Hetch Hetchy Trailhead — Attraction in Sonora

Possibly my favorite hike/attraction in all of Yosemite. It’s a bit out of the way and, when driving here, you might be able to play The Long And Winding Road (The Beatles) 47 times. For that reason, you are rewarded with more seclusion and thinner crowds. The dam itself is spectacular and I appreciate being able to walk across it and the adjacent tunnel that connects to the main trail. It has been said that before the dam, this valley rivaled Yosemite valley because of its beauty–and I believe it–this valley is still stunning today even with the reservoir. Regarding the trail, the first part is mostly flat, followed by some ups, downs, and really sweet rocky outcrops. The trail is long and ultimately connects to others, it is easy to make the experience however you like. The amazing views of the valley continue to change as you progress. In short, I highly recommend visiting this dam,...

Hetch Hetchy is a fabulous place to visit, and they say only 1% of park goers make it here. I've been many times. While it is magnificent year-round, to see its peak beauty, I'd go in late April to mid-May when the wildflowers are blooming and the waterfalls are roaring from the snowmelt. Temperatures here in the summer can reach well over 100 degrees with very little shade on the trail. Extreme temperatures on granite make it feel like hiking on a stove top. Always bring water!! More than you plan on using. You CANNOT go down to the lake at any point. It is closed off for fishing and human recreation. Enjoy, and read some of the history...

The hike to Wapama Falls was beautiful and the waterfall was a great payoff. The hike is moderate, with some inclines and declines, and a lot of area with uneven rocks to step over. It's 5 miles out and back, and for our crew of 9 aged 9 to 54, it took about 2 hours each way with stops.

Coming back we nearly bumped into a bear! We had to wait it out until he meandered away from the trail. That was a frightening end to an otherwise...