Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Discover Yosemite's hidden gem: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Escape crowds for stunning waterfalls, granite cliffs, and a unique historical perspective.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are at their peak flow!
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Best Time
Waterfalls are at their peak flow!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Yosemite's hidden gem: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Escape crowds for stunning waterfalls, granite cliffs, and a unique historical perspective.
"It's an overlooked side of Yosemite with epic waterfalls and fewer crowds – a true hidden gem!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail to Wapama Falls is rocky and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially for longer hikes like to Rancheria Falls, water sources are limited. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wapama Falls
Trailhead near O'Shaughnessy Dam
Witness a powerful cascade pouring over the trail in spring, drenching hikers! A truly unique Yosemite experience.
O'Shaughnessy Dam
Entrance to Hetch Hetchy Valley
An impressive feat of engineering holding back the reservoir, offering panoramic views of the valley.
Tuooolala Falls
Hetch Hetchy Trail
Another beautiful waterfall accessible via hiking trails, offering a refreshing sight and sound.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Yosemite's Quieter Side
Essential Gear for Hetch Hetchy Hikes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail to Wapama Falls is rocky and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially for longer hikes like to Rancheria Falls, water sources are limited. Stay hydrated!
🚗 Check Road Conditions
The road to Hetch Hetchy can be rough and winding. Ensure your vehicle is suitable and drive cautiously.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail to Wapama Falls is rocky and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially for longer hikes like to Rancheria Falls, water sources are limited. Stay hydrated!
🚗 Check Road Conditions
The road to Hetch Hetchy can be rough and winding. Ensure your vehicle is suitable and drive cautiously.
⏰ Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
📸 Capture the 'Other Side' of Yosemite
Hetch Hetchy offers a unique, less crowded perspective of Yosemite's grandeur.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hetch Hetchy's stunning scenery, especially the waterfalls in spring, and its peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere compared to Yosemite Valley. The hike to Wapama Falls is a highlight, though the rocky terrain requires good footwear. Some find the drive challenging due to winding roads, and water levels vary seasonally.
"This place is amazing! Visit in the spring to see the waterfalls. I visited in 2023 right after the rain season in the spring and the place looked like a painting with a lake in Switzerland. I got there by mistake ( thanks iPhone GPS) and I thought that i hit a jackpot. Few people only. Did the hike from the den to the waterfalls and back about 2 hrs and I couldn't wait to be back. Though I didn't learn my previous lesson and came back in August 2025. One couldn't even tell that there are waterfalls there. Still, very picturesque. The hike is moderate given the rocks and uneven path. Wear good shoes. I saw people in sandals and they probably turned back. The beginning looks like one can walk in sandals(right after the tunnel) but that's deceiving,the rocks are sharp and treacherous. Bring water and good shoes, come in the spring and you will forever be in love with the place!"
Dina Deguzman
"Nice scenic hike. Trail is low elevation so beginner friendly. Falls super nice even in late August. Great for a refreshing ice cold dip!!"
Abrar Faiyad
"Hetch Hetchy more like Sketchy sketchy due to bumpy rough evergreen road to trailhead and narrow winding road. Signage says, >14 prohibited. Not for the scaredy cats, there’s little to no barrier on the road and very steep cliffside. Not for amateur drivers.
Arrived here at 6 am and the sunrise was magical as the lights hit the wall of the canyon. However, we are not able to hike to Wapama Falls as planned due to windy condition. Waited until 9 am but still was so windy. Of that, it’s really an overlooked side of Yosemite as there was only one car arrived and eventually left. Dam workers most likely will be your companion.
Will plan to revisit on Fall season and best to stay or splurge in Evergreen Lodge in which passing by, looks out of fairy tale"
Malak Angel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hetch Hetchy is located in the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park. Access is typically via Highway 120. Be aware that GPS navigation can sometimes provide lengthy travel times, so plan accordingly.
Hetch Hetchy is generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Yosemite National Park website for any temporary closures or changes in hours, especially due to weather conditions.
The drive to Hetch Hetchy involves navigating Highway 120 and then a narrower, winding road to the trailhead. Some sections are steep with little to no barrier, making it unsuitable for amateur drivers or those with a fear of heights.
While iPhone GPS can guide you, it might show significantly varied travel times. It's advisable to cross-reference with other navigation tools or park information to get a more accurate estimate of your journey.
The signage indicates that vehicles over 14 feet are prohibited, likely due to the narrow and winding nature of the road leading to the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While Hetch Hetchy is part of Yosemite National Park, it generally does not require a separate reservation to enter, unlike Yosemite Valley during peak seasons. However, standard park entrance fees apply.
Hetch Hetchy is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's recommended to verify these hours with the National Park Service before your visit, as they can change seasonally or due to unforeseen circumstances.
Entry to Hetch Hetchy is included with your Yosemite National Park entrance fee. If you don't have a park pass, you'll need to pay the standard entrance fee per vehicle.
Yes, you can enter Hetch Hetchy as early as sunrise to take advantage of cooler temperatures for hiking. However, the parking lot can fill up, so arriving very early is advised to secure a spot.
While there isn't a strict daily visitor limit like in Yosemite Valley, the parking area is limited. Arriving early is the best strategy to ensure you can enter and park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular hike is to Wapama Falls (about 5 miles roundtrip), which can be spectacular in spring when the water cascades over the trail.
No, swimming is prohibited in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir as it serves as a drinking water source for San Francisco and the Bay Area.
The trails are generally low elevation and can be beginner-friendly, but they are often rocky and uneven. Sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended to navigate the terrain safely.
Yes, Hetch Hetchy is known for its beautiful waterfalls, especially Wapama Falls and Tuooolala Falls. These are most impressive during the spring and early summer after snowmelt.
Hetch Hetchy is significantly less crowded than Yosemite Valley, with estimates suggesting only about 1% of Yosemite visitors venture to this area. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a quieter experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The O'Shaughnessy Dam offers stunning panoramic views of the reservoir and surrounding granite cliffs. The trails leading to Wapama Falls provide dramatic perspectives of the cascading water, especially when it's flowing strongly.
Early morning, especially around sunrise, offers beautiful light hitting the canyon walls and a more serene atmosphere. Late afternoon can also provide good lighting before sunset.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive reservoir and granite formations. If you plan to photograph the waterfalls, a tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light conditions.
General photography is allowed, but be mindful of any restricted areas, especially around the dam infrastructure. Drones may be subject to park regulations.
Its dramatic granite cliffs, the vast reservoir, and the powerful waterfalls (especially in spring) offer a different aesthetic than the more famous Yosemite Valley. It's a chance to capture a less-seen side of Yosemite.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The rocky terrain requires sturdy footwear for everyone, so leave the sandals at home. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
+1 Arriving early is key to securing parking and enjoying the solitude. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens for the grand vistas and consider a tripod for capturing the movement of water. The relative lack of crowds means you'll have more space and time to compose your shots without interruption. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Controversy of Hetch Hetchy
+2 However, in the early 1900s, after devastating earthquakes and fires in San Francisco, the city sought a reliable water source. Despite fierce opposition from conservationists like John Muir, who considered it a 'crime against Mother Nature,' the O'Shaughnessy Dam was built, flooding the valley and creating the reservoir that now supplies water to millions. +3 This event remains a significant point of contention in environmental history, highlighting the conflict between resource needs and preservation. +2Today, Hetch Hetchy serves as a crucial source of drinking water and hydroelectric power for San Francisco and the Bay Area, providing some of the cleanest water in the country.
+1 While the dam's existence is a stark reminder of past environmental decisions, the area still offers breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can explore trails that lead to impressive waterfalls and enjoy the dramatic scenery, albeit with the knowledge of the valley's transformed past. The ongoing debate about potentially removing the dam continues, with advocates arguing for the restoration of the natural river flow. +1Hiking to Wapama Falls: What to Expect
The path is characterized by uneven, rocky terrain, so wearing sturdy hiking shoes is highly recommended to prevent injuries. A unique aspect of the Wapama Falls trail, especially in the spring and early summer, is that the waterfall can cascade directly over the path.
Hikers may get thoroughly drenched, adding an element of adventure and a refreshing experience. While the falls might be less impressive or even dry by late August, the hike itself remains scenic. Navigating the Roads to Hetch Hetchy
Some travelers have reported that GPS navigation systems can provide wildly varying travel times, sometimes suggesting durations of 3 to 6 hours from home, so it's wise to have a general idea of the route beforehand. The road leading directly to the Hetch Hetchy trailhead is described as rough, bumpy, and winding, with steep cliffside sections and little to no barrier.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit