Top 5 Rapids on the Tuolumne River

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All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting

Күн бұрын

Welcome to the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River. Nestled just outside of Yosemite National Park, this 18 mile, Class 4+ run features awe-inspiring scenery, heart-pounding rapids, captivating side hikes, and pristine beaches. Get ready as we unveil the top 5 rapids that make the Tuolumne River an unrivaled rafting experience.
Kicking off our countdown at number 5 is the adrenaline-pumping Sunderland’s Chute. At the top of this Class 4+ rapid, you pass through a rough chute and then push left to avoid a colossal rock lurking on the bottom right. Occurring only ¾ of a mile into your trip, Sunderland’s Chute sets the tone for an epic day on the river.
Securing the number 4 spot is none other than Sterns. The upper section of this Class 4 rapid starts with scattered giant boulders that demand intricate navigation before you must carefully thread the needle through a narrow passage. It’s classic California white-water.
Taking the third spot on our list is Gray's Grindstone. Gray's is a Class 4 rapid that follows a serene stretch of the river. It’s a masterclass on paddling and the longest rapid on Tuolumne. It re-awakens your crew with a series of technical maneuvers that span half a mile.
The second spot goes to Hell’s Kitchen. This wide, Class 4 rapid presents a technical challenge. While the entrance is partially obstructed by a chaotic jumble of boulders on the right, rafts opt for the slalom course on the left side of the rapid where they maneuver a maze of chutes, boulders and ledges.
Our number one spot belongs to the king of Tuolumne - Clavey Falls, a Class 4+ or Class 5, depending on the flows and who you ask. The calm float at the top belies an eight foot drop just beyond the horizon line. As you plunge down the falls you are already preparing to navigate past a large hole on river-left and a second drop. Clavey Falls boast the greatest vertical drop on this section of the Tuolumne and is a guaranteed adrenaline rush.
There you have it. While these five rapids represent our personal favorites on the Tuolumne, there are many other Class 3 and Class 4 rapids that might make your top 5 list. When you're not conquering the rapids, take a moment to soak in the splendor of the secluded river canyon that surrounds you.
Ready to check out the Tuolumne for yourself? Learn more:
www.aorafting....
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Пікірлер: 11

@Mrkozak710 4 ай бұрын

Heck yeah can’t wait to go

@AOrafting 4 ай бұрын

Can't wait to have you out there!! See you next Summer?

@craigsanders6925 5 ай бұрын

One of my favorite rivers. Gray's is my favorite rapid at higher spring flows. Always thought Clavey was pretty easy, though my wife was bow paddler on a gear raft that flipped there at about 7K and was under the raft. Myself and a couple buddies were running safety in kayaks. She finally popped out next to my buddy sitting there like Buddha and knew she was going to be OK. All the rafts snuck down grays on the left side to miss the big hole in the middle at those flows.

@AOrafting 5 ай бұрын

That's a crazy story! We agree with you though, Gray's at high flows is such a blast. Clavey is definitely a bit low-key for the rating, but it is a pretty high consequence rapid if things go wrong, which is why it's considered a Class 5. Ask your wife if you don't believe us!

@deberickson7023 9 ай бұрын

I went to Oars guide school after trip on the Tuolumne. Worked for best company on the river. Oars rocks.

@AOrafting 9 ай бұрын

That's awesome, we love Oars! We work with them and often trade guides back and forth if one of us needs extra hands on the water. Which rivers did you guide?

@Cabernet2000 11 ай бұрын

I almost drowned here. Upside down flip at 8 ft drop and was caught under the raft and couldn’t get out from under it. Seemed like an eternity. Found air pocket under at floor looking for light. Never went back.

@AOrafting 11 ай бұрын

Yikes, good to hear you're okay! Glad you found the air pocket too, those really come in handy sometimes.

@Mrkozak710 4 ай бұрын

That sounds intense don’t let it scare you away tho! White water rafting is absolutely amazing try out the American river near sac!