California · Hiking

Paper Cabin to Tuolumne River

1.8 mi
round trip
2,335 ft
climb
3,133 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Paper Cabin to Tuolumne River open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Paper Cabin to Tuolumne River, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Paper Cabin to Tuolumne River hike is a 1.8-mile out-and-back in the Mi-Wok Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The route starts at Paper Cabin and ends at the Tuolumne River, with a total elevation gain of 2,335 feet. It is a moderate hike, and the trail surface is natural, so plan on a rougher path than a smooth road. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically May and October, when typical averages from a nearby weather station in Groveland run around 73°F and 74°F, with only a few wet days. July and August are the hottest, with typical highs near 91°F. Bikes and horses are both allowed on the trail. Paper Cabin Ridge lies about a mile away, and the Duluke and Ralph Ranch hikes are within about 3 miles. For an overnight stay, Hacienda campground is about 7 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Paper Cabin to Tuolumne River

    Best months: February–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      53° / 31°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 32°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 35°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 38°

      7 wet

    5. May

      73° / 44°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 51°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      91° / 56°

      0 wet

    8. Aug

      91° / 55°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      85° / 50°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 42°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 35°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 31°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Groveland 2, CA, 3.9 mi away at 2,800 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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