With Tioga Pass opening May 15th - just in time for the weekend - our SAR teammate and Bishop local Natalie D. (@nattydil) decided to celebrate a birthday by venturing up to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park the next day. When trying to decide which trail to hike, satellite imagery indicated minimal snow along the Pacific Crest Trail, heading north from the meadows to Glen Aulin. This ~10.6 mile out-and-back route first follows the meandering Tuolumne river among peaceful meadows, then works down granite shelves parallel to mesmerizing cascades. It's a must-do hike for anyone seeking to explore Yosemite's best waterfalls. 

Conditions Report: 

Current As Of: 16 May 2026*

Activity During Report: Hiking

Conditions: 

The trailhead for Glen Aulin is adjacent to Lembert Dome, with ample street parking all around. The trail starts mellow, with mostly flat, gentle miles moving through the forested terrain. Expansive views of the granite domes and peaks of Tuolumne are on full display, especially when emerging from the woods as the trail passes over sections of granite slab.

There are several seasonal streams to cross in the first two miles. Due to early summer conditions, we were not able to rock hop across all of them and had to wade through at least 3 different wide but shallow streams. We also encountered minimal patchy snow in shady areas that were simple to walk over or around. No snow was encountered in steep terrain.

After crossing the Tuolumne River on a scenic wooden bridge, the calm waters of the Tuolumne errupt into powerful cascades. The rushing white water creates a thrilling soundscape in addition to the iconic views. Tuolumne Falls and White Cascade are the two show-stopper waterfalls at the end of this trail section, next to the Glen Aulin camp.

We enjoyed a long snack and water break at the White Cascade, 5.3 miles into the hike, before turning around to enjoy a scenic walk back to the trailhead. Of note, there will be relatively more uphill in the first miles walking back, as you hike back up past the cascades. Thankfully, majestic rest break spots abound.

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We only ran into snow on mellow terrain!
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Tuolumne Falls and the White Cascade!!!
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*All conditions reports are subject to change, increasingly so with each passing day since the observation(s) were made. They are provided as a tool to assist your adventuring, not to replace your own risk management and decision-making. No information in any trip or conditions report published by Eastside Sports should be considered definitive in its information or directive in its recommendation.