Tuolumne Canyon from Lumsden Road.

HIKING THE TUOLUMNE WATERSHED

Stretching from the highest peaks in Yosemite to the expansive Central Valley, the Tuolumne River watershed features an amazing landscape spectrum. Alpine peaks, mountain meadows, dramatic river-sculpted canyons, and much more can be found by traveling around the watershed.

One of the very best ways to experience the watershed’s grandeur is to go hiking.

• Take an alpine hike on the John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon and explore the headwaters of the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. Located in stunningly beautiful Tuolumne Meadows, this trail passes through varied terrain including conifer forests and alpine meadows. Following along Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River, the path traverses huge granite slabs and winds amongst giant boulders. Views of high Sierra peaks and glaciers make this a special hike.

• Explore the Tuolumne River Trail in spring, when amazing wildflower displays and cooler temperatures make this a perfect day-long outing. This strenuous hike travels over rolling hills and down to the Tuolumne’s confluence with the Clavey River. A sandy beach at the end of the trail provides the perfect spot to view the breathtaking Clavey, and further exploration of the nearby rocky bank provides views of Clavey Falls.

• Historic Preston Flat Trail parallels the Tuolumne River on a moderate trail. Along the way, the footpath passes through a steep-walled granite canyon and lush meadows, arriving at the site of the aging Preston cabin. Continuing on, enchanting Preston Falls is found at the end of the trail. Visit in the spring to see incredible wildflowers and in the summer for excellent swimming!

• Follow the Anderson Mine Trail for gorgeous river views along Cherry Creek and the Tuolumne River. Eventually the path crosses Jawbone Creek cascading down its canyon wall. If Jawbone Creek is passable (depends on the seasonal water flow), the trail continues on for several miles. Evidence of past mining such as equipment is visible along the way.

• Take a hike through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias located within Yosemite National Park. Accessible year round, the Tuolumne Grove is excellent for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. View the incredibly massive trees along a self-guided nature trail leading from Crane Flat into the grove.

• Located in the headwaters of the Clavey River, Bell Meadow is home to the largest stand of quaking aspen in the southern half of the Sierra Nevada. A gentle gradient trail meanders through expansive aspen groves, mammoth granite boulders, and stately old growth forests. Visit Bell Meadow in autumn and you will be awestruck by brilliant displays of fall foliage.

Getting Ready
Before you hike, contact the Forest Service or Yosemite National Park to check on conditions and trail accessiblity.

Buy a map of the Stanislaus National Forest—it is an excellent road map and is indispensable for navigating backcountry roads. You may obtain a copy at one of the Forest Service offices in Sonora, Groveland, Mi-Wuk Village, or Pinecrest.

Hiking books and maps will guide your explorations and the Trust offers somer of these for sale. Please contact Cynthia King at (209) 588-8636 to learn more about the books and maps available through the Trust.