Tentative Itinerary – Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne White Wolf-GlenAulin-May Lake-SnowCreek The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is a true gem in a lessor visited area of Yosemite. The pure waters of the , fed by Sierra snow melt, run wild and scenic through the Muir Gorge in the central region of . In this 3000 foot deep canyon you are treated to everything from rushing cascades to deep tranquil pools that are perfect for a refreshing and invigorating soak. This is truly a trip for water lovers as you are never far from the river and its constant sound is guaranteed to be a song you will remember for a lifetime.

Trip Length: 7 Days/ 6 Nights Total Milage: 45.5-miles Rating: Strenuous Meet: , 3pm Cost: $1300 per person Discounts: Save 15% with three or more.

Day 1 : Meet your guide in the afternoon. Get acquainted with the group and with gear. highlights (food in the front-country not included.) Camp in Yosemite Valley Backpackers camp.

Day 2: After taking the 8am morning shuttle (approx. 1.0 hours) to White Wolf (7875’) where we will begin our hike. Today is a long 10.5 mile hike mostly downhill dropping nearly 3,500’ to Pate Valley (4380’) on the western end of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. 10.5-miles. -3,495’

Day 3: Today we will begin our hike paralleling the Tuolumne River as we head east and gradual uphill. As the river winds both along the river and up onto some granite walls and outcroppings we will be awarded with some dramatic views in all directions. We will hike approximately 7-miles to a riverfront campsite within the granite walls of the canyon and across from where Cathedral Creek cascades into the Tuolumne. (Campsite elevation: 5500’). 7-miles, +1,120’

Day 4: We will continue our hike up the Tuolumne hiking another 7- miles to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp (7980’). On this portion of the hike as we continue within the granite walls, we will past famous spillways along the Tuolumne River such as Waterwheel Falls, LeConte Falls, and Falls. At Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp we will have a chance to rest and relax along the beach below both White Cascade and Tuolumne Falls. 7-miles. +2,480’

Day 5: Today we depart the Tuolumne River gorge as we head uphill and southwest to May Lake (9360’). We will hike 8-miles total while taking breaks along the way at prime water-holes and even a few smaller lakes. 8-miles. +1,380’

Day 6: We will depart May Lake today headed south as we cross the Tioga Rd. and continue mainly downhill to a unique campsite along the rim of Canyon offering unique views as it merges with the Yosemite Valley. This campsite (6720’) is also directly across the valley/canyon from offering some very awesome sunset and sunrise opportunities before we descend to the Valley at the end of our great adventure. 7.9-miles, - 2,640’

Day 7: After taking in some last huge breaths of success on the granite bluff directly across from Half Dome, we will say “packs-on” for one last occasion as we now descend into Yosemite Valley at 4,000’. This “Snow Creek” trail is a collection of small-medium size switch-backs dropping over 2700’ in just 2.6-miles. We will emerge into the Yosemite Valley by passing (now more a meadow) which sits directly below the face of Half Dome. AT the road we will jump on the free shuttle to take us to Curry Village. 4.6-miles -2,720’

2015 Dates: Sep. 6-12

Cost: $1300 per person

Discounts: Save 15% when booking three or more people or two family members (guardian/child).

Included: Guides, permits, shuttle costs, all meals in the backcountry (Day 2 lunch through Day 7 breakfast), and all group gear (cooking gear, bear cans, water filters, first aid, toiletries, etc.). We also include internal frame backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, eating gear, at no extra cost.

Not Included: Personal items (see Equipment List online), front-country food (see above), optional trip insurance, tips for guides (10-20% of trip fee), Yosemite gate entrance fee (approx.. $20), and alcoholic beverages.