2026 first-come launch reservationsTimed release
Reservations are available from January 1 through midnight the day before the desired launch; confirm exact times on recreation.gov. Trip window: 2026-05-01 → 2026-10-15.
Opens: Jan 1, 2026
U.S. Forest Service · CA
Tuolumne River Permits
Permit-required Wild and Scenic whitewater below Yosemite, with first-come launch reservations for the Class IV+ Main Tuolumne and Class V+ Cherry Creek runs.
Permit requiredovernightClass IV+ (Class V+ on Cherry Creek)18 mi
Access requirement
How to get a permit
Permit rules
QuotaA permit is required to float the Tuolumne River below Holm and Kirkwood Powerhouses to the high water mark of Don Pedro reservoir between May 1 and October 15. Permits authorize a single-day Cherry Creek trip or up to a 3-day Main Tuolumne trip.
GroupTrips are limited to 26 people.
FeesNon-refundable reservation fee plus a per-person recreation fee apply; see recreation.gov for current amounts.
TransferNo more than four launch-date reservations may be held by one person at a time.
SafetyCoast Guard approved PFDs are required at all times with extra PFDs carried per boat or group; helmets are required for all kayakers and all floaters on Cherry Creek.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
Lumsden Bridge Campground
Not reservable online
Availability: Unavailable
Sweetwater (Stanislaus National Forest)
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 299Aug 3012Aug 3112
Availability: Recreation.gov
South Fork Campground
Not reservable online
Availability: Unavailable
LOST CLAIM
Reservable
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 298Aug 3010Aug 3110
Availability: Recreation.gov