Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne landscape

Photo: Photo by Aniket Deole on Unsplash

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne

~4 days · 29.6 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance29.6 mi
Days out4
Elevation gain5,591 ft
Gain / mile189 ft
High point8,658 ft

What the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is known for

Descends from Tuolumne Meadows down the Tuolumne River past Tuolumne Falls, California Falls, and Waterwheel Falls to Pate Valley, then climbs steeply out of the canyon to White Wolf. A point-to-point Yosemite classic of about 30 miles, typically done in 3-4 days.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 13,885 ft to 28,386 ft over 29.6 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 9.1 mi · 31%
  • Downhill 16.2 mi · 55%
  • Flat 3.9 mi · 13%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne take?

Most backpackers hike the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 29.6 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne?

The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne climbs roughly 5,591 ft total — about 189 ft per mile, topping out near 8,658 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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