Wapama And Rancheria Fall Trailhead — Attraction in Sonora

I highly recommend hiking the three miles to Wapama Falls (six miles round-trip). I would rate it as easy-moderate in difficulty, with some rather rocky, but not too steep, sections. Elevation gain is about 400-500 feet each way. This is an absolutely gorgeous hike. I went on an ideal day in early June - temps in the 70's with a breeze, tons of wildflowers and lots of water still flowing, especially at Wapama Falls, which is where I had one of the best waterfalls experiences I've ever had. The views of the Hetch Hetchy reservoir and surrounding mountains along the trail is simply spectacular. I was also surprised that the trail passes through a fantastic variety of mini-habitats, including Sierra meadows, small wooded areas, chaparral and smooth granite. Note: the trail starts at the dam and then goes through a very dark and wet tunnel that is about 500 feet long. After that, it's a classic Sierra mountain trail. Although it is located in Yosemite NP, you need to enter the Park through a completely different Park entrance from any of the ones you would use to go to Yosemite Valley or even Tioga Pass. The drive on Cherry Lake Road off of Highway 120, takes about 45 minutes (22 miles) to Hetch Hetchy. It's a pleasant, meandering mountain drive, on a newly re-paved road. The entrance to the Park is located about 3/4 of the distance to Hetch Hetchy from Highway 120. Normal Park...

If you don't like the crowds and want to go on a beautiful hike, with friends or with the family, this is your thing. The trail head is at the Hetch Hetchy dam. If you decide to go to Wapama Falls, the hike is moderate, around 5.5 miles round trip. It passes a smaller fall on the way, Tueeulala fall at around 3.5 miles from the dam. Tueeulala is a nice place to stop for a break. You can even use the slippery rocks to slide into the small pools of water. Some years the falls have much more water then others. During the hike, you might occasionally see rattle snakes in the summer and bears in the winter. Scenery is very nice.

It's a drive from the main Yosemite valley, but close by if you're in Camp Mather or the Evergreen lodge in Groveland. Overall, it's...

An amazing trail! Start atop the Hetch Hetchy Dam, then head through a cool tunnel before a moderately challenging trail. Beware of sun exposure during hot summer hours. There is a section of the trail that has almost no shade at all. The views of the reservoir and surrounding nature are breathtaking!

✅️ Waterfalls, granite walls, and a reservoir. Views are exceptional. ✅️ Trail is not too challenging. ✅️ Plenty of parking. ❌️ Plan your visit with the temperatures in mind - Hot summers/Cold winters 💡 Bring a change of clothes if you decide to dip in the base of the waterfalls....