Tuolumne River 3-day trips
World class whitewater near Yosemite.
Offered in Association with our Sister Outfitter
About the Trip
- Overview
- Dates
- Pricing
- Itinerary
- What’s Included
- River Camp
- On the River
- Logistics, Directions & Accomodations
- Notes
We’re here to help!
Our friendly office staff are ready to answer any questions and help you book your next adventure!
209-532-6249
Overview
Three memorable and exciting days on this National Wild and Scenic river.
NOTE: In 2023, our primary access road to the river was affected and will be closed at least thru 2025. To access the river, guests are required to walk downhill to the river, unless physically unable to do so. It is a 2.5 mile hike down to the river, about 40 minutes. Please be prepared with comfortable walking shoes (Teva/Chaco/Keen water shoes or athletic shoes have been fine – water socks, Crocks, flip flops have NOT been fine) and a full water bottle. You will be able to switch shoes once you reach the river. At the end of the trip, there is an hour-long boat tow into Don Pedro reservoir, where you will then be shuttled back to your vehicles. This is because our normal take-out on Ward’s Ferry road is closed on both sides of the canyon.
- Max trip size is 22 guests
- Minimum age 10-14 depending on water levels / April – Sept
- Adventurous First Timers OK
- Our 3-day Tuolumne trips utilize gear rafts for all cargo, and both paddle and oar/paddle combo rafts for our clients
3-Day 2025 Trip Dates
Selected days from April through early-September. Choose your preferred date online or contact us. Or we will contact you if your preferred date is not available.
Tuolumne 3-Day Pricing
| Selected Days | Options | Price Adult/Youth | Group Price (12+) Adult/Youth |
|---|---|---|---|
| As permitted by USFS | 7 meals, 18 miles | Starting at $999 per adult, $899 per youth | 10% OFF |
- Prices are per person and subject to a 10% Government access/service fee.
- 5% off with 6 or more
Itinerary
Day 1:
- Meet near Buck Meadows (see your Trip Confirmation for specific time and location)
- Sign in, get waterproof bag from Head Guide, pack your gear
- Load up in bus for 30 minute exciting and scenic bus ride to launch area
- Safety talk, paddle practice
- On river 10:30 – 11:00
- Raft with lunch stop
- Arrive at camp around 4:00 pm
- Unpack rafts, and unload your personal gear at your campsight
- Set up your camp, relax or hike or swim until happy hour and dinner around 7:00
- Enjoy evening. Stories, music, bedtime whenever
Day 2:
- Breakfast. Enjoy the morning relaxing.
- Load rafts around 9:30, and get ready for another great day of rafting
- On river again 10:30/11:30…raft with possible hike stop and lunch at 1:00
- Continue rafting until camp around 4:00. Set up your camp, relax, hike, swim
- Dinner again around 7:00.
- Post-dinner stories, games, stargazing, bonding, bed
Day 3:
- Rise, shine, and breakfast by 9
- Potential hike up a side creek, to enjoy natural granite swimming holes, jumping rocks, and waterfalls
- Hike back to camp and river and lunch
- Load rafts, and raft to Wards Ferry Bridge
- Arrive bridge by 3:30, load your personal gear into bus, and bus ride back to your cars by 5:00
What’s Included
- 7 meals starting with lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 3
- Wetsuits and paddle jackets (spring trips)
- All river equipment including helmets and life jackets
- Parking and round trip bus shuttle to and from river
Extras:
- Tents and/or sleeping packs (consisting of sleeping bag, sheet liner ground cover, and thermarest pad) are available to rent. Please contact our office for details.
River Camp
On the river we camp at riverside sites. We pack all gear in, and out, each trip. To protect the river environment we carry out all trash and are careful not to pollute the river. Our guides will instruct you on washing and sanitation procedures for using our portable toilet facilities. We ask that you cooperate by following these procedures to minimize our impact on the river and canyon.
On the River
Breakfast the morning of your trip is your responsibility. We provide all meals on the river, starting with lunch the first day and ending with lunch on the last day. One-day trips (April) serve lunch only. We provide water and Gatorade, various juices, coffee, hot chocolate. If you wish to bring your own beverages (alcohol or otherwise), we will provide cooler space for you at the start of the trip. No alcohol during the
As a service to our clients, Zephyr provides wet suits and paddle jackets free of charge. Wet suits are recommended on all trips through about mid June, depending on previous winter snowpack. The wet suits are designed for whitewater rafting, and are very comfortable. The suit is a full-length “farmer-john” style, with sleeveless tops. We also provide an optional nylon paddle jacket which can be worn over the suit when necessary. You are welcome to provide your own suit if you wish.
“What do I wear underneath my wet suit?” An important question that comes up often. We recommend wearing a thin nylon swim suit, or other non-bulky swim attire, underneath your wet suit.
During the summer months you can expect hot days (often reaching into the 90s) and warm nights (usually in the 60s). Spring and Fall weather is usually excellent (daytime temperatures range from the 60s to 80s). Rain showers can occasionally occur. Feel free to call us for the latest weather forecast.
Packing for Overnight Trips
When you arrive at La Casa Loma, your head guide will give you waterproof bags for packing your gear. You will have your own waterproof bags for the duration of the trip. Please pack lightly, as you will be packing everything you bring on the river into these waterproof bags. Gear packed in waterproof bags will not be accessible during the day. For small items that you wish to use during the day (sunscreen, lip ointment, cameras, etc.), we suggest putting them in a plastic ziplock bag, which we can place in day bags.
Visit our friends at Sierra Nevada Adventure Company for all your river equipment needs. They have an outlet in Sonora, but you can also visit and order from them online.
On the river
- Shorts/swim suit
- Tennis shoes or river sandals
- Sunglasses with tie-on
- Waterproof camera/GoPro (bring at your own risk!)
- Light Windbreaker
- T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt
- Hat/Visor. Note: You will be wearing a helmet, and you should bring along a baseball style hat which can be worn underneath your helmet. Most other hat styles other than a baseball style hat will not work underneath your helmet.
- Sunscreen
In camp
- Dry shoes & socks
- Sleeping Bag
- Flashlight
- Towel
- Sweater or Jacket
- Ground cloth, pad or air mattress
- Comfortable clothes for camp
- Toiletries & medications
Optional
- Clean set of clothes to leave in your car for the drive home
- Fishing gear with license
- Books, games
- Extra beer or soft drinks
- Tent
- Rain Gear
Cool weather items
- Polypro or wool long underwear
- Wool or pile pants
- Tent, Rain Gear
- Wool or polypro sweater/jacket
- Wool hat & gloves
- Wetsuit & booties
Logistics, Directions & Accomodations
Notes
Our 3 day trips provide the best opportunity to relax and enjoy the moment. Late mornings drinking coffee by the river, watching birds fly through the canyon, beautiful side hikes, and of course exciting whitewater.
