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).
Stanislaus National Forest extends seasonal MVUM closure for two high elevation roads
Agency closure covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest
Extension of Seasonal Road Closures
Agency closure covering Stanislaus National Forest · USFS · Stanislaus National Forest
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.
Jan
53° / 31°
10 wet
Feb
55° / 32°
9 wet
Mar
60° / 35°
10 wet
Apr
65° / 38°
7 wet
May
73° / 44°
4 wet
Jun
83° / 51°
1 wet
Jul
91° / 56°
0 wet
Aug
91° / 55°
1 wet
Sep
85° / 50°
2 wet
Oct
74° / 42°
4 wet
Nov
60° / 35°
8 wet
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.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
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