High Sierra Camp - Glen Aulin

Overview

Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp sits at about 7,800 feet in a glacially carved basin, tucked beside White Cascade on the Tuolumne River. Established in 1929, it’s one of Yosemite’s five historic High Sierra Camps and, when operating, offers a rare backcountry stay with real beds and hot meals without carrying a full backpack.

Landscape & Highlights

From Tuolumne Meadows, the trail follows the river through open meadows and granite before dropping past Tuolumne Falls (around 100 feet) and a string of cascades to the flat where the camp rests by White Cascade. Views open towards the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, and strong hikers continue downstream to California, Le Conte, and Waterwheel Falls—famous for their arcing “waterwheel” sprays at peak runoff.

Getting There

Primary access is from Tuolumne Meadows. Expect roughly 5.5–6 miles one-way from the standard trailheads or about 8 miles from Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, with an overall descent of roughly 920 feet to the camp. Plan for a full-day outing (about 12 miles round-trip) if day hiking. Junctions are well signed, but the final stone steps and wet granite near cascades can be slick.

Amenities and Current Status

The High Sierra Camps (including Glen Aulin) are not operating in 2025 due to unavailable utilities (potable water and toilets). That means no lodging or meal service this season. When open, Glen Aulin provides tent cabins, family-style dinners and breakfasts, and restrooms; note there are no showers at this camp. The operation emphasizes low-impact facilities such as composting toilets.

Backpacking Option Nearby

Adjacent to the High Sierra Camp is a backpackers’ campground (separate from HSC operations) for wilderness-permit holders, with a vault toilet and bear boxes. When the camp complex isn’t operating, assume you’ll need to filter water from the river.

Nature & Wildlife

This basin holds aspen, lodgepole, and notable stands of mountain hemlock. Black bears are part of the ecosystem—proper food storage is mandatory where provided. Early summer can bring heavy mosquitoes, especially around wet meadows and slow water.

Safety & Seasonal Notes

Tioga Road must be open to reach Tuolumne Meadows. Early season brings high, cold, fast water; keep a safe distance from slick granite near cascades. Even in midsummer, treat or filter all water. Altitude (around 8,000 feet) can make the hike feel harder—pace yourself and hydrate.

Best Time to Visit

• Mid to late summer offers longer days, mellower flows, and fewer mosquitoes than early season.
• Start early to enjoy quiet trails and softer morning light; late afternoon brings warm tones on the falls and river.
• Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends during peak season.
• If/when operations resume, monitor the seasonal lottery window well ahead of summer.