It's also the backbone of San Francisco's clean energy system, supplying hydroelectric power from four powerhouses. Beautiful meadow, nice stream running right through it for water. In the Bay Area, Hetch Hetchy water is stored in local facilities including Calaveras Reservoir, Crystal Springs Reservoir, and San Antonio Reservoir. Did this route clockwise as a 3D/2N from June 11-13. Rancheria Falls - Waterfall and Swim Hole in Hetch Hetchy In particular, some pets chase wildlife, pollute water sources, and can become defensive and dangerous in unfamiliar surroundings. Saw a few people crossing at the Lake Vernon outflow bridge but decided against it (and were freaked out when we saw the bear fall down shortly after.) 6/29-7/1. [79] Some observers, such as Carl Pope (director of the Sierra Club), stated that Hodel had political motives[80] in proposing the study. Just an FYI, this route is closed. I had a permit for June 1 and was re-routed to Lake Eleanor.- Tiltill is flooded and going over the waterfalls bridges is unsafe. Hetch Hetchy's relatively low elevation provides for one of the longest hiking seasons in Yosemite, and the varied trails include something for everyone. Including additions made between 1934 and 1938, the dam currently stands 430 feet (131 m) above the bedrock below. For thousands of years, Native Americans subjected the valley to controlled bushfires, which prevented forest from taking over the valley meadows. For a casual visit to Hetch Hetchy, allow about 1.5 hours to make the round trip from the main highway. Man slips on Yosemite's Wapama bridge, falls to his death - SFGATE From spring through fall, the Hetch Hetchy Road may be subject to closures or chain requirements due to ice and snow. The National Park Service concluded that two years after draining the valley, grasses would cover most of its floor and within 10 years, clumps of cone-bearing trees and some oaks would take root. After the valley you go up hill a lot. From early spring through late fall, visitors have easy access to a vast wilderness filled with high-country lakes, streams, and wildlife. Definitely recommend using a gps or all trails map because the trail was almost invisible. 1897 USGS Topographic Map, Yosemite Sheet. Hot, full of gnarly gnats. Did this loop in 4D/3N. The second parking area is by the entrance to the dam. [85] Miguel Meadow to Lake Eleanor to Laurel Lake Loop, Cherry Canyon Lookout and Sachse Spring via Shingle Springs Trailhead, Hetch Hechy Reservoir to Sierra Crest Backpacking Loop, Mather Ranger Station to Smith Meadow Trail. [87][88], San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hetch Hetchy, List of dams and reservoirs in California, List of the tallest dams in the United States, "Alternatives for Restoration of Hetch Hetchy Valley Following Removal of the Dam and Reservoir", "Hetch Hetchy Reclaimed: Drain it, then what? When completed in 1923, the O'Shaughnessy Dam stood 364 feet high. That being said, I would take Wapama Falls over a number of the Yosemite Falls including Bridalveil Falls I would put it near the top of the list. Dam Hetch Hetchy! Instead, theyre talking about a glacier-carved valley that naturalist John Muir once called a "remarkably exact counterpart to the legendary Yosemite Valley. Ranger told us there was no fee for Hetch Hetchy entrance until April. No rattling. Looking directly up at Wapama Falls The Hetch Hetchy Road begins just outside the park on Highway 120, near the Big Oak Flat Entrance. As others have said, it's hot and exposed. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is a hidden gem, located near the Big Oak Flat entrance station and the town of Groveland. From the parking lot, head north toward the dam and . Fortunately this is day3 and going down. Tueeulala falls is passable, Wapama falls Bridge is passable, youll get soaked, but youll dry in less than 20 min . Because of its lower elevation, Hetch Hetchy has the park's longest hiking season in the area. ", "San Francisco-Hetch Hetchy Valley Connection", "Hetch Hetchy controversy: Could Yosemite's 'second valley' be restored? 1 and 2, Fremont, Alameda County, CA, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hetch_Hetchy&oldid=1153702626, This page was last edited on 7 May 2023, at 20:45. Where: Yosemite National Park. [20] They hunted, and gathered seeds and edible plants to furnish themselves winter food, trade items, and materials for art and ceremonial objects. If you're into Geology, there are quite a few geological features to see here. Hetch Hetchy is accessible only by car. Poles definitely help with the water crossings. There is a plank to support people gathering water. Then it seemed either rocky or overgrown. We loved the Wapama Falls hike in Hetch Hetchy so much! The trail includes spectacular views of Tueeulala and Wapama Falls. Hetch Hetchy Falls is an unofficially named, highly seasonal waterfall situated a little more than one-third of a mile to the west of Tueeulala Falls along the north side of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. This was the quietest of the Yosemite National Park trails, w e only saw a handful of other people and it was an adventurous hike with diversity and stunning scenery. Hetch Hetchy is the stunning but less visited side of Yosemite, and it has some stunning waterfalls to hike to and explore. Best things to do in Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite National Park CA | The [46], Work on the Hetch Hetchy Project began in 1914. I could soon look back toward the reservoir toward the dam. Hetch Hetchy to Falls Creek. Pipelines 1 and 2 cross the San Francisco Bay to the south of the Dumbarton Bridge, while pipelines 3 and 4 run to the south of the bay. [57] Pipelines 3 and 4 end at the Pulgas Water Temple, a small park that contains classical architectural elements which celebrate the water delivery. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Muir predicted that this lake would create an unsightly "bathtub ring" around its perimeter, caused by the water's destruction of lichen growth on the canyon walls,[44] which would inevitably be visible at low lake levels. [12] During the last glacial period, the Tioga Glacier[13] formed from extensive icefields in the upper Tuolumne River watershed; between 110,000 and 10,000 years ago Hetch Hetchy Valley was sculpted into its present shape by repeated advance and retreat of the ice, which also removed extensive talus deposits that may have accumulated in the valley since the Sherwin period. This was one of the harder backpacking trips I've done, but oh so worth it. You can alternately purchase an America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass here: This is an awesome, pretty secluded campsite with fire pit away from most other sites. It carried workers and materials for the dam, as well as tourists, postage and other amenities. We were able to cross but it was rushing white water and super sketchy. Bierstadt described the valley as "smaller than the more famous valley but it presents many of the same features in his scenery and is quite as beautiful. In this spur there is a depression through which a path leads from valley to valley. BEAUTIFUL! Lots of snow still starting around 6400. Wapama Falls - Hetch Hetchy Valley's Biggest Waterfall Gorgeous weather, trail conditions great for the most part and easy to follow. After that it was pretty easy back down to the dam. Hetch Hetchy is located off Highway 120, and it takes about 30 minutes to drive from the highway to where you will be parking. The valley provided an escape from the summer heat of the lowlands. 0 Id definitely use water shoes or very water proof boots and youd be fine. - ATs designated Vernon lake campsite isnt worth it - long hike around the lake for very little to no access. The imputed motive was to divide the environmental movement: to see residents of the strongly Democratic city of San Francisco coming out against an environmental issue. Hetch Hetchy | Hetch Hetchy Dam & Reservoir History Due to large cataracts on the Tuolumne River upstream, Hetch Hetchy Valley may have been in the uppermost range for native rainbow trout in the river. Indeed, Hetch Hetchy today[when?] The law authorizing the dam passed Congress on December 7, 1913. There only 3 trees across the trail. Launching a campaign for the protection of the valley, they maintained that another location for a reservoir could be found outside of the national park. The U.S. Congress passed and President Woodrow Wilson signed the Raker Act in 1913, which permitted the flooding of the valley under the conditions that power and water derived from the river could only be used for public interests. The clouds provided a few raindrops and a little breeze to discourage the gnats. We decided to cross that night so we didnt have to do it in the morning which might have been better. I highly recommend a bug net for your hat, I would have paid $100 for one. The Hetch Hetchy Visitor booth on Hetch Hetchy Road was not open but there were signs advising that their hours were 8 to 5, then the gate would be closed, so I made sure I was out by then. Pictures just dont do justice to illustrate the powerful sound of that water coming down, so here is a short video. About mid calf depth with very fast white water, there were a few spots that requires a blind step BUT rocks were flat and not slimy at all. Photos (3,253) Directions. The valley floor consisted of roughly 1,200 acres (490ha) of meadows fringed by pine forest, through which meandered the Tuolumne River and numerous tributary streams. Will say though that everyone's risk tolerance is different, so take this review with a huge grain of salt and see for yourself whether you're comfortable making the crossing. Directions Print/PDF map Length 28.0 miElevation gain 6,082 ftRoute type Loop Try this 28.0-mile loop trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Excellent camping at all locations. But the reservoir has spared it some of the indignities of Yosemite Valley", "San Francisco Department of Elections, November 2012 Results", "San Francisco vote to study draining Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is defeated", "Hetch Hetchy Water and the Bay Area Economy", "Thesis: Water Supply Implications of Removing O'Shaughnessy Dam", "New Irvington Tunnel latest in Hetch Hetchy water system improvements", Current Conditions, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, California Department of Water Resources, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission: Hetch Hetchy Water and Power, California Resources Agency Hetch Hetchy Restoration Study, Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency on Hetch Hetchy dam, Bay Crossing Reach of the Bay Division Pipelines Nos. The long battle over Hetch Hetchy asked Americans to weigh the true cost of progress. We hiked out back to the dam from Vernon in 6 comfortable hours . Unlike other areas of Yosemite, the road to Hetch Hetchy is open only during daylight hours. [2] From Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, the water flows through the Canyon and Mountain Tunnels to Kirkwood and Moccasin Powerhouses, which have capacities of 124 and 110 megawatts, respectively. Thus Hetch Hetchy Valley falls within the territory of the Central Sierra Miwokpermanent villages were generally established below 4,000 ft. in elevation with seasonal camps and villages scattered throughout the area currently defined as Yosemite National Park. Hetch Hetchy Valley receives far fewer visitors than its more popular neighbor, and this picturesque mostly level trail is a great way to explore an enjoyable pocket of Yosemite National Park. 20' of trail obliterated at corner of 2nd switchback climbing up from the reservoir. Fast and deep water so be careful. I would haven't carried 4L if I knew =) We're not going to remove this dam, and the funding is unnecessary. It is named for the chief engineer of the Hetch Hetchy Project. There's a large rock behind this site and another awesome site standing on the rock. No water flowing at Wapama Falls. Wapama Falls soaked us so water gear is a good idea. Wapama and Rancheria Fall Trailhead (U.S. National Park Service) Fishing is allowed year-round at Hetch Hetchy, with a valid California fishing license. Wapama Falls. You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. How to Travel From San Francisco to Yosemite by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Fall in Yosemite: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See, When and How to See Yosemite's Waterfalls, The Best Time to Visit Yosemite National Park, Tips for Avoiding the Summer Crowds at National Parks, Scenic California Drives: 7 Routes That Will Make You Swoon, Camping in the Reds Meadow Valley, California, How to Spend One Awesome Day in Yosemite National Park. I arrived at the gate past the Visitor booth around 830 and it was open. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 32 min to complete. In its natural state, the valley floor was marshy and often flooded in the spring when snow melt in the high Sierra cascaded down the Tuolumne River and backed up behind the narrow gorge which is now spanned by O'Shaughnessy Dam. Counter clockwise is the way to go as the climb up beehive can be brutal. Walking up that trail had me wondering about the old trails and people who walked here back in the day. [citation needed], The Hetch Hetchy Valley began as a V-shaped river canyon cut out by the ancestral Tuolumne River. After the foot bride, the trail runs parallel to the lip and the water is waist deep and moving really fast. November 1 to March 31: 8 am to 5 pm. They just look so happy as they hugged the rocks along the trail in a few places. [82] Dianne Feinstein opposed this allocation, saying, "I will do all I can to make sure it isn't included in the final bill. Started early at the dam, hiked up Beehive, had lunch at Lake Vernon. and heard multiple reports that it was too sketchy. [9] Formerly, a "small but noisy"[10] waterfall and natural pool existed on the Tuolumne River marked the upper entrance to Hetch Hetchy Valley,[11] informally known as Tuolumne Fall (not to be confused with a similarly named waterfall several miles upriver near Tuolumne Meadows). Beautiful weather, no rain & not too hot..bugs are plentiful but nothing you can't manage (bring a head bug net)Beehive swampy, couldn't make it all the way to Lake Vernon but you can do it, just need to traverse snow bridges/piles. Best to come down it on day 3 and get views of the reservoir for the last 3 miles. A little heavier than I would have liked but knowing I had enough water gave me peace of mind. Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park: Hike to Wapama Falls between those who wish to retain the dam and reservoir, and those who wish to drain the reservoir and return Hetch Hetchy Valley to its former state. This trip was also during the start of the fire/smoke season =( There are bushes taller than the flowers. Great campsite with a fire pit overlooking the lake. The dam was then 227 feet (69m) high; its present height of 312 feet (95m) was achieved only later, in 1938. Fees are per vehicle or per motorcycle. Reached ranchira camp site before dark. 6/6/23 - 6/9/23 Distance: 19.1 miles (22.9 km) round trip. Current Air Quality in Yosemite Village View More Data Campground Information Yosemite Valley: Open: Reservations required: Upper Pines, Lower Pines, North Pines, Camp 4 Within 50 years, vegetative cover would be complete except for exposed rocky areas. Did an overnight trip on Sat 6/17. "[22], The valley's name may be derived from a Miwok word earlier anglicized as hatchhatchie, which means "edible grasses"[8][23] or "magpie". You cant see the whole falls when you are right next to it but you can see it from the dam. So we took the safer , deeper approach just off to the right of the falls nearing 3.5 ft deep and easily crossed. 70 reviews #33 of 139 things to do in Yosemite National Park Waterfalls Write a review What people are saying By GPBurdell67 " Beautiful Scene and Blessedly Quiet " Aug 2019 After escaping the hectic scene in Yosemite Valley, we drove the somewhat scary road to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (which. TONS of mosquitos and bugs. The hike day 1 to Rancheria was easy and we were the only campers at Rancheria. Planned to do the loop 6/17-6/19 but stopped at Lake Vernon. 6/15/23 right before getting the first falls the flooding and fast moving water becomes impassable. During those times - the footbridge seems so long and you most likely will get wet. The valley offered a year-round water supply, mild winter weather, good hunting and fishing, and abundant acorns and edible plants. Hetch Hetchy Loop Hiking Trail, Yosemite Valley, California Bring your water shoes and bug net. Other hikers had ab encounter with a bear cub and others spotted a few bears - all at Vernon Lake. Shutterstock Tueeulala and Wapama Falls at Hetch Hetchy Quick Links The Tueeulala Falls: The Greatest Single Drop In Hetch Hetchy Wapama Falls: The Largest Waterfall In Hetch Hetchy [18], Due to its abundant wetlands and stream pools, Hetch Hetchy was notorious among early travelers for becoming infested with mosquitoes in the summertime. For thousands of years before the arrival of settlers from the United States in the 1850s, the valley was inhabited by Native Americans who practiced subsistence hunting-gathering. The dam is named for engineer Michael OShaughnessy, who oversaw its construction. - At Wapama Falls, the western side has the easiest water access. From Linda W. Greens 1987 book Yosemite: the Park and its Resources: Some controversy surrounds the identity of the first white man to enter Hetch Hetchy Valley, although historians believe it was undoubtedly one of three brothersJoseph, Nathan, or William Screech. Hetch Hetchy - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) "[65] Harold L. Ickes, Secretary of the Interior in the late 1930s, said there was a violation of the Raker Act, but he and the city reached an agreement in 1945. Wapama Falls Trail. It was a manageable 10.5 miles to get there. 6/28 Started day 2 with some vert to Tilltil Valley not too bad but it is uphill. Hetch Hetchy is on the main stem of the Tuolumne River and is part of the Tuolumne watershed. HOME PRIVACY POLICY TERMS, Affiliate Disclosure: We receive compensation from companies whose products or services are used, referenced, or reviewed regardless of whether we endorse or criticize them. Renowned for it's scenic hikes, hidden valleys, and spring waterfalls. A look back, then I continued on up the trail. [47] On October 28, 1934 twenty years after the beginning of construction on the Hetch Hetchy project a crowd of 20,000 San Franciscans gathered to celebrate the arrival of the first Hetch Hetchy water in the city. With the rabbit and turtle buttons, you can also speed it up, slow it down or pause it. Vehicles and/or trailers over 25 feet long and 8 feet wide are not It's dumb, dumb, dumb. Upon Euro-American contact, the Central and Southern Sierra Miwok occupied the Yosemite area, with the Tuolumne/Merced watershed divide forming the boundary between the two groups. - Steep elevation gains [more], 2006-2023 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved The crossing didn't appear too risky but a loss of footing there might be fatal. The bridges had been closed until recently due to . [41], In 1906, after a major earthquake and subsequent fire that devastated San Francisco, the inadequacy of the city's water system was made tragically clear. We made it past the small waterfall that comes out of the side of the mountain. [58], Water from Hetch Hetchy is some of the cleanest municipal water in the United States; San Francisco is one of six U.S. cities not required by law to filter its tap water, although the water is disinfected by ozonation and, since 2011, exposure to UV. Instead of following the foot path which is right above the rapids, arced more upstream where the creek is wider but the current is less strong. I think it drops 10+ degrees on your head. Trails affected by winter storms. Sentinel Falls (about 2,000 feet) Flows: approximately March through June, with peak flow in May. I wish I had brought earplugs for the loud insects at the backpacker camp. Spring and early summer bring wildflowers including lupine, wallflower, monkey flower, and buttercup. Posted by: Candace Gregory There was a quick log shimmy or it would have meant wet feet. Out of these narrow caons snow waters issue, making up the Tuolumne that waters the valley as a whole. We always see a bear on this hike, but not today. Till Till creek was an awesome refuel spot. I woke up to a metallic tapping, so I assumed it was a bear checking out my bear can in a bush. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm, https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/permitstations.htm, https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bpcamp.htm. Of course I also saw one or two that didnt appear to being having such a fun time. We camped at Rancheria falls night one. Hiking this loop clockwise, you will climb up and out of the Hetch Hetchy Valley and through rolling, wooded hills to a beautiful lake bordered by an exposed granite ridge. [35] Muir, who himself had briefly worked as a shepherd in Hetch Hetchy, was known for calling sheep "hoofed locusts" because of their environmental impact. Seventeen species of bats inhabit the Hetch Hetchy area, including the largest North American bat, the western mastiff. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, while providing water to millions of people in the San Francisco Bay Area, also provides visitors with access to spectacular beauty and the wilderness of Yosemite National Park. Fun and taxing hike. There are no actual developed backpacker wilderness campgrounds like youd see in Glacier. Until the early 1900s, many Americans viewed wilderness as something to subdue and natural resources as infinitely renewable. Unfortunately, I got close to 2 rattlesnakes say w/in 5 ft. It's Yosemite on the cheap - you can visit this waterfall without going through a manned entrance gate. Have read other trip reports about people going further upstream and crossing through the lake rather than the creek. As well dam for water-tanks the people's cathedrals and churches, for no holier templehasever been consecrated by the heart of man.". A major ethnogeographic report in 2002 by ethnohistorian Brian Bibby for Yosemite National Park adds there were seven different tribal communities indicated who had a traditional, historic relationship with the lands presently within park boundariesThe Central Sierra Miwok, Southern Miwok, Bridgeport Paiute, Mono Lake Paiute, Owens Valley Paiute, Chukchansi Yokuts and Western Mono. the fluidity of tribal borders and the complexity of cultural and linguistic identities through time and space would make precision impossible at the present time.
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