Kevsmom California Kayaking

California Whitewater

Rafting the Tuolumne River

This is it! The Tuolumne is the best overall rafting trip in California. It is one of the few places where you can do an overnight rafting trip in an unspoiled "Wild and Scenic" River Canyon with spectacular scenery and classic Class IV rapids.

Tuolumne RiverThe first six miles of the trip contain most of the Class IV rapids culminating with the Class IV+ Clavey Falls. Camping just above the falls is a treat because the two campsites provide access to great hiking up the Clavey River to swimming pools and a water slide. Both campsites can easily hold groups of 20 unless the water is high.

Below Clavey Falls there are still many great rapids and campsites although they are more spread out. The best rapid on the run is Grey's Grindstone, nearly two miles past Clavey Falls.

Most people that run the Tuolumne do two day trips which allow a good amount of time on the water each day and time to do a side hike. Three day trips allow more time in camp to enjoy the canyon and a chance to do a challenging hike up the beautiful North Fork of the Tuolumne on the third day.

One day trips are usually done in the spring as the water is higher and the river can be done in a reasonable amount of time. The spring is a great time to run the Tuolumne because the canyon is green and the wildflowers abound. When the water drops and becomes controlled by upstream dams, one day trips become more rare.

There are many things to do in conjunction with a trip on the Tuolumne River. The nearby town of Groveland is full of history, comfortable lodging, and is the home of the famos Iron Door Bar. I've stayed at the cozy Hotel Charlotte in Groveland a few times and highly reccomend it for it's fun atmosphere, nice rooms, and good food. The Tuolumne River is a 45 minute drive from Yosemite National Park and most people combine their rafting trip on the Tuolumne to a visit to the world famous Yosemite Valley to view the vertical granite cliffs and unbelievable waterfalls. There is also great wine country to the north of Groveland along Historic Highway 49.

Learn More about the Tuolumne River.