Hetch Hetchy: Escaping the Crowds of Yosemite
Yosemite National Park has become very popular over the last few decades and at times it’s hard to visit the park and feel like you’ve even left the city. With the persistent traffic, lines to get into the park, and crowds of people everywhere, is it a national park or Disney World? But let me tell you that it’s still possible to experience an escape from the hustle and bustle, especially the crowds. And you can do that at Hetch Hetchy!
Have you heard of Hetch Hetchy? Hetch Hetchy is a lesser known and lesser visited portion of Yosemite National Park that is perfect for escaping the crowds.
Planning a trip to Yosemite? Read this next:
The History and Controversy of Hetch Hetchy
The history of the Hetch Hetchy started in 1906 with the Great San Francisco Earthquake, during which much of San Francisco’s water systems were completely damaged and destroyed. Not only was San Francisco left with an unreliable water source, but then devastating fires followed and destroyed over four square miles of land, thousands of buildings, and took many lives.
San Francisco was then on the hunt for a more reliable water source, perhaps one that could with stand future earthquakes. The leaders on San Francisco petitioned congress and after much debate, Congress, in 1913, passed the Raker Act. This gave San Francisco the right to build a reservoir and use water supply from the National Park.
As you would imagine, not everyone was keen on the idea of building a dam and reservoir on National Park land. Especially, the well-known naturalist John Muir, who led opposition against the act.
Today, the snowmelt water is still used by four counties near San Francisco as well as Groveland. The Hetch Hetchy water system carries water 167 miles entirely by a gravity system without the use of pumps.
There is still some opposition to the use of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir today, but regardless of your stance on the issue, the area surrounding the reservoir is absolutely beautiful and can be enjoyed by all.
How to Get to Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy is located north of Yosemite National Park and is also part of the National Park. It is located roughly an hour and a half from Yosemite Valley.
From Yosemite Valley
To get to Hetch Hetchy from Yosemite Valley, take highway 120 North. Exit the park through the Big Oak Flat entrance station and take the next right (East) on to Evergreen Road. After 7.5 miles, turn right again onto Hetch Hetchy Road. Here you’ll pass the Yosmite National Park Ranger Station. It’s another 7 miles to the dam from the entrance station.
From Groveland
Hetch Hetchy is very convenient for travelers who are traveling to the park through or staying in Groveland. From Groveland, this portion of the park is under an hour’s drive and the most accessible portion of the park. Just take highway 120 and turn left onto Evergreen Road just before the Big Oak Flat entrance station. After 7.5 miles, turn right onto Hetch Hetchy Road. Here you’ll pass the Yosemite National Park Ranger Station. It’s another 7 miles to the dam from the entrance station.
Things to Know for Entrance into Hetch Hetchy
- Entrance Fees to Hetch Hetchy are same as the main portion of the park: $35/vehicle or presentation of America the Beautiful Pass.
- Reservations are currently required for any entry into Yosemite National Park, including Hetch Hetchy.
- Hetch Hetchy is only open from 8 AM – 5 PM daily. You are required to leave the main dam area to exit the park by 4:30 PM.
- Swimming or boating in the reservoir is strictly prohibited as it could contaminated the water source for local Californians. But don’t worry, there’s lots more to do in the area other than swim.
What To Do at Hetch Hetchy
Hiking at Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy has the longest hiking season out of anywhere else in Yosemite National Park. Because of its lower elevation, the area around the reservoir experiences warmer temperatures than the rest of the park.
You’ll find excellent hiking weather in the early spring and late fall seasons.
In the summer months, temperatures can become quite warm and uncomfortable so plan to hike early in the day, preferably right when the park opens at 8 AM. And bring plenty of water!
During the hot summer months, it’s not uncommon to find rattlesnakes on the trail so use caution and watch your step.
Wapoma Falls Trail
- Trail Length: 4.6 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 954 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead Location: Hetch Hetchy Dam
Wapoma Falls in the #1 hike that I recommend in the Hetch Hetchy area. On the Wapoma Falls Trail, you’ll see incredible views of the reservoir and end at the powerful Wapoma Falls. Be prepared to get wet at the base of the falls. The mist from the falls in powerful and very refreshing in the hot California sun.
Remember to make sure that you start your hike in enough time to make it back to the dam by 4:30 PM in order to make it out the park gates before they close at 5 PM. We started at 2:45 PM and that was REALLY pushing it and gave us very little time to actually enjoy the falls.
Lookout Point Trail
- Trail Length: 2.7 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 541 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This little-shade trail provides excellent panoramic views of the reservoir, dam, and Wapoma Falls from above.
Make sure you do this hike early in the day, as close to park opening time as possible as it is very exposed and can become very hot on the trail during the late spring, summer, and early fall months. Otherwise, it’s a relatively easy walk up-hill.
If you’re looking for more to do in Hetch Hetchy other than Wapoma Falls, check out Lookout Point!
Backpacking Trails at Hetch Hetchy
The area around Hetch Hetchy is very popular for backpacking hiking trails. Permits are required for backpacking in Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy but they’re a bit easier to obtain than other areas of the park.
A couple popular backpacking routes are:
On our day hike to Wapoma Falls, we saw a lot of backpackers headed into the backcountry for the night. It’s a very popular activity in the area.
More Yosemite National Park Adventures
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