Hetch Hetchy and Wapama Falls hike: private day tour

Walk the less-crowded side of Yosemite to two waterfalls and a dam

A private full-day hiking tour of Hetch Hetchy, a quieter section of Yosemite National Park, with a professional guide who carries first aid and water purification. You hike along the reservoir walls to reach Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls, pass the O'Shaughnessy Dam and other geological landmarks, and the guide points out natural history and features most visitors miss. Yosemite park entry, trekking poles and guide are included; you bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottles. The Yosemite entry gate fee is paid at arrival.

The Experience

What makes Hetch Hetchy different from the crowded valley floor is that most people never go there. This private hike takes you along the walls of the reservoir itself, walking toward Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls instead of viewing them from a distance. Your guide carries first aid, water purification and sunscreen, and will point out geological features like Kolana Rock and explain the natural history of the area as you move through it. The day runs eight hours, so there is time to move at a steady pace without rushing between stops.

The hike follows the reservoir shoreline, which means the terrain is set by the water's edge and the bridges that cross the waterfalls at their base. You will see the O'Shaughnessy Dam and other prominent features of the landscape. Trekking poles are provided to help with footing on the uneven ground. Because this is a private tour, the group size stays small and the guide can adjust the route if weather, fire or seasonal closures affect the planned itinerary — you will be kept in contact if that happens. Bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottles; the guide does not provide food.

The Yosemite Reservation Entry Document is included, which gets you into the park. The entry gate fee itself is paid when you arrive at the gate. Service animals are allowed on the hike. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for a full day of walking on uneven terrain.

What’s included

• Yosemite Reservation Entry Document.
• professional guide in English.
• trekking poles.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcome

Operated by Lasting Adventures

Is this one for you?This private tour suits hikers who want a full day in Yosemite without the valley crowds and have moderate fitness for eight hours of walking on uneven terrain. The small group size and guide's knowledge of lesser-seen features make it worth choosing if you want to move beyond the main attractions.

Top questions

What are Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls like when you reach them?

Wapama Falls and Tueeulala Falls are the two waterfalls you hike toward along the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. The hike takes you to the bridges that span the bottom of the waterfalls, so you walk directly to them rather than viewing from a distance. The guide will explain the geological features that created them.

How long does this hike take and what is the terrain like?

The full-day hike runs eight hours. The terrain follows the reservoir walls and shoreline, with uneven ground and bridges crossing the waterfalls. Trekking poles are provided to help with footing on the variable surface.

What do I need to bring, and what does the guide provide?

Bring your own lunch, snacks and water bottles for the day. The guide carries first aid, water purification, sunscreen and bug repellent, and provides trekking poles. You do not need to bring poles or emergency supplies.

Is the Yosemite park entry fee included in the tour price?

The Yosemite Reservation Entry Document is included, but the entry gate fee is paid separately when you arrive at the gate. The guide will have the reservation document with you.

What if weather or fire affects the planned route?

If weather, fire or delayed seasonal openings affect the itinerary, the guide will offer a different route and keep you in contact throughout the process so you know what to expect.

Can I bring a service animal on this hike?

Service animals are allowed on the Hetch Hetchy hike, so you can bring a certified service animal with you for the full day.