Glen Aulin Hike Yosemite: Trail, Backpacking & Camping Guide
Planning to hike to Glen Aulin in Yosemite National Park? This guide covers everything you need to know, including trail details, permits, camping at Glen Aulin Backpackers Camp, and insider tips from firsthand experience.
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If you’re looking for a Yosemite hike that feels remote, wild, and packed with waterfalls, but without committing to a super intense backcountry route…the Glen Aulin trail might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Starting from Tuolumne Meadows, this trail gradually winds its way down toward the Tuolumne River, where the scenery transforms from quiet forest to rushing water, granite slabs, and a series of beautiful cascades.
I hiked this as an overnight backpacking trip and camped at Glen Aulin. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what to expect on the trail, how to get permits, what camping at Glen Aulin is really like, and tips to help you plan your own trip.
Quick Overview of the Glen Aulin Hike
🥾 Distance: ~11–12 miles round trip
⛰️ Elevation change: ~800–1,000 ft
🗺️ Trail type: Out & back
💪 Difficulty: Moderate (although, I found it easy)
📍 Location: Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park
How to Get to the Glen Aulin Trailhead
The Glen Aulin hike begins in Tuolumne Meadows, located along Tioga Road (Highway 120) in Yosemite National Park.
To enter the park, you’ll need either a day-use pass or an annual National Park Pass, which you can purchase in advance or at the entrance station.
Depending on where you park, there are two different trailheads you can use as they eventually merge into one trail. We used the Soda Springs trailhead (close to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center) because it was more convenient and it was easy access from our parking area.
The other option is to start on the Pacific Crest Trail where it crosses Tioga road (in-between the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center and the Tuolumne Meadows Campground Reservation Office).
During peak summer season, parking can fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early, especially if you’re planning to hike this as a day trip. There may be limited shuttle service available in Tuolumne Meadows, but schedules can vary, and having your own car is typically the easiest and most reliable option.
🥾 Trail Breakdown: What the Glen Aulin Hike is Really Like
According to AllTrails, the Glen Aulin trail is moderately challenging, but I found it to be a relatively easy hike. In fact, the entire way into Glen Aulin is downhill which was quite enjoyable, but just know you’ll be hiking uphill the whole way back.
If you’re new to backpacking, this is an ideal first overnight trip! Here’s exactly what to expect:
Start: Tuolumne Meadows + Soda Springs
Right from the start, you’re greeted with wide open meadows and mountain views. The trail begins easily with this flat section. You can make a quick stop at Soda Springs to see the historic log enclosure built over the springs.
Meadows to Forest
After the open meadow, the trail heads into the forest and begins a gradual downhill. The trail here is well maintained and mostly shaded. There’s not a ton of views at this point but I still found it enjoyable. You’ll cross a small stream along the way, but overall this part is more of a warm-up before the scenery really opens up.
The Hidden Meadow
Eventually, the trail opens into a large meadow with a winding river, it’s so pretty! This is the perfect place to take a break, have a snack, and soak in the scenery. It’s quiet, scenic, and feels like a hidden gem compared to Yosemite’s more crowded spots.
The Descent + Waterfalls Begin (Best Part)
From here, the trail begins its real descent toward Glen Aulin, following a series of well-placed rock steps. Not long after, you’ll reach your first major waterfall, Tuolumne Falls, and it’s a beautiful sight.
From this point on, the hike completely transforms. The trail follows the river, winding past cascading waterfalls. It feels like a completely different experience compared to the quieter, more gradual first half of the trail.
There are plenty of opportunities along this section to explore, whether that’s climbing around on the rocks, finding different viewpoints, or taking a break by the water. If you’re up for it, it’s also the perfect place to dip your feet in (cold, but incredibly refreshing).
This is easily the most scenic and rewarding part of the hike, I really enjoyed it.
Final Stretch to Glen Aulin Camp
As you continue, you’ll cross two bridges, with the final one bringing you right into the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp area. You’ll need to continue past the High Sierra Camp and settle into the backpackers camp area…unless you were one of the lucky ones who were able to snag reservations for the High Sierra camp.
By this point, it really starts to feel like you’ve stepped into the “Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne,” the backcountry of Yosemite.
Hiking Back Out
The hike out is all uphill, but surprisingly manageable with a gradual incline. It’s not a constant grind, more like short uphill bursts followed by flatter sections. If you’re moderately fit, it’s very doable, just pace yourself and take breaks when needed.
Camping at Glen Aulin Backpackers Camp
If you’re planning to backpack to Glen Aulin, the experience at camp is a big part of what makes this trip so special. It feels far removed from the busy areas of Yosemite, with a quieter, more remote backcountry atmosphere.
Here’s what to expect when staying at the Glen Aulin backpackers camp:
Campsite Setup & Atmosphere
The campsites are tucked into a shaded and forested area. You can hear the sound of the nearby waterfall throughout camp. Temperatures drop quickly at night, so it’s important to come prepared with warm layers.
Water Access
One of the best parts about camping here is how close you are to the water. There’s easy access to the river and nearby waterfalls, like White Cascade, are just a short walk away and worth exploring. If you’re up for it, this is also the perfect place to dip your feet in after the hike in…cold, but incredibly refreshing.
Bear Safety & Food Storage
Like all backcountry areas in Yosemite, bear safety is taken seriously. Bear lockers are provided and required for storing all food and scented items, including toiletries and trash.
Even if you don’t see a bear, they are active in the area, so it’s important not to skip this step.
Bear canisters are required for backcountry camping. We bought ours, but you can rent one from Yosemite’s Wilderness Permit Stations for $5 per week.
Facilities
This is backcountry camping, but there are a few basic facilities available, including a pit/vault toilet and fire pits (be sure to check seasonal fire restrictions before your trip).
There is no potable water or trash service, so you’ll need to filter your water and pack everything you brought out.
Entry & Permits for Glen Aulin Backpacking
Before you hit the trail, there are two important passes you’ll need to enjoy Yosemite safely and legally: a park entry pass and a wilderness/backpacking permit.
Yosemite National Park Entry
To enter the park, you must have either a day-use pass or an annual National Park Pass:
Day-use pass: Covers a single private vehicle for the day of entry. Currently $35 (check the official site for updates).
Annual pass (America the Beautiful Pass): Valid for unlimited visits to Yosemite and all other U.S. national parks for a year. Highly recommend!
Where to get it:
- Purchase online via the Yosemite National Park website
- Or buy at the entrance station when you arrive
Wilderness/Backpacking Permit
If you plan to camp overnight at Glen Aulin, a wilderness permit is required to secure a campsite.
- Book in advance on Recreation.gov
- Input your preferred start date, number of group members, and search for Glen Aulin as your entry point
- Permits are limited and fill up quickly, especially in late spring and summer
Best Time to Hike Glen Aulin
- Late Spring–Early Summer: Peak waterfalls. Snow can linger into early season, especially in higher elevations
- Summer: Accessible, busier, bugs can be intense
- Fall: Fewer bugs, lower water flow (we visited in late September and there were no bugs and the waterfalls were still flowing but it varies year to year)
What to Pack for Glen Aulin Backpacking
- Bear canister (required)
- Warm Layers (it gets chilly at night)
- Water filtration system (we use Sawyer Squeeze and/or Katadyn BeFree)
- Backpacking essentials
- Camp sandals (I like these ones)
- Sun protection and bug spray
- My 2 “luxury” backpacking items are a hammock (we have this 2 person hammock and love it) and also camp chairs…trust me (this ultralight is easy to travel with and clutch after a long day of hiking)
Is the Glen Aulin Hike Worth It?
Short answer: yes! This isn’t a hike with nonstop views from start to finish, but it’s absolutely worth it. The first half eases you in with forest and meadow scenery, while the second half delivers with waterfalls and river views.
What makes this hike stand out most is how quiet it feels compared to Yosemite Valley. Once you get past the beginning stretch, the crowds thin out. The section along the Tuolumne River is the highlight, with cascading waterfalls and plenty of places to explore or take a break by the water.
It’s also a great introduction to backpacking. With a moderate distance, manageable elevation, and an established camp with basic facilities, it offers a true backcountry experience without being overly challenging. It’s the perfect 1-2 night trip to ease yourself into backpacking if you’ve never done it before.
Overall, this hike is for those looking for a quieter Yosemite experience, who enjoy waterfalls and river scenery.
Looking for another epic backpacking trip? Check out my complete guide to the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu for a multi-day adventure through Peru’s Andes.
Extra Tips for the Glen Aulin Trail from Experience
- Start early if doing this as a day hike, it’s long but doable
- You can extend your hike into a longer backcountry trip by continuing deeper into the Tuolumne River canyon (towards Waterwheel Falls)
- A wilderness permit is required to camp (book on recreation.gov in advance)
- Leave No Trace! (pack it in, pack it out)
- You can apply to stay at the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, which offers more established accommodations and includes meals (permits are limited and competitive)
2 Day Glen Aulin Itinerary (What we did)
Day 1: hike in from Tuolumne Meadows area + camp
Day 2: explore the area around camp in the morning + hike out
Between the waterfalls, riverside scenery, and peaceful backcountry camping, this is easily one of the most underrated hikes in Yosemite!
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