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Tuolumne (nicknamed the T by river runners) Location: Northern California, northwest of Yosemite National Park (about 120 miles east of San Francisco). Length of trips: Lower Tuolumne 18 miles in one to three days; Upper Tuolumne 9 miles in one day. The Upper Tuolumne, one of the most challenging commercially run stretches in the country, is for experts only. Season: April through September or October, depending on the water level. High, fast water and huge rapids in spring. By July and August the flows are more constant, the rapids less intimidating but still challenging. Weather: Early spring sometimes brings snow to the Sierras. Be prepared for variable weathercool and rainy or sunny and hot. While summer offers a respite from melting snow and chilly temperatures, the river flow remains at mid to high levels, depending on dam releases. Summer temperatures can reach into the 80s and 90s (F). You may need to wear a wet suit or dry suit through Juneor later in the season on cool days. Poison oak is abundant. It can be rainy in autumn. Lodging: No camping on the Upper Tuolumne. Lower Tuolumne campsites in groves of trees and on sandbars and cobble bars. Boats: Kayaks, oar boats, paddle rafts. Rapids: Class III and IV, with one Class V rapid that can be portaged or walked. Clear, cold water. Special features:
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