Yosemite – September 25

Hetch Hetchy Valley and O’Shaughnessy Dam

To get to the Hetch Hetchy Valley we drive into the park, make a u-turn after the tunnel, and head north. You leave the park, drive a bit through the Stanislaus National Forest, and then back into Yosemite. The road is very scenic and twisty. The rocks turn a darker color along this route. At first we think it is basalt, but later decide that it is just darker granite. The trees also get shorter and denser. We see more manzanita in this area. There are also more campgrounds and cabins up here than I expected. The area isn’t supposed to have any facilities, but there are bathrooms and water is available. Also, there are picnic areas near the parking lot.

We walk over the top of the dam and take photos and read about the history of the dam. On the far side is a tunnel that is the start of our hike. Our plan is to hike out to Wapama Fall along the reservoir. This is a 5 mile round trip hike.

There are two waterfalls at the reservoir, but they are both dry. We hike in and find a shady spot with a view of the reservoir for a picnic lunch. A heat wave has hit CA today and this is a dry, hot and dusty trail (and so far it is just going uphill). If the falls were running it would be worth the work in the heat to see them up close. After lunch we decide to change plans and go back to the valley where it is cooler and check out Bridal Veil Falls.

It was a nice ride up here and we had spent a couple hours exploring the area around the dam. On the ride back we stop at an overlook for another view of the valley from the east. There is a nice display here showing what Half Dome looks like from several different viewing angles. We have been all over and seen most of them!

Bridal Veil Falls

We stopped at Bridal Veil Falls. This is a very short walk in – just ¼ mile. Because it is so short and close to the road it is packed! We’ve been spoiled being here all week and having most of the place to ourselves. Clearly this park is well used on the weekends! After getting some photos of the falls, we head back to our hotel to swim in the pool and relax in the hot tub. This has become our routine, and it is a great way to end a day of hiking or sitting in the car!

We have dinner in the Jackalope Lounge at the hotel and plan our next day. Tonight we will pack and head out tomorrow to Tuolumne Meadows, Tioga Pass and Mono Lake. We have rooms overlooking the lake for tomorrow night.

Go back to September 24 — Go forward to September 26