Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp
Campground · Yosemite corridor
Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp sits at 7,936 feet in the Yosemite corridor's eastern Sierra Nevada. A remote backcountry camp in the Tuolumne River drainage, it offers calmer conditions than the exposed ridges above.
Wind averages 8 mph but peaks to 30 mph in afternoon thermals, especially mid-April through May. Morning calm prevails before 10 a.m. Temperatures hover near freezing through late spring; snowpack persists above 8,000 feet into early summer. Crowds remain minimal year-round at this walk-in location.
Over the past 30 days, Glen Aulin averaged a NoGo Score of 18.0 with temperatures near 31 degrees Fahrenheit and wind running 8 mph on average. The week ahead tracks similar spring conditions: watch for afternoon gusts climbing toward 30 mph and lingering snowpack at the higher meadow approaches. Early mornings offer the best stability.
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About Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp
Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp occupies a high meadow in the Tuolumne River drainage, approximately 7 miles northeast of Tenaya Lake on Highway 120. Primary access runs via the Glen Aulin trailhead off Tioga Road (Highway 120); the route is passable once snowmelt clears, typically late May through September. Secondary access exists from the Lyell Canyon route to the east, a longer approach favored in winter when Highway 120 remains closed. The camp sits in the Yosemite backcountry corridor between the Cathedral Range and the High Sierra rim, making it a committed destination rather than a roadside stop.
Spring and early summer dominate visitation as snowpack clears and meadow wildflowers bloom. The 30-day average temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the shoulder season; expect frost mornings through May and lingering snow patches above 8,000 feet. Wind averages 8 mph but accelerates in afternoon thermals, with gusts reaching 30 mph as the season progresses. The camp's base popularity of 0.3 means crowding remains negligible; even peak weekends see fewer than a dozen parties. Summers bring slightly warmer days but also stronger afternoon thermals and afternoon thunderstorm risk. Winter access requires snowshoes or skis.
Glen Aulin appeals to experienced backcountry campers, backpackers making the Lyell Canyon or Cathedral Lakes loop, and hikers comfortable with creek crossings and high-elevation travel. The camp functions as a water-accessible camp (fishing access to Glen Aulin Creek and the Tuolumne River confluence nearby) and a waypoint on longer traverses. Plan for exposed afternoon conditions; bring a windproof layer and afternoon water source. Snowmelt runoff makes creek crossings hazardous through June; scout approaches in early morning when water levels are lowest. Parking at the trailhead fills by mid-morning on weekends; arrive before dawn or plan for a weekday trip.
Nearby high-elevation camps include Cathedral Lakes Camp (slightly lower, more exposed) and Tenaya Lake area sites (lower elevation, more accessible by day-hike). Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp differs by its remote meadow setting, minimal crowds, and commitment required; it favors solitude-seekers over casual visitors. The Tioga Road corridor (Highway 120) gates at either end seasonally, so access windows are narrow. Pair Glen Aulin with Lyell Canyon traverses or the Cathedral Range loop for multi-day Yosemite backcountry trips.