See it Now: Take a photo drive to Hetch Hetchy
In 1870, naturalist John Muir called the Hetch Hetchy Valley "a wonderfully exact counterpart of the great Yosemite," but even the efforts of Muir and other preservationists failed to prevent construction of the O'Shaughnessy Dam here, drowning the valley and creating a reservoir that supplies drinking water to the San Francisco Bay area. Even today, some oppose its presence and try to have it removed. Read their viewpoint.
The half-hour drive to Hetch Hetchy from Hwy 120 begins outside the park boundaries. It passes Camp Mather, the construction camp for the O'Shaughnessey Dam, which - because the land is owned by the city - is now a San Francisco city park. From there, the road follows the Tuolumne River, curving above the Poopenaut Valley to a parking area and wilderness campground. For a casual visit to Hetch Hetchy, allow about 1.5 hours round trip from the main highway.
How did Hetch Hetchy get its name? It comes from the Yosemite-Mono Lake Paiute Indians, who lived in this valley before the first white men arrived in 1850.
Things to Do at Hetch Hetchy
At the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, visitors can walk across the dam and read interpretive signs which recount its history. Those with more energy can hike on several trails, ranging from 2 to 13 miles long. Because of its lower elevation, Hetch Hetchy has the park's longest hiking season.In spring, wildflowers bloom and Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls, two of North America's tallest, cascade into the lake. Wapama Falls is easily seen from the dam. Fishing is allowed year round at Hetch Hetchy, with a valid California fishing license.
Pets are allowed in the parking area only, on a leash, but cannot go on the trails or the dam.
Getting to Hetch Hetchy
The road to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir begins about a mile east of the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite, on CA Hwy 120. You'll travel several miles on a paved road before you reach the day use area. Much of this road is outside the national park, but you'll pass a Yosemite entrance before you get to the lake.Vehicles over 25 feet long are prohibited on the narrow, somewhat winding road to Hetch Hetchy
