More About the Tuolumne River
THE RAPIDS:
Technical boulder slaloms will make your heart pound
Steep, technical rapids characterize the Tuolumne. The action starts immediately as you discover seemingly non-existent passageways through rock-strewn corridors like Rock Garden and Nemesis. Rapids comprised of tight chutes, tall drops and immense boulders follow until we reach the highlight of the trip– Class IV + Clavey Falls. The middle section of the river mellows, allowing time for reflection before entering the final challenging miles. You'll forge a strong team with your fellow paddlers–and have an incredible time testing your skills on this river.
THE RIVER SCENERY:
Rugged, steep, stunning Sierra foothills
Whether you are young in years or just in heart, the Tuolumne canyon will uncover your inner adventurer. A National Wild and Scenic River, the Tuolumne's deep canyon, pristine side streams, and crystal-clear water inspire awe and gratitude. You'll want to enjoy the cooling swimming holes and waterfalls found in beautiful tributary streams, take advantage of every relaxing beach, and explore the many intricacies of this impressive wilderness area. Only two small 20-person commercial trips are allowed in the canyon per day, so you will always feel like one of the few privileged humans in this wonderful place.
LOCATION:
3.5 hours from San Francisco, 40 minutes from Yosemite
Just two hours from Sacramento and only three hours from San Francisco, the Tuolumne is close to many metropolitan areas. Highways 140, 120, and 49 are all in close proximity. Explore other Yosemite whitewater rafting trip options.
TYPICAL RAFTING SEASON:
April - early September*
The Tuolumne's flows are dam controlled, which makes river levels more predictable during the summer season. However, early-season snow melt pushes the river to very high levels that are best for experienced rafters. At these flows, the Tuolumne becomes one of California 's most powerful whitewater runs. As the season continues, water levels recede and become appropriate for both experienced rafters and very adventurous beginners.
* Season length, river flows, and days of water releases may vary. For this year's flow predictions and real-time water levels go to the River Flows page.
MEALS:
Freshly prepared riverside feasts
On 1-Day trips we provide a gourmet "build-your-own" sandwich lunch that includes all the fixings you’ll need to assemble the perfect sandwich along with kettle style potato chips, dried fruit, and chocolate. On Multi-Day trips, our meals are freshly prepared with a selection of healthy ingredients. Dinner will typically begin with beverages and hors d'oeuvres in camp while your guides prepare your hearty main entrees and a tasty dessert. The next morning you can wake up with your choice of cowboy coffee or tea while your guides prepare a hearty classic camp breakfast OR a continental breakfast.
If you have special dietary requirements, we encourage you to tell us at the time of your reservation so we can discuss options.
GUEST INVOLVEMENT:
How You Participate in Rafting the River
During normal water flows, All-Outdoors runs paddle-rafts on the Tuolumne multi-day trips and oar-paddle combination rafts on 1-Day trips. In a paddle-raft, each guest and a professional guide have a paddle and navigate the river, working as a coordinated team. In an oar-paddle combination raft a guide helps steer the boat with oars while simultaneously calling commands to paddlers. The oar-paddle combination rafts can move at a quicker pace during the calmer sections which is helpful on 1-Day trips. In high-water situations, we may opt to run oar-paddle combination rafts on all trips. All guests should be able to swim.
