Backpacking Yosemite | Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River | Ten Lakes Basin

In August 2024, we embarked on a memorable 5-day, 52-mile loop hike through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River and the Ten Lakes Basin in Yosemite National Park. This trek promised and delivered waterfalls, alpine lakes, and breathtaking vistas of the Sierra high country. We set off from White Wolf, descending into the canyon and tracing the Tuolumne River until reaching Pate Valley. On the second day, we journeyed further up the canyon, past Muir Gorge, and pitched our tent near Return Creek. Day three had us ascending along the river, marveling at Le Conte, Waterwheel, and California Falls, before stopping for lunch at Glen Aulin. That afternoon, we continued along the May Lake Trail, transitioning to the Murphy Creek Trail, and then detouring to the scenic Polly Dome Lake. On the fourth day, we tackled the first of two steep climbs along the Ten Lakes Trail before descending into a serene valley to walk along the South Fork of Cathedral Creek, and then climbed once more to reach the Ten Lakes Basin, where we camped at Lake #6. Our final day involved a short but steep climb with views of more alpine lakes before reaching Ten Lakes Pass followed by the descent to White Wolf, bringing our journey to a close. The two halves of our trip perfectly complimented each other. The first part taking us through the narrow canyon with its towering granite walls, winding river, and scenic waterfalls. The second half led us to high alpine lakes and the sweeping vistas of Yosemite's high country with its many peaks. Highly recommended. Buy Us A Coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/rickandreage... Permit Information: White Wolf to Pate Valley Day 1: White Wolf to Pate Valley, 10.5 miles, +280’ /-3800’, Campsite 37.93074, -119.59441 Day 2: Pate Valley to Return Creek, 10.6 miles, +2470’/-660, Campsite 37.93191, -119.46565 Day 3: Return Creek to Polly Dome Lake, 9.7 miles, +2870’/-340’, Campsite 37.86263, -119.45604 Day 4: Polly Dome Lake to Ten Lakes Basin, 10.6 miles, +2570’/-1900’, Campsite 37.90146, -119.51255 Day 5: Ten Lakes Basin to White Wolf, 10.8 miles, +1310’/-2800’ 00:00 Hike Overview 01:14 Day 1 – White Wolf to Pate Valley 05:21 Day 2 – Pate Valley to Return Creek 12:15 Day 3 - Return Creek to Polly Dome Lake 18:37 Day 4 – Polly Dome Lake to Ten Lakes Basin 23:12 Day 5 – Ten Lakes Basin to White Wolf 25:54 Slide Show 27:15 Hike Stats