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Hetch Hetchy and Wapama Falls Day Hike

Hetch Hetchy and Wapama Falls Day Hike

Trip Highlights:

Wapama Falls

O'Shaughnessy Dam

Wild Flowers

Kolana Rock

Tueeulala Falls

Tuolumne River

Hetch Hetchy is a place full of history. Prior to the dam construction in 1914, the Hetch Hetchy Valley was often compared in natural beauty to that of Yosemite Valley. Come see 19th and 20th century construction, the effects of water on an ecosystem, and this beautiful and lesser known Valley that John Muir called his favorite.

Over the course of the day, your guide will lead you on a hike from modern human construction to the natural beauty of the Earth. The tour begins at the O'Shaughnessy Dam, a dam that was an engineering marvel when it was built and has been raised since. From there you will pass through a large tunnel, accessing the trail as it wraps around the northern edge of the Hetch Hetchy Valley. This location was John Muir's favorite, even more than Yosemite Valley, but once construction began in 1919, water covered the valley floor, destroying the natural beauty in exchange for water and power for millions of residents in the bay area of California. The destination of the hike is Wapama Falls, a beautiful waterfall that spills out over a series of 3 bridges along the trail. This is an easy to moderate hiking tour that is great for families and hikers of all skill levels.

Hetch Hetchy offers an entirely new color palette to that of Yosemite Valley. In the spring you will experience rushing waterfalls and unique wildflowers. The water is deep and blue, the trees are a dull and calming green, and the rock is a dark and inspiring grey.

Offered: Year Round (Weather Permitting)

Due to a record setting snowpack this winter, be prepared for wet/muddy trails, and the possibility of stream/river crossings and/or walking on/crossing snow. Trekking poles will be provided. Also be prepared to experience Yosemite in unparalleled beauty as it comes to life after one of the wettest winter seasons on record. If seasonal access or trail conditions present issues, the tour/hike will be modified accordingly with the guide upon meeting and/or as needed, throughout your day of adventure. For more information and what to expect, see: Yosemite’s 2023 Snowpack & 2023 Summer Expectations.

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Availability:

Year Round (Weather Pending)

Duration:

6-8 Hours

Mileage & Difficulty:

5 Miles

Cost:

1-2 People: $600
3-4 People: $700
5+ People: $150-/Person

All Tours Are Private

Departs From:

Meeting Time:

9 am
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Hetch Hetchy and Wapama Falls Day Hike

Meeting Location: Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (O’Shaughnessy Dam Parking)

Over the course of the day, your guide will lead you on a hike from modern human construction to the natural beauty of the Earth. The tour begins at the O’Shaughnessy Dam, a dam that was an engineering marvel when it was built and has been raised since. From there you will pass through a large tunnel, accessing the trail as it wraps around the northern edge of the Hetch Hetchy Valley. This location was John Muir’s favorite, even more than Yosemite Valley, but once construction began in 1919, water covered the valley floor, destroying the natural beauty in exchange for water and power for millions of residents in the bay area of California. The destination of the hike is Wapama Falls, a beautiful waterfall that spills out over a series of 3 bridges along the trail. This is an easy to moderate hiking tour that is great for families and hikers of all skill levels.

Notes:

  • All tours are private.
  • Guide(s) carry first aid, water purification, toilet paper/trowel, sunscreen and bug repellent. Please plan to bring your own lunch, snacks, water bottles, etc.
    Should weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. You will be kept in contact throughout this process.

Join Us For A Guided Tour

Availability

Year Round (Weather Pending)
Book Now

#1 Rated Guide Service in the West

Half Dome in a Day participant, 2021
Half Dome in a Day participant, 2021
@481shaunc
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I did a private one-on-one hike with a guide to Half Dome. This was such an amazing experience! The guide was very knowledgeable regarding Yosemite, and I realized I wouldn't have completed it without the help of the guide. His expertise and calmness during the cables really enabled me to push through and complete this amazing hike!”
Day hike guest, 2021
Day hike guest, 2021
@farhanakazi67
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We were a group of 7 family members (ages 22-65 years old), for all of us was our first hiking/backpacking/camping experience. We all have such an amazing yet challenging experience, it was really worthy! Thank you so much to our guides Nicole and Jack for your cheers, your spirit, your cooking, your yoga time, your knowledge and for doing this family trip so great! We really enjoy it!!
Day hike guest, 2021
Day hike guest, 2021
@Lynsey F
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I booked a guided hike for Clouds Rest as I was unsuccessful in my ballot for Half Dome. My friend was unable to make it so I decided to book a guided hike for myself. From beginning to end, Lasting Adventures was great. They replied to me quickly, and my guide was excellent! He offered me hiking poles in case I hadn't taken any and had plenty other essentials on hand.
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