US-Parks.com: America's National Parks and Road Trip Planning Find Your Park Road Trip Activities Nature

Yosemite National Park Hetch Hetchy Hiking

Wapama Falls

Difficulty: Moderate 2 to 4 hours

Roundtrip: 5 mi / 8 km No

Start: O'Shaugnessy Dam.

This easy trail will take you right to the bottom of Wapama Falls (and Tueeulala Falls in spring). Watch for rattlesnakes and poison oak!

Rancheria Falls

Difficulty: Moderate 8 to 10hours

Roundtrip: 13.4 mi / 21.4 km No

Start: O'Shaugnessy Dam.

This is a popular trail for overnighters but it makes for a good day hike as well. You will see Hetch Hetchy Valley from various perspectives.

Poopenaut Valley

Difficulty: Moderate 2 hours

Roundtrip: 3 mi / 4.8 km No

Start: Four miles from the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station (look for the small turnout on the right), along the Hetch Hetchy Road.

This trail provides quick access to the Tuolumne River, descending 1,229 feet (735 m) to the river below O'Shaugnessy Dam.

Smith Peak

Difficulty Roundtrip time distance Wheelchair accessible? Strenuous 6 hours

Roundtrip: 12.5 mi / 20 km No

Start: Hetch Hetchy Ranger Station.

This trail takes you through forest and meadow to Smith Peak, where you get great views of the Hetch Hetchy area.

Featured Outdoor Gear

$999.99
It's just you and the warble of a distant loon as you glide across calm waters in your Old Town Dirigo 120 Kayak. The...
Price subject to change | Available through Backcountry.com

National Park Spotlight
Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Featured Wildlife
Maine Puffins
Maine Puffins


Maine ocean islands provide the only nesting sites for Atlantic puffins in the United States. Eastern Egg Rock in the midcoast region, Seal Island and Matinicus Rock at the mouth of Penobscot Bay, and Machias Seal Island and Petit Manan Island off the downeast coast provide habitat for more than 4,000 puffins each summer.

Currently Viewing
Yosemite National Park Hetch Hetchy Hiking
Outdoor Gear
Featured National Parks
Popular Activities