hetch hetchy reservoir

RoseTroy3

You know you are in a different part of Yosemite before you even get to the entrance that comes complete with an armed guard. You pass rustic lodgings that just barely escaped the fires of 2014. Speaking of the fires, the fire damage is extensive in some parts of the drive to HH, thus the reason for the 4 rating. When you get to the actual dam, there isn't fire damage. Take the time to walk across the dam and read the educational plaques posted there. Also, at least go through the tunnel and see what is on the other side. Since it was Nov. and the falls were not flowing very well, we decided against hiking to them.

cal48boy

it is a big dam.and an engineering curiosity.but it should be West in the National Forest.plus this area is where you may run into lots of Rattlesnakes !!

majtie

Not many tourists go here so if you want to go to a nice quiet spot this is truly recommended! It's a big lake that is used as the water reservoir for San Francisco. It's surrounded by mountains, really idyllic!

TerrywHamilton

Walk across the dam and take a hike to two falls on the north shore. Since this dam will never be removed, I suggest that the national park should offer a boat trip around the lake. This would be especially nice for the differently abled.

urban_girlie

I visited Hetch Hetchy as a 12 year old in the early 80's. I remembered it well, as it was almost exactly as I'd remembered. I took my daughter who coincidentally was also 12 at the time. She loved exploring the dam, tunnel and peering over the side to the water below, which was pristine. It wasn't crowded so we were able to take our time and spend an hour or so. Fun, short excursion. I was surprised to see the burn pattern from the 2013 wildfire almost reached the water level in some areas. I'm glad there was no damage elsewhere. It looks like you can also camp there during warmer months, that would be fun too!

captrnice

Living in the bay area my whole ;ife I never got to see this area even though I have been near it many times worth the time

388robinw

Came here after Christmas. Very beautiful. We hiked to Wapama Falls. The hike feels longer than it is and is quite rocky. The waterfall was a wonderful reward.

peewhy

Although it is out of the way and quite a hike, it is well worth the trek. not at all crowded, don't try to fit it into a an itinery, yhis is a one stop journey. Take your time and enjoy.

sf1ladybug

this is a beautiful out of the way area of yosemite. the hike to the falls is wonderful. not crowded, pretty drive, a very nice day. it takes some time, so don't try to fit it into a lot of other stops. take your time and enjoy this quiet area of yosemite.

739DavidJ

This was close to my lodge and I decided to check it out early in the morning. Saw deer on the way out and the views were spectacular. Did witness some of the destruction of the recent forest fires but was still beautiful. The reservoir was incredibly beautiful and I learned that it supplies San Fran w/ most of its water, and some of the facts around how it came to be. Nice hikes

CaliforniaSJmom

Finally visited Hetch Hetchy after over 14 trips to Yosemite. Wow, should have done it sooner. You have to drive thru about 20 miles of burned out forests to get here which are not very scenic, but I still recommend this. The views of the domes/granite cliffs around Hetch Hetchy are almost as grand as Yosemite Valley. You can walk onto the dam and then cross it into a tunnel (which is lit) and take a hike around the far side of the reservoir. I wouldn't recommend this for someone on their first few visits to YNP (there is too much else to see) but maybe on their 4th or 5th visit, this would be on my list.

LindaB456

We visited on a misty morning. Crossed the dam wall and found the information signs very interesting as I knew nothing about its history.

dsegleau

Very scenic and very quiet. Not many people go out here. Great walk around the reservoir. Not a good choice in the winter or the heat of summer.

VMI70

Well worth a stop if just to see it and imagine what it was before it became San Francisco's water supply in the 1920's. Still a beautiful spot.

W5290GTdavidj

It was absolutely beautiful, The water, the cliffs, the falls... all worth the visit. GO! Enjoy the natural surroundings. Hike to the falls.