Hike to two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park. Located within the Hetch Hetchy area, this 13-mile out-and-back hike takes you to both Wapama Falls and Rancheria Falls. If you enjoy long day hikes then this is the perfect adventure for you!
The hike to Wapama Falls is unique because you can get really close to the base of the waterfall (while staying on the footbridges). The hike to Rancheria Falls is quite long but worth it. Not only are these waterfalls amazing, but the views along the entirety of the hike are spectacular!
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Know Before You Go
Entrance Pass
Entrance into Yosemite National Park is $35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the America the Beautiful Pass then you get in for free. If you don’t have an America the Beautiful Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase! It costs $80 for one whole year.
Reservations and Timed Entry
A reservation is required from 5 AM to 4 PM on some dates from April 13 through October 27, 2024.
- April 13 to June 30: weekends and holidays only
- July 1–August 16: daily
- August 17– October 27: weekends and holidays only
A reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park during the days described above. HOWEVER, Hetch Hetchy does NOT require a reservation!! You can visit Hetch Hetchy when it is open (sunrise to sunset) without a reservation.
Best Time to Go
During this time of year, please be careful when visiting Wapama Falls! Sometimes the water falling can be intense and make the bridge impassable and dangerous. Use common sense and be safe!
READ THIS: How to Visit Yosemite in May
Avoid the Yosemite Crowds
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in America. If you have visited before, then you will understand why. The entire place is beautiful! Absolutely breathtaking. Because of this everyone and their mom wants to visit. This results in big crowds, especially during peak season.
Although Hetch Hetchy is not as popular as Yosemite Valley, Mariposa Grove, or Glacier Point, it still can become very crowded later in the day. Plus, recreational outdoor activities, such as hiking, seem to be growing more and more popular. This is a great thing from the perspective of people enjoying nature and being more active. But if people are irresponsible (and don’t follow Leave No Trace), then it can be harmful.
Anyway, with that being said, if you want to visit Hetch Hetchy without major crowds, I recommend reading 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors.
Bears, Rattlesnakes, & Poison Oak
Black bears roam through Yosemite National Park. There is a possibility to encounter a bear during the day or night. Never feed them (or any type of wildlife) and do not approach! Always have your food stored properly and use a bear canister if backpacking in the wilderness.
Also, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes and poison oak!
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
I discuss more about the history of Hetch Hetchy and its reservoir later on. But here I just wanted to briefly yet strongly mention that swimming and boating are prohibited in the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. It is a clean water source for millions of residents of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
Hetch Hetchy
Hetch Hetchy is an underrated part of Yosemite National Park. It also has a controversial history. But before we get into its history, let me provide you with more general information about this beautiful area.
Hetch Hetchy is located in the northwestern part of Yosemite National Park, and it’s a little over an hour drive from Yosemite Valley. Drive through the Big Oak Flat Entrance and along the Hetch Hetchy Road. This road is quite windy (curvy), so any vehicles and/or trailers over 25 feet long and 8 feet wide are not allowed!
There is no public transportation to this area of the National Park. It is only accessible by car during its open hours (sunrise to sunset). The open hours are subject to change depending on the season, and the road leading to Hetch Hetchy may be closed during hazardous winter conditions. Check current conditions here.
Now, for some juicy details about the history of Hetch Hetchy. So, to make a long story short, Hetch Hetchy used to be a beautiful valley that was home to native people thousands of years ago. The native people of that area were known as Central Me-Wuk, Southern Sierra Miwuk, and Mono Lake Paiute. The name Hetch Hetchy comes from a Sierra Miwok word for a type of wild grass.
The Hetch Hetchy Valley was destroyed when a dam, known as the O’Shaughnessy Dam, was built over the Tuolumne River and the entire valley was flooded in the 1920s. The dam was created to supply water and power to millions of San Francisco Bay Area residents.
Despite the valley’s “short-lived” life, Hetch Hetchy is still a beautiful place, and worth visiting! Within Hetch Hetchy you will see beautiful waterfalls, granite mountains, and a diverse array of flora and fauna.
About the Trail
Location: Wapama Falls and Rancheria Falls are located in Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite National Park.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 13 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. (different resources say different things about the elevation gain ranging from 800 feet to 3000+ feet)
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 7 to 9 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of paved section, tunnel, rocks, rocky steps, footbridges.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead of Wapama and Rancheria Falls is located across the O’Shaughnessy Dam and on the other side of the tunnel. However, on Google Maps it will show the trailhead is at the beginning of the dam near the parking lot.
Does it really matter? I don’t think so. Anyway, there are two parking lots. One is located near the O’Shaughnessy Dam, and the other is located about a quarter mile away from the trailhead.
If you need to park in the first parking lot because the second parking lot is full, then you will have to drive around the loop for 1.5 miles to return back to the first parking lot.
Put this address in Google maps: Wapama And Rancheria Fall Trailhead, Groveland, CA 95321
Trail Directions
Walk over the O’Shuaghnessy Dam towards the tunnel.
Stop for a moment, look to the right, and admire the spectacular views from the dam. From here, you can see Tueeulala Falls and Wapama Falls along with a prominent granite dome known as Kolana Rock.
Pass through the 500-foot-long tunnel then begin your hike towards Wapama and Rancheria Falls. Throughout the hike you will have amazing views of Hetch Hetchy reservoir and the surrounding mountains. A small portion of the hike will lead you through shaded forest but much of it is exposed to the sun.
If hiking in the summer, don’t forget your sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and plenty of water!
In about a mile you will reach a junction in the trail. Veer right to remain on the trail towards Wapama and Rancheria Falls. In 1.6 miles, you will reach Wapama Falls.
If hiking in the spring or early summer, you will see a few unnamed waterfalls flowing off the edges of the mountains above. You may have to wade through water in order to cross some sections of the trail.
One “named” waterfall that you will pass prior to reaching Wapama Falls is known as Tueeulala Falls. Dropping nearly 900 feet, this waterfall is a beautiful site to see. But it’s best seen during the peak flow season. My husband and I did this hike in August 2023 and Tueeulala Falls was looking a bit dried up.
As you continue along the trail, you will descend down a rocky section. You will begin to feel the mist of Wapama Falls. The mist will become stronger and stronger as you get closer.
The best part is coming up. Next you will cross over footbridges near the base of Wapama Falls. Prepare to get either lightly rained on or completely drenched depending on what time of year you go.
During the peak run-off season, when waterfalls are raging, the water falling over the footbridges can create hazardous conditions. If it looks unsafe, do not cross. Sometimes portions of the trail may be closed due to unsafe conditions from intense water flow.
If conditions are safe, then proceed along the footbridges. You will catch different angles of Wapama Falls and more beautiful views of Hetch Hetchy.
Now it’s time for the real challenge! Continue past the footbridges towards Rancheria Falls which is about 4 miles away from Wapama Falls.
PRO TIP: Make sure you check the weather forecast prior to hiking this trail. Most of the trail is exposed to the sun, and combined with high temperatures can make for a dangerous situation. Always be prepared with plenty of water, salty snacks, and sun protection! And please know your limits!
You will hike through a few shady spots in the forest but most of the trail will be exposed to the sun. Continue over a footbridge and you will eventually reach another trail sign. Continue straight ahead.
Soon you will reach an open rocky area with views of the lower portion of Rancheria Falls. It almost looks like a fun natural waterslide! Not sure if it’s allowed to swim over there seeing as swimming isn’t allowed in the reservoir, and it may not even be safe. But regardless, looks like a good time… but also don’t do it!
Anyway, in a little while you will pass a campsite area. We walked through the empty campsites and saw quite a few beautiful spots. We might revisit this area in the future!
In about 0.5 miles, you will reach another footbridge which crosses right over Rancheria Falls! Yay, you made it!!
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Great Waterfall Hikes in Yosemite
Upper Yosemite Falls: Conquer this 7 mile out-and-back hike which takes you to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. Enjoy the rewarding and jaw-dropping views of Yosemite Valley. Be prepared as there is a lot of elevation gain (about 3,200 feet), and the slippery, rocky terrain adds to the challenge. However, this trail is worth every step! Once you reach the top, you’ll understand why.
Vernal Fall: Hike 1.5 miles via the Mist Trail one-way to reach Vernal Fall which is most beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park! Climb over 600 granite steps and feel the power (and mist) of Vernal Fall! Hopefully you will see a rainbow or two. The views from the top of Vernal Fall will leave you breathless!
Nevada Fall: Take the famous Mist Trail to see Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall then complete the loop via the John Muir Trail for a total of 6.5 miles and about 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Add this beautiful hike to your chasing-waterfalls-in-Yosemite bucket list!
Illilouette Falls: Hike along one of the most scenic trails in Yosemite National Park to a 370-foot waterfall. The Panorama Trail to Illilouette Fall offers stunning views of Yosemite Valley, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, and Half Dome. This trail is less trafficked as compared to other popular trails in Yosemite, so you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and quiet hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Chilnualna Falls: Hike to Yosemite’s most underrated waterfall known as Chilnualna Falls (pronounced “Chil-noo-al-na”). Located in the Wawona area of Yosemite National Park, this waterfall consists of 5 large cascades with the tallest one dropping 240 feet. The 8.2-mile out-and-back hike will take you through pine-dense forests, pass beautiful vistas, and offers spectacular views of Chilnualna Falls and its cascades.
Lower Yosemite Falls: Located in Yosemite Valley, this is a short 1-mile loop trail where you can get a closer look at Lower Yosemite Falls. The lower section of Yosemite Falls is 320-feet tall. It’s an easy 30-minute walk on a paved path. Very family friendly, dog-friendly (on leash), and wheelchair accessible (when not covered in snow – best time for wheelchair users is late-Spring and Summer). Bicycles are prohibited but bikes racks are located nearby.
Bridalveil Falls: This is a short 0.5 mile out-and-back trail located in Yosemite Valley. It’s an easy 20-minute hike on a paved path to this breathtaking waterfall. Marvel at this 620-foot waterfall.
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