June 3 2023
I went with my buddy Steven to his cabin in Groveland to help him check it out and fix a TV and before we headed back the next day we took the opportunity to check out Hetch Hetchy. It was the first time for both of us and we were excited for the hike.
We got up early so we could beat the crowds and we were both glad we did as when we were leaving there was a long line to get into the park.
Tueeulala Falls coming into view!
Tueeulala Falls and Wapama Falls flowing into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
It was a beautiful day at Hetch Hetchy and not a lot of people yet!
It looked as though they were all the way open letting water out of the dam. With such a large snowpack this year it should be like this for a while!
Once across the dam we had to go through a tunnel to start the trail to Wapama Falls.
Wilderness and Informational Signs once we exited the tunnel.
Eriophyllum lanatum, with the common names Common Woolly Sunflower, Oregon Sunshine and Golden Yarrow
Woolly Bear Caterpillar
Look at that view!!
It wasn't lying!
Looking back towards the Dam.
Tueeulala Falls
Kolana Rock
The views of Kolana Rock were fantastic.
So yeah the trail was a little flooded! It wasn't too bad to cross but very intimidating!
Where we just came from!
In between Tueeulala Falls and Wapama Falls
The mist from Wapama Falls
Wapama Falls Foot bridge. We only went to the end of the first footbridge as we were on a timeline to get back to Fresno and it looked a little rougher on the next footbridge.
It was such a great experience.
After having a snack and taking a bunch of pictures and videos we headed back.
Hetch Hetchy is such a wonderful and beautiful place. This is such a great alternative to Yosemite Valley when it is overcrowded, just make sure to get there early!
You can check out my YouTube video of this trip at https://www.youtube.com/@pathfinderwest/featured
Don Veatch
Pathfinder West