Welcome to the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River. Nestled just outside of Yosemite National Park, this 18 mile, Class 4+ run features aweinspiring scenery, heartpounding 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 adrenalinepumping 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 whitewater.

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 reawakens 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 riverleft 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:
https://www.aorafting.com/river/tuolu...

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