Waterwheel Falls Trail

The first part follows the river through open meadow and lodgepole forest on mostly gentle ground. Dingley Creek and the forks of Delaney Creek can call for careful rock-hopping when water is high early in the season. Later, the trees open at bends in the Tuolumne, with the Cathedral Range across the river. A footbridge marks the start of the waterfall stretch. Tuolumne Falls spills into a rocky bowl; White Cascade drops into a broad pool near Glen Aulin. At the four-way junction after the bridge, take the left branch downriver for Waterwheel; the branch to camp is on the right.

Glen Aulin is a good place to pause before the harder miles. The river meanders through lodgepole and sugar pine, white fir and Jeffrey pine, pocket meadows and aspen groves. The trail is relatively level through the valley, then drops at multi-tiered California Falls. A short downhill spur reaches the lower granite bowl, but it adds more descent to climb on the way back. Below the falls the tread gets steep and rocky. LeConte Falls is visible from the route, without an obvious spur to its base; Waterwheel is another half-mile beyond.

At the turnaround, the Tuolumne hits a submerged granite ledge and shoots upward in the waterwheel effect that gives the falls their name. The spray is strongest when the river is running high, usually earlier in the season. That is also when the current and slick ledges are most dangerous, so admire the falls from a safe distance. The view opens into the U-shaped Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. From a stable viewpoint, frame the granite ledge with the plume and canyon walls; don’t move closer to the river for a photo.

The drive to Tuolumne Meadows depends on Tioga Road, which usually opens sometime from May or June through November, with dates set by conditions. Bring all the food and water you need; services in the area are very limited, and no refill point is guaranteed along this long route. A day hike does not require a wilderness permit, but overnight camping does. Dogs aren’t allowed on Yosemite trails or in wilderness areas; service animals are allowed under the applicable rules.

Glen Aulin is commonly translated from Gaelic as “Beautiful Valley.” Here the flatter ground lets the Tuolumne slow and wander through small meadows beneath granite formations. Quaking aspen ring some of the pocket meadows and can add fall color in early to mid-October. That quieter valley is a worthwhile part of the hike in its own right, even if you turn around there instead of continuing to Waterwheel.

Most of the route drops toward the water, so the miles to the falls can feel easier than the return. Expect about 2,000 feet of total climbing, with the steepest section losing roughly 800 feet over 1.5 miles below California Falls before you have to regain it. Start early and leave enough time for the climb back. If you want a shorter outing, the 11-mile round trip to Glen Aulin still reaches Tuolumne Falls and White Cascade.