Hetch Hetchy Hikes & Big Oak Flats

Big Oak Flat is a major entrance to Yosemite National Park, offering access to various areas, including Hetch Hetchy.

Hetch Hetchy Valley is a treasure worth visiting in all seasons. In spring, two of North America’s tallest waterfalls plummet spectacularly over thousand-foot granite cliffs. In the early spring through late fall, visitors have easy access to a vast wilderness filled with high-country lakes, streams, and wildlife. A rare snowy winter day gives adventuresome visitors a chance to explore on skis or snowshoes.

To get to Hetch Hetchy you must drive. The Hetch Hetchy parking lot is 38 miles (1 hour, 15 minutes) from Yosemite Valley. The Hetch Hetchy Road begins just outside of the park on Highway 120, near the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station. This road has seasonal hours corresponding roughly with daylight hours. There is no access to Hetch Hetchy trailheads when road is closed. There is no public transportation to Hetch Hetchy.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite is located in Hetch Hetchy, called Wapama Falls. Enjoy this video of Wapama Falls and it's magnificent power. There are several bridges that cross the falls and the best time to see them is in the Spring through June.

Easy Hikes

Wapama Falls is a five-mile, round-trip hike that follows the shoreline of the reservoir with moderate up and downhill hiking. The trail includes spectacular views of Tueeulala and Wapama Falls. To begin the trail, cross the dam and pass through the tunnel. Wapama Falls Directions to trail head: From California 120, a mile west of Big Oak Flat entrance station, take the Hetch Hetchy turnoff and follow Evergreen Road, then Hetch Hetchy Road 16 miles to its end at the parking lot above O'Shaughnessy Dam and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Travel through a 500-foot-long tunnel, emerging to join an old road that leads over gray pine-dotted slopes. A mile out, you'll reach a junction and head right (east) as the road gives way to a footpath. In another half mile, pass by seasonal Tueeulala Falls and in another half mile spot Wapama Falls, soon reached by winding trail.

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Moderate Hikes

The trail to Rancheria Falls continues past Wapama Fall and may be done as either a long day hike (13 miles round trip) or a backpacking trip. Along the way, hikers will see beautiful views of the valley and waterfalls. Backpackers can access Tiltill or Rancheria mountains and the vast northwest wilderness of Yosemite from the Rancheria area. Lookout Point Trail. Hike Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km) round trip. Trailhead Elevation: 4,750 feet (1,450 meters). Lookout Point Elevation: 5,280 feet (1,610 meters). Elevation Gain: 500 feet (150 meters). Hiking Time: 1-2 hours. The Lookout Point Trail begins at the entrance station. This two-mile hike involves moderate climbing and brings hikers to a rocky outcropping overlooking Hetch Hetchy.

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Strenous Hikes

Poopenaut Trail begins at a signed trailhead four miles past the entrance station. This strenuous 2.5-mile, round-trip hike to the Tuolumne River has 1,229 feet of elevation gain.
 
Smith Peak (7,751 feet) is the highest point in the area and offers outstanding views. It has two trailhead options. One route begins six miles beyond the entrance station. This trail is 13 miles round-trip with 3,700 feet elevation gain. The other route begins at the entrance station and is 16 miles round-trip with 3,300 feet of elevation gain. The Smith Peak trails can be used to access the Yosemite high country.

The Laurel/Vernon/Rancheria loop is a multi-day, 29-mile hike that includes spectacular views of Hetch Hetchy, beautiful high-Sierra lakes, and access to the park’s northern wilderness. The first four miles of this loop follow the old Lake Eleanor Road as it climbs out of the valley. This portion may also be done as a more strenuous 8-mile day hike.

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