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Glen Aulin HSC to Waterwheel Falls (Yosemite)

Posted on October 17, 2008 by: Traveler

  • Bridge at Glen Aulin HSC crossing over the Tuolumne River. Head left at the next trail junction toward California Fall. By taking the right junction, you will cross another bridge and enter the HSC area.
  • California Fall.
  • There a re high peaks surrounding the pool of California Fall.
  • There is more of a beach area here at the base of California Fall than at White Cascade of Glen Aulin HSC (above) but the entry is gradual here as opposed to being able to jump right in up there.
  • After passing California Fall, the trail passes though an old burn area with new growth spouting up. Most of the pines averaged ten feet high but there are some large Aspen Trees ahead.
  • The trail skirts along the right side of the Tuolumne River with open vantage points along the way.
  • August wildflowers and an unknown species of butterfly.
  • Aspen groves are in the burn area.
  • A slow moving Tuolumne River turned this area into a reflection of the surrounding peaks.
  • Our hiking party could make out a face in this granite wall.
  • I can not identify exactly what precedes this granite face other than to say it is at a bend / open area of the Tuolumne... look left when traveling down river toward Waterwheel Fall.
  • Unnamed cascade of the Tuolumne. Our granite face could still be seen on the wall above.
  • To the right side is the a steep granite slope. You are pretty much in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne at this point.
  • Le Conte Fall of the Tuolumne River.
  • The water spills around this large granite slab... the perfect spot for a lunch break.
  • Le Conte is two cascades with smaller drops in the mix.
  • Looking back toward the trail area.
  • Just below Le Conte Fall, the Tuolumne branches left away from the trail.
  • Large flat boulders at the Le Conte Fall area.
  • This crazy looking tree (4 foot diameter) is right alongside of the trail.
  • This tree had to grow around this fallen slab of granite. It is just to the right side of the trail (heading down river) and has a thicker base than the tree from the previous picture.
  • The river starts to whitewater below Le Conte.
  • That looks like a water wheel to me! Just have to get down there now.
  • As it turns out, we would pass this one up. This was a better example of the waterwheel action because the lower river levels (August) made for a less dramatic waterwheel.
  • Waterwheel Fall (proper).
  • In higher water flow (spring and early summer) this enetire granite slab would be covered in whitewater with numerous waterwheels churning.
  • I believe the largest waterwheel would be this area in the foreground (obviously earlier in the season) because of how deep the granite was scoured.
  • Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River below Waterwheel Fall.
  • Evidence of how much water flows here earlier in the season.
  • The first drop of Waterwheel Fall is an approximate 20-30 foot fall. From there it becomes a cascade flowing down the canyon.
  • Ferns and summer wildflowers grow in the cracks at this first ledge of Waterwheel Fall.
  • August wildflowers at the (fall portion) of Waterwheel Fall. The rest of the flow is a cascade down where the granite has been scoured by eons of constant flow. The water flows in and shoots up giving the fall its name.
  • Hikers would not even be able to get this close earlier in the season.
  • Waterwheel Fall.
  • Be very cautious due to the smooth granite. One slip up and it is a couple hundred foot slide down canyon.

Best Time To Visit: Memorial Day to October 31st
Closest City: Lee Vining
State: 7
Country: 209

DIRECTIONS: This is a continuation of Tuolumne Meadow to Glen Aulin HSC. To see the directions to the trailhead located along the stable road near Lembert Dome; click here. This continuing write-up begins at the bridge crossing over the Tuolumne River and heading down to California Falls.

DESCRIPTION: Coming Soon!

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Tags

Yosemite National Park, White Cascade, Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, Yosemite High Sierra Camp, High Sierra Loop, California Falls, Le Conte Falls, Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River, Waterwheel Falls, hiking, backpacking, camping, swimming

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