Visit Northern California’s Mini Grand Canyon Where You’ll Discover Endless Waterfalls
Everybody knows that Yosemite is one of Northern California’s most iconic spots. This stunning national park is anything but a secret. Although there are certainly some spots of Yosemite that see a lot of crowds, there are just as many spots that few people take the time to visit. For instance, there’s a little-known canyon commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne, and it’s an amazing region of the park that every nature lover should know about. The canyon is most notable for the plethora of beautiful waterfalls it contains, so plan an adventure soon and see it for yourself!
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If you're looking to experience the magic of Yosemite National Park without the cars and crowds, then a trip to the lesser known Grand Canyon of Tuolumne is a must.
Boasting jaw-dropping scenery of cliffs, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls, the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne parallels the beauty of Yosemite's most iconic spots. However, it's slightly less accessible, so visitors are rewarded with pure tranquility and bliss.
The Grand Canyon of Tuolumne begins at Glen Aulin and ends directly above Hetch Hetchy Valley. The canyon's walls aren't as steep here as in Yosemite Valley, but the valley is filled with the most amazing foliage which gives the region an especially lush appearance.
However, the highlight of the canyon is the incredible amount of waterfalls it contains. There are a plethora of waterfalls to discover inside the Grand Canyon, many of them branching off the Tuolumne River.
Be sure to get a glimpse at the canyon's most popular waterfall, Waterwheel Falls. Boasting an 800-foot drop, it's by far one of the most dramatic falls in the canyon. An interesting phenomenon occurs typically during early summer in which gusts of wind are known to blow the waterfall's spray back and upward, imitating a "waterwheel".
Additionally, the canyon is littered with amazing swimming holes, so summer is an especially great time to explore it. A 46-mile loop trail makes it easy to traverse the canyon's awe-inspiring scenery.
A visit to the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne is a rewarding experience for those who'd like to explore the lesser-known parts of Yosemite. Spring and summer are the best times to plan a visit since that's when the waterfalls are most lively, but there's really no bad time to see this one-of-a-kind natural wonder.
