Wapama and Rancheria Falls Trailhead

The trail to Wapama and Rancheria Falls begins at O'Shaughnessy Dam

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Trailhead

Hetch Hetchy is home to a diverse array of plants and animals all times of year and is a great area for wildflowers in spring and early summer. Hetch Hetchy's relatively low elevation provides one of the longest hiking seasons in Yosemite.

The trail begins at the O'Shaughnessy Dam as hikers travel through a short tunnel blasted out of the granite. Beyond that, the trail skirts the shorelines of the reservoir with moderate up and downhill sections. The trail includes spectacular views of Tueeulala and Wapama Falls.

The trail to Rancheria Falls continues past Wapama Falls and may be done as either a long day hike (13 miles round trip) or a backpacking trip. Permits are required for all overnight hikes. Visit a wilderness center for more information.

Wapama Falls

Distance: 5 miles (8 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: 507 ft (155 m)
Time estimate: 2 hours

Rancheria Falls

Distance: 13.4 miles (21.4 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: 1909 ft (581 m)
Time estimate: 6 to 8 hours

Tips & Hours

Expect substantial mist from Wapama Falls in spring and early summer. By late summer, waterfalls in this area have typically slowed or dried out. Watch for rattlesnakes and poison oak in this area.

Pets are prohibited on all hiking trails. Swimming and boating are prohibited in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in order to maintain a clean source of drinking water.

Unlike other areas of Yosemite, the road to Hetch Hetchy is open from sunrise to sunset only. Hetch Hetchy trailheads are not reachable by vehicle when the road is closed.

From November through March, the Hetch Hetchy Road may be subject to closures or chain requirements due to ice and snow. Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) for current road conditions.