O'Shaughnessy Dam to Rancheria Falls via Hetch Hetchy Road
6.6 mi
Distance
2 hrs 56 min
Time
terrain
1,161 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult one way trail in Yosemite National Park.
This trail goes by O'Shaughnessy Dam and Wapama Falls.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
stars
Hiked 10/16/2020 from the dam to Rancheria Falls. GAIA tracking has odd data spike around Wapama which is incorrect. Almost seven miles from backpackers parking lot, one way. No water in Wapama Falls. Water wasn't available until Tiltill Creek footbridge; then a pretty stagnate pool of water to filter. Pretty much steady ascent to Wapama, then more elevation ascent past Wapama with manmade granite steps. There will be a point where the trail will descend to Tiltill Creek, the about a mile left to Rancheria, uphill and around. Rancheria Falls was great with little water flowing across the granite, but good flow for water source. Sunny, warm, bring extra water and sunscreen. Many photo opportunities so plan on a longer than planned hike, which the extra water and sunscreen and snacks is a must. Saw multiple bears between dam and Wapama falls. Check with Yosemite Rangers for water and wildlife updates. Great hike.
★
★
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Public Tracks
Hetch Hetchy Night Backpack 7.1 miles O/B
Nice easy trails to follow. This track only show the leg in.
Camping sites are a bit limited and you need to secure permits here.
Permit Request form print and Fax: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/wildpermitform.pdf
Permit info: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wpres.htm
Trailhead: #29 O'Shaughnessy Dam
Trailhead map here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/wildernesstrailheads.pdf
Parking: Trailhead parking is @ the Backpack camp about .5 miles from the Dam and is limited. Get there early.
Views: Hetch hetchy & Mountain Views
Crowed: Light to Moderate at the bottom falls
Difficulty 1-5 for relative distance: 2.5
Bike: No Bikes
Dogs: No Dogs
Cautions: Mosquitos, Poison Oak, Rattle Snakes, Falls
Hetch Hetchy, Rancheria Falls
Met the group at Hodgdon Meadows Campground Friday night. Saturday morning drove to My first backpacking with other people! Hetch Hetchy, and hiked along the north side of the reservoir to the Rancheria Falls; camped overnight and returned via the same route. Glorious weather, great hiking pals, excellent time. See more info and photos on the Meetup Group:http://www.meetup.com/the-other-original-bay-area-backpack-meetup/events/111950632/
