Wapama Falls
Groveland, California
| Address: | Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, California, USA |
| GPS: |
37°56'47.3"N 119°47'14.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trail Length: | 4.60 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Intermediate |
| Elevation Gain: | 954 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 2.3 mi |
Lakes Rivers Waterfalls Streams Trails Rocks Wildflowers National Park
Backpack and Hike
A 5 mile hike along the shoreline of the Hetch Hetchy reservoir will take you to one of Yosemite's famous waterfalls. The hike to the fall is moderate, takes about 2.5-5 hours to complete and offers views of Tueeulala, mountains and the reservoir.
Wapama Falls currently stands at 1000 ft, but it was an extra 400 ft taller before the dam was built. Once the water raised from the dam, the bottom of Wapama Falls became engulfed into the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
This hike is one of the most engaging hikes in Yosemite. Walk over a bridge to cross the O'Shaughnessy Dam, go through a short tunnel, and prepare to get sprayed by the falls. Though the hike is along the reservoir, boating and swimming is not permitted, which adds to the solitude and peacefulness of the hike. There is a bridge at the bottom of Wapama Falls that offers different viewpoints of the falls, the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, and the O'Shaughnessy Dam, but it's possible for the water to get high enough to flow over the bridge after particularly wet winters.
Because of the power of the raging waters, Wapama Falls trail stays closed throughout the winter and early spring. Even once the trail is open, it is still possible the water may be too high, flooding the bridge and making it dangerous and impassable. Later in the season is the best time to visit because the water is low enough to make crossing the bridges and exploring the reservoir safe. The hike to see Wapama Falls is a relatively short trail that offers some of the most amazing views of a part of Yosemite few people take the time to visit.
More Information
Yosemite National Park Itinerary
This Yosemite National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yosemite National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yosemite-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinEasy Hike to Wapama Falls in Hetch Hetchy Valley
The valley has an iconic rock formation called Kolana Rock, and Wapama Falls which flows year-round, yet relatively few people visit this area of the park.
https://www.myyosemitepark.com/things-to-do/hiking-trails/hetch-hetchy-hike-wapama-falls/Wapama Falls Trail | Yosemite National Park | Hikespeak.com
Wapama Falls: trail description, photos, GPS map, and directions to a thousand-foot waterfall along Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park
https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/wapama-falls-hetch-hetchy-reservoir-yosemite/Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Groveland, California
- Head northeast on CA-120 E/Main St toward Back StContinue to follow CA-120 E(13.9 mi)
- Turn left onto Cherry Lake Rd/Forest Rte 1N07 (75 ft)
- Turn right to stay on Cherry Lake Rd/Forest Rte 1N07Continue to follow Forest Rte 1N07(5.3 mi)
- Slight right onto Forest Rte 1S02 (3.4 mi)
- Continue onto Mather Rd (381 ft)
- Continue straight (1.3 mi)
- Continue onto Forest Rte 1S02/Mather Rd (2.6 mi)
- Continue onto Hetch Hetchy Rd (1.6 mi)
- Continue onto Evergreen Rd (0.2 mi)
- Continue onto Hetch Hetchy Rd (2.6 mi)
- Continue onto Evergreen RdDestination will be on the right(4.9 mi)
Park at Hetch Hetchy, cross the dam and go through the tunnel to meet the trailhead.
Other Hiking Trails and Backpacking Trails Nearby
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Groveland, California
0.2 miles NEHetch Hetchy's longest hiking season in Yosemite leads across the O'Shaughnessy Dam to Wapama Falls, where you're nearly guaranteed to get sprayed — plus day hikes to Smith Peak at 7,751 feet.
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