Cherry Creek / Upper Tuolumne River

The action begins 2 miles upstream from Cherry Creek’s confluence with the Upper Tuolumne River. The excitement continues unbridled for a total of 9 miles to our take-out just above Lumsden Falls. This wild stretch of river is comprised of long, nearly continuous whitewater and only small pools. The action starts immediately with an exciting series of steep drops and rapids. Her rapids are legendary. Among “The Creek’s” unparalleled array of chutes, holes, ledges, and gigantic boulders lie Jawbone, Mushroom, Miracle Mile, Lewis’ Leap, and Flat Rock Falls. Trips conclude above Lumsden Rapid, and guests usually arrive back at their vehicles around 3pm.

Cherry Creek/Upper Tuolumne trips can also be combined with the Main Tuolumne for 2- and 3-day trip options covering 27 miles of exquisite whitewater and canyon scenery: California’s best river trip.

Our Combination Trips begin with an intense day of rafting on Class V Cherry Creek/Upper Tuolumne and continue for an additional 1 or 2 days on the Main Tuolumne for a total of 27 miles of Class IV-V+ whitewater. These trips meet at 6am 13 miles east of Groveland and a little less than an hour’s drive from Yosemite Valley. A training seminar and Class V paddler’s test are required for this thrill ride and are included at the beginning of each trip. Upon completion, guests are ready to embark on 2-3 days of truly thrilling Class IV-V paddling. The action starts immediately with the intense rapids of Cherry Creek and the Upper Tuolumne, an almost non-stop series of steep drops and rapids. Trips are run with oar-paddle combination rafts for maximum maneuverability.

After tackling Cherry Creek and the Upper Tuolumne section on day 1, lunch is served, and guests continue their voyage downstream. We set up camp and spend the night under the stars at a remote beach where guides prepare a delicious dinner and dessert while you savor your day and trade rafting stories. On day two after a hot breakfast served in camp, the river’s gradient begins to lessen a bit, giving paddlers a little more time to enjoy the Class IV+ rapids of the Main Tuolumne. Sunderland’s Chute, Nemesis, Ram’s Head, and the famous Clavey Falls are just a few of the highlights of this section of the river. Trips conclude at Ward’s Ferry Bridge, and guests are shuttled back to their vehicles.

Do the entire 27 miles in 2 days, or better yet, linger a little. Our 3-day Combination Trips provide the ultimate escape and allow even more time on the river to explore side creeks and relax a the Tuolumne’s remote, secret swimming holes.