Things to do nearHetch Hetchy Reservoir

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir occupies a valley that John Muir once called the twin of Yosemite Valley, praising its polished granite domes, hanging meadows, and ribbon waterfalls. The valley was flooded in 1923 after a long political battle, when O'Shaughnessy Dam was completed to serve the water needs of San Francisco. That history lends the place a bittersweet quality that thoughtful visitors often feel as they walk across the dam and look out over the water.

The main trail follows the northern shore of the reservoir through oak woodland and chaparral before reaching Wapama Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls accessible by a relatively short hike in the park. Spring floods sometimes close the footbridges at the falls, so check conditions ahead of time.

Swimmers and boats are prohibited on the reservoir, keeping it pristine. Birding is excellent along the shoreline, and black bears, mule deer, and peregrine falcons are regularly spotted. Guided hikes through guided hikes programs in the broader park can add context to the geology and conservation history of this remarkable place.

Few corners of California offer this combination of dramatic scenery, genuine solitude, and ecological significance, making Hetch Hetchy Reservoir a destination that rewards the extra miles it takes to reach it.