Why go
Cross O'Shaughnessy Dam first to understand how Hetch Hetchy Reservoir occupies the former valley floor, then follow the north shore toward Tueeulala Falls and Wapama Falls. Wapama is the realistic turnaround for many visitors; Rancheria Falls adds substantial distance and exposure. The route has little shade, no valley shuttle, and tightly controlled road access. Check the entrance hours, carry more water than a short map distance suggests, and reverse course when heat, spray, or afternoon weather makes the outer trail unwise.
The route, stop by stop
Times are planning estimates. Unknown visit durations start at an editable 30 minutes; access is checked separately.
- 01
Optional · – min
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
A long reservoir fills the glacial valley between granite walls in Yosemite's northwest corner. Use Hetch Hetchy Reservoir as a focused stop within its Yosemite corridor.
Explore Walk · 12 min · Estimated
02Optional · – min
O'Shaughnessy Dam
The dam walkway reveals both the reservoir and the deep Tuolumne River gorge downstream. Use O'Shaughnessy Dam as a focused stop within its Yosemite corridor.
ExploreWalk · 40 min · Estimated
03Optional · – min
Wapama Falls
The reservoir trail crosses footbridges close to a powerful seasonal waterfall on the north wall. Use Wapama Falls as a focused stop within its Yosemite corridor.
ExploreWalk · 16 min · Estimated
04Optional · – min
Tueeulala Falls
A slender seasonal fall drops beside Wapama Falls and is best read from the reservoir's north-shore trail. Use Tueeulala Falls as a focused stop within its Yosemite corridor.
ExploreWalk · 88 min · Estimated
05Optional · – min
Rancheria Falls
A long trail continues beyond Wapama to broad cascades in a quieter section of the Hetch Hetchy watershed. Use Rancheria Falls as a focused stop within its Yosemite corridor.
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