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The White Cascades at Glen Aulin in Yosemite National Park.

I’m often asked by Yosemite first timers (friends and friends of friends) about which hiking trails in Yosemite should they hike during their visit. There are many beautiful hikes in Yosemite, but one of the few I recommend most often is the Glen Aulin trail, located in the Tuolumne Meadows area of the park.

Its not the easiest hike in Yosemite, nor is it the shortest, but it’s far from difficult and I’d say that as long as you and your family have hiked, a minimum, a few times, then you shouldn’t have any issue with Glen Aulin. It’s a straight shot and mostly level throughout, making it an ideal hike for families.

Before we get into it, you need to know that this trail is located in the high elevation area of Yosemite’s east side. This area of the park receives tons of snow in the winter, making it inaccessible during that time. If you want to hike the Glen Aulin trail, you’ll need to plan a summer or fall visit as the east gate typically opens in late May or early June.

However, even at those times, there could still be heavy snow pack along the trail. If you want to avoid snow and/or muddy conditions, I recommend visiting in late summer or in the fall when the weather is pleasant.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get into it!

Glen Aulin Trailhead Parking

The trailhead sign at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park.

The official trailhead for Glen Aulin begins just to the right of Parson’s Lodge and Soda Springs in the back-end Tuolumne Meadows. However, you must begin on the opposition side of the meadow, which adds some milage to your hike, but not a lot.

Unless you’re starting from the Lembert Dome area, there is no official parking lot for this hike. Some attempt to park on the side of the road, but you’re risking being cited and towed. I would play it safe and park in the visitor center parking lot across the street.

Glen Aulin Hiking Trail

The memorial bridge in Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park.

Once you’ve secured a spot, make sure there isn’t anything with a smell in your car or trunk, as this area sees a lot of bear activity. This includes food, drink, deodorant, etc. There are bear lockers everywhere in the area free to use.

To start your hike, cross the street and look out for the trailhead sign that lists Soda Springs, Glen Aulin and Waterwheel Falls (pictured above). You’ll want to follow the dirt path to the opposite end of Tuolumne Meadows.

The first notable feature you’ll encounter is the picturesque bridge spanning over the Tuolumne River. If you arrive early, do yourself a favor and get your pictures in now because on your way out it’ll likely be littered with tourists.

An open meadow on the way to Glen Aulin in Yosemite National Park.

After the bridge you’ll come across Parsons Lodge (slight left) and Soda Springs (slight right). Parson’s Lodge was built by the Sierra Club in 1915 as a memorial to Edward Taylor Parsons (club member and Yosemite advocate). Soda Springs is a mineral spring with a half cabin built around it.

Don’t spend too much time here, because you haven’t officially started the actual trail yet and still have a ways to go. Keep going past Soda Springs and the lodge and you’ll see signs pointing you toward Glen Aulin trail, proper.

Glen Aulin shares its trail with both the PCT and the JMT. So if you see signs for either or both, you’re going in the right direction.

A section of the Glen Aulin hiking trail in Yosemite National Park.

The first half-ish is fairly flat and straightforward. It’s clearly marked and well-maintained so there’s no real risk of going off-track. At around the three mile mark, you’ll come out into a beautiful meadow and lake that rivals Tuolumne Meadows (in my opinion).

Shortly after this point is where the trial starts to get a bit rocky and less maintained. However, the views continue to get better and better. For the next couple miles, you’re zig-zagging along beautiful cascades and have jaw dropping views of the granite mountains out in the distance.

The closer you get to Glen Aulin, the more spectacular the cascades get. I hiked this late in the season and the river was going strong. I could only imagine how it looks earlier in the season.

Tuolumne Falls

Before reaching Glen Aulin, you’ll first find yourself at the beautiful Tuolumne Falls. This waterfall is simply breathtaking and worth spending some time at. Although no one was down there on my hike, I have heard of overheated hikers using the pool around the falls as a swimming hole. I would exercise caution if you decide to do so.

After soaking in the views and getting your pictures, continue down the trail. From here, you’re still another mile or so from your destination. This is where the drop in elevation will become more noticeable and trail becomes rockier than it was before. Watch your step and pace yourself, if needed.

White Cascades and Glen Aulin

A photo of Glen Aulin Falls on the Glen Aulin hiking trail in Yosemite.

This is one of those destinations that just sneak up on you. You’re wondering how much further you have to go and bam, you come off a slight descent and there it is, the beautiful Glen Aulin and White Cascade. The views in this area are simply stunning.

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the view from the initial side, you’ll want to keep going as the view is much better across the swimming hole. Head forward towards the bridge and cross it to get there.

Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp

A photo of Glen Aulin Falls in Yosemite National Park.

As you’re coming off the bridge, take a right and head over to the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. Everyone and anyone is free to hang out around the camp and the swimming hole, but access to the tents and restrooms are only for registered guests.

The Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is one of five camps scattered throughout some of Yosemite’s most popular locations. You can attain one by entering the annual lottery and crossing your fingers that you win one. Rates for the Glen Aulin Camp in 2024 are as follows:

$175 per night (Adults)
$90 per night (Children)

Rates include a stay in one of the tents, along with dinner and breakfast, with lunch available as an option for an additional charge. Bookings are available for stays from July 4 - September 7, 2024. You can get more information here. Keep in mind that each tent can fit four people and they will fill it. Depending on your party size, you may be sharing it with others.

The best part of the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is you’re camping directly next to the gorgeous White Cascades and swimming hole. Imagine waking up to that sight every morning and enjoying a prepared breakfast next to a fire. That beats any hotel I can think of.

Glen Aulin Hiking Tips

A section of the Tuolumne River along the Glen Aulin hiking trail in Yosemite.

This trail gets crowded. For starters, the trailhead begins in Tuolumne Meadows, one of the most tourist-heavy areas of Yosemite. Additionally, it shares its trail with the PCT and JMT. The earlier you can get started, the better.

It’s a moderate level of difficulty. It’s not a difficult hike by any means, but it is on the longer side and rocky in the latter half. That said, it’s mostly level, straight forward, clearly marked and well-maintained. Just be prepared for the length of it and you’ll be fine.

This trail is seasonal. The Glen Aulin trail is located in Yosemite’s high elevation area and thus, receives a heavy amount of snow in the winter, making it inaccessible. The entire east side closes during this time. So plan a summer or fall visit if you want to hike Glen Aulin.

Bears do frequent this area. Bears are all over Yosemite. However, they tend to hang around Tuolumne Meadows and this trail quit a bit. I didn’t see any during my hike, but you might. If you do encounter a bear, make lots of noise to alert it of your presence, give the bear plenty of space and you’ll be fine.

Watch out for the pack horses! Supplies get down to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp via pack horses. I encountered them 3 times on my hike. Keep an eye out for them and give them the right of way. You also may want to watch your footing after they pass, for obvious reasons.

Planning a trip to Yosemite? If it’s your first visit, be sure to read 10 Awesome Things to Do in Yosemite Valley on Your First Visit. Additionally, read Tunnel View: How to See the Most Iconic View in Yosemite for an epic view you won’t want to miss. Finally, if you’re thinking of hiking Half Dome, read How to Hike Half Dome: The Complete First Timers Guide.

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