WHITEWATER RAFTING

Two-Day Tuolumne Trips

For Experienced Rafters
The Tuolumne is California's Class IV+ premier whitewater river, rushing through one of the most spectacular canyons in the Sierra! Flowing from the high Sierra, the Tuolumne creates the "Grand Canyon" of Yosemite as it spills into the Hetch Hetchy Valley behind the O'Shaughnessy Dam above the put-in at Meral's Pool. Between water control projects, the Tuolumne races through the deep granite canyons, creating some of the most exciting rapids and breathtaking scenery of the entire Sierra! This "Wild and Scenic" river section flows into the Don Pedro Reservoir below take-out at Ward's Ferry.

Step up to the exciting thrills of a Class IV+ whitewater river! It's a good idea to have rafted a Class III-IV river and be adventuresome and in good condition before moving up to the Tuolumne. The river starts right out with a series of Class IV rapids with chutes, steep drops, holes and reversals to keep you on your toes. Tight, technical and steep describes rapids like Rock Garden, Sunderland's Chute, and Ram's Head, leading up to one of the biggest drops in the U. S., the Class V Clavey Falls! This dramatic staircase rapid takes you through two big drops and, hopefully, around a boat-eating hole and away from the left wall--enough exciting, adrenaline rush adventure for everyone!

The river continues on another 12+ miles through pristine forest/canyon land and many more Class III, IV, and IV+ rapids to your take-out at Ward's Ferry.

The isolated Tuolumne is home to abundant wildlife; the river itself offers great fishing for rainbow and brown trout. Eagles and hawks circle overhead; if you're lucky, you might spot a visiting bobcat or raccoon along its banks. You'll feel the serenity of the wilderness canyon as well as the excitement of great rapids for a complete whitewater wilderness adventure!

Trip Details

Day 1:
Meet early on the first morning of your trip at the outfitter's meeting place on Highway 120 near Groveland, west of Yosemite National Park. The drive to the put-in takes you deep into the canyon on narrow back roads - an exciting adventure in itself! Meet the guides and boats, don wetsuits if needed for protection and comfort, stow gear in waterproof dry bags in the oar boat, and head for the river in paddle boats - usually six paddlers plus your guide to a boat. Raft the upper section of the Main Tuolumne, scout and run Clavey Falls, and make camp below the falls for a well deserved evening on the river where you rest and play while guides prepare a wonderful dinner and campfire.

Day 2:
On the second morning, there is usually time for a hike up Clavey Creek before setting out on the day's exciting Class IV+ run, stopping for lunch on the river bank. Take-out at Ward's Ferry in mid afternoon and shuttle back to La Casa Loma and your cars by around 5:00pm.