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Hamby Trailhead
A steep switchback descent to the Tuolumne-Clavey River confluence
About
The Hamby Trail drops from a ridge above the Tuolumne River down to the confluence of the Tuolumne and Clavey Rivers, off Highway 120 in the Groveland-Buck Meadows corridor. It's short by mileage but earns its difficult rating almost entirely through elevation loss rather than distance.
What the Trail Does
Starting near 3,100 feet, the route switches back roughly 40 times as it drops toward the river canyon. Every foot lost on the way down has to be climbed back on the return, so treat the uphill finish as the harder half of the hike — the trailhead-to-river leg runs about 2 miles one-way. Hikers set up for a one-way trip can continue downstream along the Tuolumne River Trail to the Lumsden boat launch instead of retracing their steps.
Getting There Crosses Private Land
The access road crosses property owned by Camp Tuolumne Trails before reaching the trailhead. Turn onto Ferretti Road off Highway 120, follow it about 2.5 miles, then follow the signs to Camp Tuolumne Trails and the trailhead itself. Close any gate you pass through — this route exists on a private access agreement, not a public park entrance.
Hiking Through Burned Terrain
The corridor still shows the marks of the 2013 Rim Fire. Expect chaparral and recovering oak-pine woodland instead of shade, along with standing dead trees and loose rock on the switchbacks. Sturdy boots and some caution around snags matter more here than on a typical day hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Hamby Trail?
About 2 miles one-way from the trailhead down to the Tuolumne-Clavey River confluence, with roughly 40 switchbacks along the way — the climb back out is the harder direction.
Is the Hamby Trailhead inside Yosemite National Park?
No. It sits in the Stanislaus National Forest near Groveland, and the access road crosses private land owned by Camp Tuolumne Trails rather than passing through a park entrance.
Can I hike it one-way instead of out-and-back?
Yes — the trail connects to the Tuolumne River Trail downstream, ending at the Lumsden boat launch, but you'll need to arrange a car shuttle since it isn't a loop.
What should I expect from trail conditions?
The route runs through the 2013 Rim Fire burn scar, so there's little shade, some standing dead trees, and loose rock on the switchback sections.
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