In the spring and early summer, a moderately strenuous 5 mile round trip hike in the Hetch Hetchy region of Yosemite National Park rewards hikers with a thrilling experience of Wapama Falls.
Hiking to Wapama Falls in Yosemite National Park
Wapama Falls is a 1,400 foot (420 meter) tall waterfall plunging into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. In the spring and early summer when the snow pack is melting and water flow is at its peak, the waterfall thunders down, splashing and spraying over the bridges at its foot. Hikers will get very wet when crossing the bridges, and waterproof clothing is recommended for those who want to avoid getting drenched. The soaking may be welcome on hot days, however. The trail below the falls may be impassible early in the season in years when there is a large snow pack.
Wapama Falls flows into Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, created when Hetch Hetchy Valley was flooded by the construction of the O'Shaughnessy Dam on the Tuolumne River in 1923. Because it is a municipal water supply, no swimming or boating is allowed in the reservoir.
Beginning at O'Shaughnessy Dam, there is a moderately strenuous 2.5 mile trail to Wapama Falls. Much of the trail consists of large chunks of rock, and sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Wet rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, and there are also small streams that cross the trail early in the season. The weather is usually very hot in the summertime, but the trail is interspersed with shady areas. At the trail head, the elevation is 3,700 feet (1,120 meters) and the trail has an elevation gain of 200 feet (60 meters.) The hike takes 2 to 4 hours round trip.
Getting to Wapama Falls in Yosemite National Park
Located in the Hetch Hetchy region of Yosemite, Wapama Falls is less visited than some of the other areas of the park, such as Yosemite Valley, and consequently is less crowded during the peak season.
Wapama Falls is accessible from the Hetch Hetchy entrance station to Yosemite National Park, which can be reached from Evergreen Road off Highway 120. There is a $20 fee at the park entrance station, and the entrance ticket is good for 7 days. Year-long passes are also available for $40, and allow unlimited visits to the park. The park gate closes at 9 pm.
Free parking is available at O'Shaughnessy Dam. There is a small backpacking camp near the dam, and dozens of miles of hiking trails extend from the trail head. For those wishing to backpack, it is necessary to obtain a wilderness permit at the entrance station. Restrooms and water are available near the dam.
Sources:
Yosemite Hikes, Hetch Hetchy Wapama Falls Accessed June 30, 2010.
Yosemite National Park, National Park Service Accessed June 30, 2010.
Terrie Schultz - Terrie Schultz holds a BS in Biochemistry and an MA in Cell and Molecular Biology. She worked for many years in the biomedical field in ...
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