The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is the principal canyon reach of the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park, extending from Glen Aulin to just above Hetch Hetchy Valley. Distinct from Yosemite Valley, it combines a deepening river canyon with greener vegetation despite a drier climate, as chaparral, manzanita, oak woodland, and conifer forest line its walls. The river drops through a series of major waterfalls and cascades on the main channel itself, including Waterwheel Falls, then passes through the narrow Muir Gorge before opening into Pate Valley and continuing toward Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It is also one of Yosemite’s best-known rugged backcountry routes.