Hetch Hetchy Hike in Yosemite: The Complete Visitor Guide
If you’re looking for a great place in Yosemite National Park off the beaten path, a visit to Hetch Hetchy is just what you need. This day includes a breathtaking morning hike around the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to Wapama Falls.
This short and easy hike is a great way to end your visit to Yosemite National Park. Finally, head to the San Francisco Bay Area and prepare for a day in wine country following your Hetch Hetchy hike.
For our full 4-day Yosemite itinerary, things to know, and more, be sure to check out the full post!
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Map
The map above gives an overview of what to expect when visiting Hetch Hetchy. Use this to plan your route. It’s a long but gorgeous drive from the Yosemite Valley.
Hetch Hetchy Hike
Hetch Hetchy is a nice, peaceful location hidden in the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park. Some have said that Hetch Hetchy rivals the beauty of the Yosemite Valley, and we definitely agree! To begin your last adventure in Yosemite National Park, head to the Hetch Hetchy entrance and travel down into the valley to reach the reservoir.
This is a very remote area of Yosemite National Park, so plan accordingly. As you arrive, you will reach the restrooms and a small parking lot. From here, continue on the road toward the dam to find a larger parking lot. If this is full, circle back and park in the designated overflow parking along the road. At peak times, this area may be very busy.
🏞️ Waterfalls, amazing hikes, and breathtaking scenery await on our full Yosemite itinerary. Check it out!
O’Shaughnessy Dam and Hetchy Tunnel
The hike to Wapama Falls starts along the O’Shaughnessy Dam. Cross the dam and learn about the history of this location as you hike. The reservoir here provides drinking water to over 2 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area!
It’s been said that this area would probably look a lot like the Yosemite Valley if it were not dammed. I don’t see a dam removal in the future, but what if that did happen?!
Next, head through the tunnel and make your way along the trail. Be advised that in the summer months, this trail will be hot! With little to no shade, be sure to take plenty of water. As you hike, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and black bears along the trail.
➡️Read next: How to Plan Your Perfect Day Trip to Sonoma to the Kunde Family Winery 🍷
Hike to Wapama Falls – 5 miles – easy, out and back, 460+ ft. gain
Firstly, as you exit the tunnel, there is a slight incline where most of the elevation gain on this trail occurs. As soon as you complete this section, the trail flattens out for the most part as it follows the edge of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Eventually, the trail curves through little gardens and pockets of wildflowers as you continue your trek to Wapama Falls.
At about 2 miles in, you will reach the seasonal Tueeulala Falls. During the spring months, this seasonal waterfall will be flowing, but it’s usually totally dry by summer.
🏡 Want to have an entire place to yourselves during your stay? We recommend checking out the options on VRBO.
Wapama Falls
As you near the end of your journey along the trail, anticipation builds for the grand spectacle that awaits: Wapama Falls! Picture the water cascading with immense power, a descent of nearly 1,100 feet. It roars over a cliff, plummeting 300 feet at the top, then crashes through a steep gorge for another 600 feet, finally spilling into the shimmering Hetch Hetchy reservoir below.
Enjoy your surroundings as the thunderous roar of the falls fills the air, and the misty spray cools you down. The mist is super refreshing on a hot summer day! It’s just what you need to cool down before hiking back.
Lastly, your adventure ends at the Wapama Falls footbridge. However, be mindful that during early spring, the bridge can sometimes be engulfed by torrents of rushing water. If the river surges high and swiftly, crossing the bridge might become perilous, so be sure to approach with caution and respect nature’s power.
Interestingly, the bridge was replaced in December 2024 to make the area safer for viewing!
🚙 Looking for more California adventures? Check out our Ultimate California National Parks Itinerary: How to Visit 5 in 16 Days
Return to Your Car
Finally, following your nice break and amazing views, it’s time to head back to your car! From here, hike back the way you came and take in all the views from a different perspective. Your hike to thundering Wapama Falls is complete!
👉🏽 Looking for a fun tour or other things to do in Yosemite National Park? Check out the options from Viator!
Drive to the San Francisco Bay Area
That’s it! Your epic trip to Yosemite is complete! To continue your journey on our epic road trip, drive to the San Francisco Bay Area and get ready to explore California Wine Country and the amazing coastal scenery that this area offers.
Where to Stay While Visiting Yosemite
Booking a place to stay is one of the most important things to do early for a Yosemite itinerary. Options inside the park book out 6-12 months in advance for peak season dates. This is not an exaggeration! Set a reminder and book the moment your travel dates are confirmed.
Inside Yosemite Valley: book as early as humanly possible:
- The Ahwahnee, a National Historic Landmark, the most iconic hotel in the park. Stunning architecture, nature views, a heated pool, and shuttle access. If you can get a room here, take it.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge, perfect for families and groups, is close to Lower Yosemite Falls and the shuttle.
- Curry Village, hotel rooms, cabins, and canvas tent cabins. Plenty of nearby food options and a lively atmosphere.
Outside the park: our home base:
We stayed in the Midpines/Mariposa area for our 4 days, and it worked extremely well. About 1 hour from Yosemite Valley, this area has reliable, affordable hotels and puts you on the right side of the park for Days 1, 3, and 4.
- VRBO – our top pick for a stay near Mariposa and the Yosemite Valley, but there is a drive into the park each morning. However, it will be cheaper than park lodging. Find a place to stay now.
- Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel – clean and comfortable, with a variety of breakfast options. Book your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Miners Inn – breakfast included, pool. Good value and clean. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Browse all Mariposa options on Expedia or check out the other options near Yosemite Valley.
Final Thoughts
Completing the Hetch Hetchy hike was a great way to spend the morning before a long drive to the San Francisco Bay Area. We got to Hetch Hetchy as early as we could and had no issue finding a parking spot.
However, as I’m sure you can guess, parking was full when we returned to the car. We enjoyed this nice, easy hike to an amazing waterfall. Lucky for us, the bridge was clear of water, but in all honesty, we were hoping to see it really raging!
We hope you enjoyed your time at Yosemite National Park as much as we did. It’s truly an amazing place!
🛏️ Don’t forget to book your accommodations in Mariposa or Yosemite Valley. Book early to guarantee your room because Yosemite is a VERY popular destination!
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