The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls

"Glen Aulin Cascade" as seen from near the trail and a sandy beach. Near this spot I saw a camp one year, but the next time at this spot I saw that it was gone. Still, it is a level area and would make a good bivy spot. That could be said about a lot of Glen Aulin.

"Glen Aulin Cascade"

The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls, June 2004

Again, there is no official name for "Glen Aulin Cascade" for some reason. Perhaps the maps are not up-to-date, or it was an oversight. Whatever, "Glen Aulin Cascade" will do here, and an impressive cascade/fall it is. It is a broad continuous whitewater cascade, one of the longest of the Tuolumne river, that begins from a large lake-like pool that spills down into Glen Aulin, twisting to its right as it goes, kicking up water and spray. Great open views up and down the canyon can be had all along its course, and several good off-trail and cross-country routes can begin in its environs. Its proximity to the Glen Aulin HSC guarantees that it is often visited, and for good reason. The area is a gold mine of outstanding views and worthy destinations all within a short walking distance from the HSC.

Near the base of "Glen Aulin Cascade" of the Tuolumne River, looking towards Wildcat Point later afternoon.

From the forested floor of Glen Aulin, the trail mounts the granite dam that the cascade spills over and nears the verge of the top of the cascade. Beyond, the trail rounds a rocky buttress and descends to an engineered path near Cold Creek, the Tuolumne River, and the bridge to the Glen Aulin HSC.

Point 8886 from near the trail near the top of "Glen Aulin Cascade". To the right (off picture) is a smooth granite saddle that would be easy to crosscountry over, pretty much Class 1. The trees below mark the floor of Glen Aulin.

Mid-morning, "Glen Aulin Cascade", down canyon and Wildcat Point. The "Ghost Forest" mid-picture is probably due to flooding, although fire is a possibility