Section 1
Merals Pool to Rock Garden
The Main Tuolumne starts quickly with technical Class IV water and limited warm-up.
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California river guide
Main Tuolumne · Merals Pool to Wards Ferry
A steep, remote Sierra river with Class IV+ whitewater, demanding access roads, and a compact one-to-three-day wilderness itinerary.
River miles
18 miles (Main Tuolumne)
Typical trip
1–3 days
Difficulty
Class IV+; Class V above 5,000 cfs
Permit
Recreation.gov states permits are waived for 2026 and return in 2027; verify before launch
Section 1
The Main Tuolumne starts quickly with technical Class IV water and limited warm-up.
Section 2
The signature rapid complex and a standard scout for private groups.
Section 3
Remote camps and additional Class IV rapids continue below the Clavey confluence.
Section 4
A steep, constrained takeout road makes vehicle planning part of the trip.
Put-in
Merals Pool Ramp
Takeout
Wards Ferry Bridge
Common season
Typically May 1–October 15; release schedule matters
Current conditions
Use the linked official gauge or flow source before departure
Groveland
Primary ranger contact, lodging, food, and staging
Sonora
Major resupply and repair
Oakdale
Western approach services
Recreation.gov states permits are waived for 2026 and return in 2027; verify before launch
Trip leader, group size, equipment, camping, fire, launch, and access rules may change. Carry the issued permit and the current agency stipulations.
The Main Tuolumne packs sustained technical whitewater into 18 miles.
The river travels through a roadless canyon below Yosemite.
Scheduled hydropower flows and low-flow Wednesdays can materially alter a trip.
Checked against the linked managing-agency guidance on August 3, 2026. Conditions, access, permits, and provider availability can change; confirm before departure.
TripForge
Keep crew, boats, meals, gear, permit files, shuttle contacts, and launch checks together.