Glen Aulin Trek: A Foray into Tuolumne's Grand Canyon
Glen Aulin Trek Highlights:
- Women's Only Trek - Perfect for first time and veteran female backpackers
- Traversing into the deepest gorge in Yosemite National Park
- Rapids & Waterfalls along the Tuolumne River
- Backpack & Hike in a less populated part of Yosemite National Park
- Solitude & Remoteness
- Group Campsites near a beautiful waterfall and pool on the Tuolumne River
- Three days of hiking between 6-8 miles each day
- Meditation/Silence on the Trail each day (60 min minimum) & Community Conversations and Insight Sharing
- Spend our last night together at the beautiful, iconic Ahwahnee Lodge
Glen Aulin Trek Date and Pricing:
- No 2024 Treks planned at present.
General Trek Itinerary:
- Day One: Arrive at and check into lodging inside/outside Yosemite. Gather for a trek orientation meeting in the evening.
- Day Two: Drive to Tuolumne Meadows & Backpack to Glen Aulin (6 miles) to spend our first night camping under the stars.
- Day Three: Day Hike from Glen Aulin to Waterwheel Falls, one of Yosemite's most unusual falls (7 miles roundtrip). Meditate on trail, swim in the Tuolumne River, and enjoy our last night's dinner in the backcountry.
- Day Four: Pack up camp & backpack along the River to Tuolumne Meadows. We'll drive to The Ahwahnee on the Valley Floor where we'll spend our final night together celebrating our expedition!
- Day Five: Check out of The Ahwahnee & explore on your way home
What's Included in each Trek:
- Two nights of hotel lodging just outside the park & at The Ahwahnee
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad, and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic 20 degree sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) & inflatable pillow – or bring your own.
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals during the backcountry segment of the trip (2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 2 Dinners & Desserts, plus coffee/tea in the morning)
- National Park backcountry camping permits
- Bear canisters as needed for food storage
- Water purifier, stoves, and cooking/kitchen equipment
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite communication device
- Certified Wilderness Guide to lead and guide your trek
Secure Your Spot
This women's only trek will be extremely meaningful. Reach out to Optimize Trek for an application form to begin the vetting process. Once selected, you will secure your spot with a 50% trek deposit. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure.
The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Trek
Glen Aulin Trek Highlights:
- Traversing the deepest gorge in Yosemite National Park
- Swimming Holes, Rapids & Waterfalls along the Tuolumne River
- One-way Thru Backpack in a less populated part of Yosemite National Park
- Start Backpacking at Tuolumne Meadows and Finish at White Wolf
- Solitude & Remoteness along the water's edge
- River Campsites near beautiful waterfalls and pools on the Tuolumne River
- 32+ Mile Backpacking Trip
- Four Days of Backpacking 6-10 miles each day
- Meditation/Silence on the Trail each day (60 min minimum) & Community Conversations and Insight Sharing
Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Trek Date and Pricing:
- No 2022 Trek Dates - Check back for 2023!
General Trek Itinerary:
- Day One: Arrive at Hotel Lodging in or near Yosemite National Park
- Day Two: Drive to Tuolumne Meadows & Backpack to Glen Aulin (6 miles) to spend our first night camping near one of the High Sierra Camps.
- Day Three: Backpack from Glen Aulin to Muir Gorge (8 miles). Pass Waterwheel Falls as we hike, meditate on trail, swim in the Tuolumne River, and enjoy dinner and dessert above the ominous Muir Gorge.
- Day Four: Backpack from Muir Gorge to Pate Valley (8.3 miles). John Muir first ascended this this narrow gorge in the late 1800's. After a dip in the river, we enjoy our last evening’s meal under a vast canopy of stars.
- Day Five: Pack up camp & head out for our hardest and longest (but lighest pack!) day from Pate Valley to White Wolf (9 miles). We will climb 3,700 feet and will reach the old Tioga Pass route before ending at the historic White Wolf Camp which was built during the mining boom of the 1880s. We'll return to our cars and will spend our final night at a hotel celebrating our expedition!
- Day Six: Check out of hotel lodging & explore on your way home
What's Included in each Trek:
- Two nights of hotel lodging in or near Yosemite National Park
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad, and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic 20 degree sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) & inflatable pillow – or bring your own.
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals during the backcountry segment of the trip (3 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 3 Dinners & Desserts, plus coffee/tea in the morning)
- National Park backcountry camping permits
- Bear canisters as needed for food storage
- Water purifier, stoves, and cooking/kitchen equipment
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and satellite communication device
- Certified Wilderness Guide to lead and guide your trek
Secure Your Spot
This trek into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne will be scenic and memorable. Reach out to Optimize Trek for an application form to begin the vetting process. Once selected, you will secure your spot with a 50% trek deposit. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure.