Everybody knows that Yosemite National Park 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!

If you're looking to experience the magic of Yosemite National Park without the cars and crowds...
Navin Rajagopalan/Flckr
...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.
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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.
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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.
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There are a plethora of waterfalls to discover inside the Grand Canyon, many of them branching off the Tuolumne River, which is one of the most incredible rivers in Northern California.
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.
Navin75/Wikipedia
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."
Another waterfall you won't want to miss is California Falls, which is comprised of a series of spectacular cascades along the river.
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These two waterfalls are definitely among the best waterfalls in Northern California.
Additionally, the canyon is littered with amazing swimming holes, so summer is an especially great time to explore it.
Hiroko A/AllTrails
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, without the crowds so typical at the famous waterfalls in Yosemite.
Peter Zhu/AllTrails
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.

If you’re on the hunt for “waterfalls near me,” you’ve come to the right place. Have you heard of this little-known canyon in Yosemite National Park before? Did you know about these waterfalls in Yosemite? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

If you think that the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River looks simply incredible, then check out this list of 11 amazing, must-see natural wonders in Northern California for more stunning attractions like this one.

While you’re in an outdoors kind of mood, watch this video to learn more about California’s wonderful national parks:

 

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Waterfalls Near Me

Tori Jane | March 06, 2022

What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Northern California?  

It is absolutely no secret that Northern California is a paradise. It’s filled to the brim with incredible natural wonders, including more than a handful of truly amazing mountains, views, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. In fact, many of the hiking trails across the region feature waterfalls that hikers either walk right past or arrive at in the end, and each one is worth a hike! Some of the best waterfall hikes in Northern California include many within Yosemite National Park; Yosemite Falls is easily the most famous, but there are many more than just that one. Another wonderful one is the Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail, which is difficult but ridiculously rewarding, and Lower Yosemite Falls Trail, which is pretty easy and comes in at just over one mile in length. Amazing waterfall hikes in Northern California NOT at Yosemite include amazing ones like Alamere Falls, which falls right into the ocean, and Burney Falls, which has been called the “8th Wonder of the World” by Teddy Roosevelt himself. Want more waterfalls and less work? Check out this article on easy-to-get-to waterfalls in NorCal. 

What are some awesome hiking trails in Northern California for beginners?  

For every hard hike in NoCal, there are three more easy ones. We’re usually all about the easier hikes, except for the days we like a good challenge. Some of our favorite hiking trails in Northern California for beginners include the hike to Kinner Falls, which is just 90 minutes away from Redding. Also near Redding is the awe-inspiring Flanagan and Chamise Peak Trail, which is 4.6 miles out and back and features incredible mountain views. If you’re a fan of coastal hikes, check out the Mendocino Headlands Trail; it’s four miles of amazing ocean views and picturesque cliffs you’ll fall in love with as much as we did. Northern California really is the perfect state for a nature lover; there’s so much to do and see, so guess you’d better go outside and explore.  

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Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River, California, USA