Tuolumne Meadows
This is great place to escape the craziness of Yosemite valley. It is a totally different world here cool and less crowded, it has the highest concentration of granidic domes in the world! Tuolumne Meadows is an alpine rock climbing paradise. Giant golden domes, pine trees, and lakes—Tuolumne Meadows offers some of the finest scenery of any climbing area on the planet. The climbing here is mostly trad. With some awesome crack climbing and lots of run out slabs. Be wary in the summer of hot days and lightening storms. Come well equipped!
Climbing Gear
Tuolumne granite often has awkward knobby cracks, a good selection of cams is essential. When nuts are used, they are mostly in the medium size. For many of the longer routes, a LARGE number of slings are needed—it is common for pitches to wander. You will want a pair of comfortable climbing shoes for the longer routes and a tighter fitting slipper or velcro shoe for the sport climbing. A helmet is a must for both potential loose rock and dropped gear from climbers above.
Here are a list of classic easy climbs that are worth doing:
Eichorn's Pinnacle, Tenaya Peak, Cathedral Peak, Northwest Books, Great White Book, Mt. Conness, West Ridge, Matthes Ridge, Golfers Route and West Country
For more information on these climbs check out supertopo
http://www.supertopo.com/climbingareas/tuolumne.html
Camping:
There is one campground in Tuolumne Meadows located next to the Tuolumne Store that has about 300 sites. Half of the sites can be reserved in advance (call 877-444-6777 at least 2-3 months in advance) and half of the sites are on a first come, first serve basis (arrive in the morning to ensure you get a site). You can have 2 cars and up to 6 people at a site. Be aware that mosquito's at the Tuolumne campground can be particularly fierce in June and July. RV’s up to 35 ft/Dump station nearby. Pets are permitted except in the group and horse sites.
Food
A limited selection of groceries are available at the Tuolumne Meadows store. In addition, you can purchase groceries in Lee Vining at the Mono Market. The closest big supermarket is an hour from Tuolumne Meadows at the Mammoth Lakes Vons.
The only prepared food in Tuolumne is at Tuolumne Meadows Grill which serves hamburgers, fries, etc. Eight miles east of Tuolumne Meadows, the Tioga Pass Resort offers a cozy dinning room with a great breakfast, lunch and dinner and any last minute baked snacks you need before your climb. The The Tioga Gas Mart, located 14 miles west of Tuolumne Meadows, features the Whoa Nellie Deli which serves some of the best food in the area. This isn't just any gas station as you will find a great selection of sandwiches, pizza's, ahi tuna salad, mango margaritas, fish tacos and a variety of other savory treats for breakfast, lunch and dinner It is also the local social hub and provides great live music throughout the summer. A great spot in Lee Vining for coffee is Latte Da where you will also find FREE wireless internet.
Other things to do
*Hot Springs! – Near Mammoth, Bridgeport and Bishop. Ask a local or read a book then take a look and take a dip.
*Hiking in Tuolumne Meadows– Mt Dana, Cathedral Lake Trail, Glen Aulin Trail, May Lake Trail.
*Fishing – Lee Vining Canyon and all around Tuolumne Meadows and CA395 from Reno to Bishop (about 20 minutes to 2 hours from Tuolumne Meadows)
*Sightseeing – The Tufa Formations at Mono Lake (25 minutes east of Tuolumne Meadows)
Big thanks to Chris McNamara and Super Topo for this information
For guide books and topos for the area please check out
http://www.supertopo.com/climbingareas/tuolumne.html
Info
246 have climbed @ Tuolumne
See all people who climb @ Tuolumne MeadowsAuthority sites on Tuolumne Meadows
=> Supertopo
Climbing activity
=> Subscribe to activity @ Tuolumne
-
shae rocco 13 days ago
Looking for climbers @
Yosemite, Castle Rock State Park, The Leap, Mt Diablo, Tuolumne, Cragmont
ReplyWant to climb multi-pitches, ambitious for big walls and need a partner w/same goals. You-capable of leading or feel confident learning. Me- used to sport 5.10's solid, getting back into it, learning trad placement now. New to the area so give a shout!
-
Just started climbing this summer and Im hanging out in the valley for awhile. Looking to top rope some easy stuff with someone who knows how to set protection. I'll bring beer for afterwards and I'm willing to drive up to Tuolumne! Call/text 503-423-7012
-
Looking to climb Sat & Sun (leave Fri night, return Sun not too late). Some routes I'm interested in are OZ, Lucky Streaks, routes on Medlicott, East Cottage Dome. I like all kinds of climbing.
-
Looking for an experienced partner to climb this summer & fall 2010 in Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings CA. Routes like.... -E.Butt of El Cap. -Reg.Route Fairview. -Mt. Conness. -Mathes Crest. & multipitch trad. routes on Moro Rock and Chimney Rocks (SEKI).
-
looking for a partner stronger than myself. I lead .9 strongly and would love a partner I could follow on the .10/.11- pitches. REALLY want to run OZ and link it with hobbit book, Lucky Streaks, and any other long .10 routes 925 451 1119
- Jess Rabourn - Hey, I think I communicated with you earlier this summer. OZ may be a little beyond me. But I don't think Lucky Streaks is. Not sure what my plan is for next weekend...I could be up for a TM trip. (415) 637-4774
- Jess Rabourn - On second thought...I seconded OZ a couple years ago...the money pitch protects well, and I am stronger than I was then...so I could be up for that as well. but not Gram Traverse.

- bud miller - Sorry it took me a little while to get back. So, before I got your first email, I had already got into some discussions with a guy from the website and put something together with him for this weekend.

- bud miller - That said, if you/we could find a fourth, I dont see any reason why we couldnt get a group going.

- bud miller - 925 451 1119
- Jess Rabourn - what is your time window? (embarking/returning)

- bud miller - We'll be leaving friday night, and returning monday evening (possibly tuesday, but I think i have to much going on at work). heres my email budmiller77@gmail.com so we can communicate a little better
-
Jason 49 days ago
Looking for climbers @
Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Bishop, Tahoe, Castle Rock State Park, Alabama Hills
Replyi want to do more multi-pitch trad. looking for a good leader. i only follow at this point.
looking for top rope partners too.
i have all pro except for trad gear.
-
beth witrogen 52 days ago
Looking for climbers @
Yosemite, Castle Rock State Park, CRG, Mt Diablo, Owens River Gorge, Sierras
Replywant to practice crack and chimneys and general climbing - need experienced lead. i'm an 11A gym climber, want to get stronger and have more outdoor experiences. mostly day trips ...
-
Peter 55 days ago
Looking for climbers @
Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Bishop, Tahoe, Tahquitz, Alabama Hills
ReplyHey-
I've got July 16-22 to climb. Looking for a partner to swap leads to .10 or so trad, bolts. Will follow a bit harder. Would head to the E. Side, TM or do an alpine route car-to-car. Read my profile for more info.
-p
-
I'm interested in climbing MATTERHORN, CATHEDRAL. I have August 9-22 open. Do currently have a car, although that may change by then. Looking for partner who can lead or lead/switch with me.
- nadav oakes - Hi, Are you still looking for a partner?
-
I'm interested in climbing MATTERHORN, CATHEDRAL. I have August 9-22 open. Do currently have a car, although that may change by then. Looking for a partner who can lead or lead/switch. email me directly cori.coccia@gmail.com
-
Anyone interested in doing the East Buttress of El Capitan or spending two days on the East Face of the Washington Column?
-
Relaxed trad climbers looking to climb in Tuolumne and the east side to ~5.10a. Easier is fine, too.
-
Howdy, I'm looking for a partner for this 3-day weekend (Fri,Sat,Sun) for Tuolumne.
Lead low 5.10 trad, higher bolted, looking for someone to swap leads (confident 5.7/5.8 at least). Hoping to do routes on Pywiack, Regular Route Fairview, & have fun!
- bud miller - Hey Tommy, Im gonna be climbin' Tahoe the next two weekends, but sounds like you and would probably be a good partnership (I would word my ability level exactly like you did). So if your ever looking for a partner let me know budmiller77@gmail.com.

- bud miller - Also, regular route up fairview is stellar, Ran it two weekends ago and it was worth the lashing I got for not showing up for work on Monday lol.
-
charles McNall 71 days ago
climbing Sat 26 Jun @
Tuolumne Meadows
Comment/Reply - Msg charles McNallNeed a partner this weekend for mount Tenaya.
I can drive, leaving from bay area. Crampons and axes will be needed, you can borrow mine if you need to. splitboard, AT, tele or snowshoes might be handy.
-Charles
-
In desperate need of a trad partner this weekend. An unfortunate string of events left me crewless. I will lead everything/have everything, be able to follow .9 SOLIDLY. Tahoe or the Valley will also work. 925 451 1119
-
Found out on supertopo.com that tuolumne meadows is opening sat morning. Super psyched to just get up there and climb whatever looks dry. Hopefully Cathedral! Have gear and car. Planning to leave sat morning and head back sunday or monday.

- bud miller - hahahahaha. Somebody give Sean a Partner! I can vouch for the dude.
-
Michael McLaughlin 350 days ago
climbing Wed 16 Sep @
Tuolumne Meadows
Comment/Reply - Msg Michael McLaughlinI'm free to climb from Sept 16 (Today!) to Sat the 19th. My partner has the flu and had to bail (damn pigs). Looking for a partner for the valley/tahoe/meadows these days. I have rope/rack/ride. Coming from Menlo Park. I lead up to 5.9 trad.
-
Cathedral Peak anyone.? 5 pitches of 5.6 and below. Ive got gear/ropes.
- Talitha - when and would you be cool taking someone that hasn't done multi-pitch before?
- Talitha - Bummer... I'll have to pass. I work during the week and can't make those dates. Have a great time though! ~ Talitha
-
Looking for partner 9/11-9/13 Fri-Sun (can leave as early as today, but need to be back Sun night) for Tuol. / Sierra climbs -- Cathedral, Conness, cragging -- open. I have most gear & car, pref. to carpool (coming from Cupertino). alexkchavez@gmail.com
-
Chris Spurrell 367 days ago
climbing Mon 24 Aug @
Tuolumne Meadows
Comment/Reply - Msg Chris Spurrell3 days in Tuolumne: Bliss - but badly, badly out of shape. Sore arms and hurting hands... need to really hit the gym :)
-
My partner bailed again! Want to Leave saturday bright and early, return sunday evening. Want to climb excellant smithers Sat and Reg. route fairview sunday. Please lead 5.8. ME: 25 Male from SF/Bayarea
- bernard - i'm interested and available contact at pieceoflight@hotmail.com - bernard
- bernard - i tried to leave you a more extensive reply via the message bud link adjacent to your last post......but this bassackwards site kicked it back due to Invalid Length.
-
looking to partner with someone 22-23 AUG and 29-30 AUG.....i'm in the bay area for work for the next three weeks and would also consider any other destination ideas. I have no preference of grade or difficulty, open to anything
-
Michael McLaughlin 379 days ago
climbing Fri 21 Aug @
Tuolumne Meadows
Comment/Reply - Msg Michael McLaughlinLooking for a partner for Fri 8/21 and Sat 8/22 at Tuolumne or Lovers Leap. I'll be driving out from the Bay Area Fri morning. Lead up to 5.9 trad, will follow 5.10. Mike

- Benny Kong - Man I would be so down to go but I have plans to learn to be a safer climber this week (self rescue class). Definitely some other time FYI I have a friend that lives up at Tahoe if you ever wanna climb up there.

- Michael McLaughlin - Sefl rescue class sounds like a good idea. Well worth it. I'm looking for partners in the area, so we should get together and climb soon. Mike
-
Looking for partners for endurance training on rope or bouldering
-
Ron Kauk climbs Peace and Magic Line. One of the first well known climbing movies to ever screen, when Ron Kauk was god and Chris Sharma was a pimply teenager.

- Benny Kong - Ha do you have something against Sharma =P

