Distance: 12.7 miles round trip on trail
Summit Elevation: 4706' (at Rancheria Falls)
Elevation Gain: 2719'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 2.1
Round trip time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Recommended water: 52 oz.
Parking/Fees: National Parks Fee $30 (1 car for 1 week)
Difficulty: Moderate
Our first day in the Hetch Hetchy part of Yosemite and Leisa's birthday hike. We drove in the night before and stayed at the Evergreen Lodge. It had been raining all week and was drizzling in the morning. The official chance of rain was 20%, usually my threshold for a hike of any distance. Temps were on the cool side, somewhere in the low 40s (F). We parked at O'Shaughnessey dam and walked over it, then through a lit tunnel through the mountain on the other side. The water was high, the clouds low and ominous. The trail followed the north shore of the reservoir, following a natural ramp above granite slabs. We passed an unnamed seasonal falls that splintered into multiple cascades and went over numerous streams. One crossing was over a rapid stream, 2' deep and 15' across. It was sketch enough that multiple parties avoided it and looked for a way around. There might have been a way around, but it may not have been easier. A wobbly rock in the center demanded attention, but we had no issues going out or coming back. Next was another seasonal fall, Tueeulala, a long ribbon of water pouring over the top of the cliffs. The trail then descended back to the reservoir where we met full fury of Wapama Falls. Several signs warned about the risk of going over the foot bridges in front of it, but the water did not come that close. The upper reaches of Wapama could only be seen from certain angles, but it erupted from a split in the rocks about half way up, spraying water in all directions. It was quite invigorating. We paused on the far side for snacks. Our ultimate goal was Rancheria Falls, another 4 miles from Wapama.
Once we passed Wapama, we only ran into a couple of dedicated parties. We made our way to the end of the reservoir while light showers kept us damp. We used the rain covers in our packs to keep our stuff dry, but were lacking ponchos for ourselves. We lost elevation again as we crossed another set of bridges. A final push up and we could hear the roar of Rancheria. The trail passed an overlook where we could see part of the falls, but we had another looping half mile to reach the top of Rancheria Falls. While not as thunderous as Wapama, Rancheria was still a display of power. Upstream, a log was caught in a short fall and could not escape. It got pushed 20' downstream only to be pulled back into the vortex. After some photos, we started back. The return was uneventful, though we met a lot of people on their way to Wapama and endured more light rain. It was a strong day of waterfall hunting in a less visited part of Yosemite. As an aside, the last few years, we've been buying annual national park passes for $80. With three trips per year, and we easily hit at least three, it pays for itself.
I remember going to Hetch Hetchy several years ago, and was gobsmacked at how beautiful that place is. There's a lot of controversy regarding the damming of the river to create the lake, but when you think about what Yosemite Valley has become, maybe damming the valley saved it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time! Neat to see all the water up there.
Mike Martin
Mike,
DeleteI've read a little of the history and how it became a water source for San Fran. It was less crowded than the Valley, but I can see why people make comparisons. Kolana Rock looks like the grand prize to me, but no trail.
Very cool. I've never been to that part of the park. I'll have to add it to the list.
ReplyDeleteIt was our first time there. I couldn't picture where it was until I looked at a map. Not a lot of cars, which is good because there is only one parking area by the dam and a few small turnouts.
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