth at gauge
58°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 58 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TUOLUMNE R A GRAND CYN OF TUOLUMNE AB HETCH HETCHY (21 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
9 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
9 cfs
3/10Tue
Barely Flowing
9 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
10 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny then smoke (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late June, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Yosemite Valley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 138 feet of descent through Tuolumne Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 8,149 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 34 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 114 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 8,149 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 138 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Tuolumne Falls is accessed via the Glen Aulin Trail, which begins at the Tuolumne Meadows trailhead in Yosemite National Park. The trailhead is located off Tioga Road (Highway 120).
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Tuolumne Meadows trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
8,136 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.905757° N, -119.417660° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure you have enough time to return before dark. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be exposed to the sun in some sections. Check the status of Tioga Road before planning your trip, as it is subject to seasonal closures.
This trail sits at 8,136 ft — the air is noticeably thinner
High AltitudeSome visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.
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Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen
UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)
Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.
Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets
You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.
ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses
High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.
Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)
Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.
Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex
Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
With 5.2 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite
Yosemite View Lodge
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
Lake View Lodge
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Saddlebag Lake Trailhead Group Camp
8.9 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Trailhead Group Campground is located in the eastern high Sierra Nevada Mountains of California at just over 10,000 feet in elevation. Also known as Saddlebag Lake Group Campground, the facility is adjacent to the scenic lake and provides a quiet mountain getaway for groups of up to 25 people. It is within a two-hour drive of Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake, and lies next to the Hoover Wilderness.Recreation Campers might like to relax and unwind by picnicking in the forested camping
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Tuolumne Falls, California
Unnamed Spring Mono County 5
This 72-degree thermal spring near Bridgeport sits at 6,383 feet elevation, requiring a short 160-meter walk from the road in M...
Unnamed Spring Mono County 6
This 91-degree thermal spring near Mammoth Lakes delivers exceptional warmth, running 42 degrees above the cool ambient air whe...
Buckeye Hot Spring
Buckeye Hot Spring flows at 140°F from the eastern Sierra Nevada in Mono County at 6,963 feet elevation on US Forest Service la...
Unnamed Spring Mono County 7
This 97-degree thermal spring sits at 8,159 feet elevation within Inyo National Forest, running an extraordinary 56.7 degrees a...
Paoha Island Springs
Rising from the volcanic island of Paoha in Mono Lake, Paoha Island Springs reaches 181 degrees Fahrenheit—one of California's ...
Hot Spring
Hot Spring near Bridgeport emerges at 151°F just 130 feet from the road, making it perhaps the most accessible high-temperature...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Tuolumne Falls, California on SoakingSprings.
Explore California springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby attractions include Glen Aulin, White Cascade, and Tuolumne Meadows. The area also offers access to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne for more adventurous hikers.
Wildlife
Wildlife in the area includes deer, marmots, birds, and occasionally black bears. Always store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife.
Nearby Waterfalls
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