The park ranger from the other day said that if we did not want to be around a lot of people, then a visit to Hetch Hetchy Valley would be a great way to spend a day. Hike around the O'Shaughnessy Dam, continue on to Tueeulala Falls and the Wapama Falls. Considered a moderate hike, some parts a little strenuous, but a nice hike.
We drove around the outside of the park, through the area where gold was discovered back in 1849. Through little towns, very scenic. Passed down into the Merced Valley and was a very steep, twisty road - glad we traveled it now - was going to drive this way when we leave the Coarsegold area. Phew!!!
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| Drove through the Gold Rush area of California |
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| Bridge over Merced River |
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How did the miners from 1849 Gold Rush time know that gold was in them thar hills?? Drove up and down through the mountains, in and out of small towns where the theme is still going on - miners this, gold rush that. Very cutesy towns. And thriving. Came across the John Muir Trail and followed it into the northern entrance to Yosemite, past the devastation of the Rim Fire.
After almost 2 hours of driving came into the entrance to the Hetch Hetchy Valley area. Again, very very narrow road to get into the Dam and hiking area. Wow! Was I blown away with the vista views. John Muir was right - this is a pristine area and he did not want a dam to be built to destroy the Hetch Hetchy valley - just so beautiful. But, he and the Sierra Club and advocates lost the battle. After the San Francisco earthquake and fires, seemed public opinion wanted this water more than the beauty of the valley.
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| Almost there! |
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| Our first glimpse of the Dam and Reservoir |
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| Got to be careful! |
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| Standing on dam, see waterfalls in distance? |
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| Tueeulala Falls on left and Wapama Falls on right |
We took our time and read the informational signs on top of the dam, then traveled through the tunnel, and off we trekked to the water falls. Only - I had to stop us after traveling almost 2 miles - I just could not go on any further, knowing that we had to come back. The trail was pretty rugged at times, through small streams of water that was flowing down into the reservoir from waterfalls above, through forest, then rocks, up and down. Nice, but I could not go on. Suffice to say, it was still beautiful. The Tueeulala Falls will dry up within a month, it only drains snow melt from a small area where the Wapama Falls will continue throughout the year. We are here at the right time!
By the time we got back to the car, we had hiked 5 1/2 miles. A new record for me. My left foot (metal implant in foot 2 years ago) was killing me. I was limping by the time we got back. My foot will never be 100% (has not been good for over 30 years). Normal every day walking - I feel it - but I ignore the discomfort knowing its a short distance. Need to build up my endurance to pain for the long haul so I can do longer walks/hikes.
On our way back, decided to drive into the park from the north west, the El Portal entrance, and drive back into the park and home. Stopped at the viewing point for Half Dome and saw Bridalveil Falls below it. Looked like a postcard - majestic!
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| Was really hard to see inside the tunnel - dodged water big time! |
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| Waterfalls galore, draining off the top and down to reservoir |
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| This part of path was not nice |
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| Path wandered in and out of rocks and woods and brush |
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| Snow capped mountains that feed the reservoir |
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| Made it almost to base of first waterfall, sigh. |
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| Half Dome in background |
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| Bridalveil falls and Merced River |
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