Glen Aulin, Yosemite National Park
June 27 – 29, 2012
Total distance walked: 26 miles
Chris and I set out for a backpacking adventure in Yosemite National Park. We had been planning this trip for months, eagerly anticipating the sight of Waterwheel Falls and the exploration of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River.
Starting from Tuolumne Meadows, we embarked on the six-mile journey to the Glen Aulin area, where we planned to camp overnight. We walked quietly, lost in our own thoughts. The path was lined with lavender daises and pink mountain pride. As I looked up from the rocky trail, I noticed a sign for Waterwheel Falls and assumed that was the direction we were heading.
Waterwheel Falls was about three miles away. We anticipated returning to camp in time for lunch and a nap. Chris was content with the brief outing, as he is not particularly fond of hiking.
The trail was fairly simple, ascending gently through a lodgepole pine forest before emerging into an expansive, picturesque meadow dotted with hundreds of Lemmon’s paintbrush flowers.
Upon reaching the meadow, our thirst was intense. Fortunately, a seasonal stream meandered through, providing an opportunity for us to stop and quench our thirst.
At that moment, we started to question the location of the Tuolumne River. It was also odd that there were no day-hikers in sight. It felt as though we had trekked more than three miles. I contemplated whether we should turn back. However, the trail marker from the previous night indicated three miles to Waterwheel Falls, so we pressed on.
We re-entered the forest from the far side of the meadow. The path was strewn with broken trees, limbs, and branches, presenting a challenging obstacle course. Upon reaching another seasonal creek, we paused to rest and consider our next move.
It was mid-afternoon. There would be no lunch back at camp, only a shared Clif Bar on the rocks beside the water. Something was amiss, and the lingering question remained: Should we press on?
We continued walking until we came to a junction and three trail signs: Virginia Canyon on the Pacific Crest Trail–1 mile ahead; McCabe Lake–2 miles southwest; and Glen Aulin (from where we came)–7 miles! What?
Chris has an intuitive sense about these matters. He realized as soon as we paused at the meadow for water that we had taken the incorrect trail and ought to have retraced our steps. Despite this, I was reluctant to quit, so we pressed forward. He asked whether I was familiar with the fable of the Scorpion and the Frog. He likened me to the scorpion, as hiking is in my nature, and himself to the frog, for he had agreed to come along despite his reservations.
“A scorpion asks a frog to carry him across a river. The frog is afraid of being stung during the trip, but the scorpion argues that if it stung the frog, the frog would sink, and the scorpion would drown. The frog agrees and begins carrying the scorpion, but midway across the river the scorpion does indeed sting the frog, dooming them both. When asked why, the scorpion points out that this is its nature.”
We mistakenly followed the Pacific Crest Trail through Cold Canyon rather than the path leading to the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. Although we had a map, it remained back at the campsite inside our tent.
That evening, while relaxing by the fire, we discussed the possibility of extending our stay to visit Waterwheel Falls. Ultimately, we chose to postpone the trip for a future date.
Even though we didn’t make it to our intended destination, we were not disappointed. The time spent together amidst the picturesque wilderness was delightful, and we look forward to eventually visiting Waterwheel and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River in the near future.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 