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Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park

Six miles from Tuolumne Meadows trailhead, Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp requires a hike-in approach along the Tuolumne River. The National Park Service maintains 30 backcountry campsites scattered along Conness Creek, with lower sites offering shade near vault toilets and upper sites positioned among granite boulders with expanded views. Each site includes a fire ring and bear box, though fire restrictions often apply during dry conditions.

The Tuolumne River provides the water source adjacent to camp, flowing past Tuolumne Falls where a pool forms at the base. Sites operate first-come, first-served with backcountry permits required. Day hikes lead downstream to California Falls, LeConte Falls, and Waterwheel Falls. Temperatures drop near freezing at night even in late September, and bears occasionally visit the area.

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Location

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Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp — Yosemite National Park is located in California

Coordinates

37.9095019 N
119.41865155 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

2 hrs 26 min from Carson City, NV
2 hrs 40 min from Merced, CA
2 hrs 50 min from Modesto, CA
3 hrs 7 min from Fresno, CA

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2 Reviews

Erin S.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2021

Backcountry campsite with a couple of amenities

Glen Aulin is one of a series of High Country camps in Yosemite National Park. The concept behind these camps is that you can walk 6-10 miles each day with only a day pack, and spend the night in these supported camps where tents, water, and food are provided by concessionaires. Really cool idea, but when we camped here in late September 2021, it was a ghost town (all the tents were taken down leaving just frames and slabs - I don't think they ever opened this season due to CV-19). Regardless, the High Country camp was still a great base camp for our family for two nights.

With backcountry permit in hand, we hiked out 6 miles from Tuolumne Meadows and stayed in one of the 30 regular campsites at Glen Aulin. Having not been backcountry camping in a while, we appreciated the remoteness of the location, but still having access to a vault toilet, bear boxes, and being around a few other campers. With the camp shut down, there were no other amenities - for example, you had to filter your own water when normally there is piped water - but that just added to the experience. The Tuolumne River was our water source, which is located adjacent to the camp. In warmer weather, the pool formed at the base of Tuolumne Falls would make a great swimming hole, but for us in 60 degree weather, it was just a beautiful place to sit and listen to the sound of falling water. A mile and a half day hike down river is California Falls. Further down are LaConte and Waterwheel Falls.

The 30 campsites are spaced out along Conness Creek. The lower sites are shaded and closer to the toliet, the higher sites are more exposed and nestled among granite boulders, the views getting better the higher you go. Most of sites are small, though a few can fit multiple small tents if you are traveling in a group. Sites are not reserved - they are first come, first served. Each site had a small fire ring, though fires were banned when we went. The campers were all very friendly (about 10 sites were occupied both nights), with everyone down at sunset and up at sunrise. It got cold - just above freezing at night. We did see one bear in camp (at night), though he took off running as soon as we saw him.

Camping here was amazing. Highly recommend!

Site10

Month of VisitSeptember

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Daniel L.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2019

Super awesome and varied camp sites

Went up to Glen Aulin last week for a backpacking trip and stayed there 2 nights. There were 30 sites that were in varied types of environments. We got a few sites near the creek that runs along the south side near the restrooms. The view from my “front door” is in the first photo. Super amazing. We would have dinner every night at a camp site in the upper part of the camp ground overlooking the previously mentioned creek with views of the granite domes around us. The camp site is next to Tuolumne Falls and the Tuolumne River. Great starting point to do day hikes into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. Definitely coming back!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp?

Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp offers a unique supported camping experience with pre-set canvas tents, meals, and water provided by concessionaires. The camp features approximately 30 sites in varied environments, including some near a creek. Basic restroom facilities are available for campers. This is one of Yosemite's High Sierra Camps designed to allow hikers to travel with just day packs while enjoying comfortable overnight accommodations in the backcountry.

How do I get to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp in Yosemite?

Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is accessible via hiking trails in Yosemite National Park. The camp is typically reached by a 6-10 mile hike from trailheads in the park. It's part of a network of High Sierra Camps, allowing hikers to travel between camps with just day packs. There is no vehicle access to this backcountry location, so proper hiking preparation is essential. Check with Yosemite National Park for current trail conditions and permits before your trip.

What can I expect to see at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp?

Glen Aulin offers stunning High Sierra scenery including flowing creeks, pristine mountain views, and natural beauty in all directions. The camp is situated in a picturesque location where visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas right from their tent sites. Some sites provide views of the creek that runs along the southern edge of the camp. The surrounding area features classic Yosemite high country landscapes with granite formations, alpine meadows, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, creating a truly immersive wilderness experience.

How is the weather at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp throughout the hiking season?

Weather at Glen Aulin varies throughout the hiking season, which typically runs from late spring through early fall. Summer days are generally pleasant with warm temperatures, while nights can be quite cool given the high elevation. Early and late season visits may encounter snow patches or colder conditions. Mountain weather can change rapidly, so hikers should always be prepared with layers and rain gear even during summer months. The camp generally operates when conditions permit safe access.

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