Hetch Hetchy

In the park's northwestern corner, Hetch Hetchy (which is Miwok for 'place of tall grass') gets the least amount of traffic yet sports waterfalls and granite cliffs that rival its famous counterparts in Yosemite Valley. The main difference is that Hetch Hetchy Valley is now filled with water, following a long political and environmental battle in the early 20th century. It's a lovely, quiet spot and well worth the 40-mile drive from Yosemite Valley, especially if you're tired of the avalanche of humanity rolling through that area.

The 8-mile long Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, its placid surface reflecting clouds and cliffs, stretches behind O'Shaughnessy Dam, site of a parking lot and trailheads. An easy 5.4-mile (round-trip) trail leads to the spectacular Tueeulala (twee-lala) and Wapama Falls, which each plummet more than 1000ft over fractured granite walls on the north shore of the reservoir. Hetch Hetchy Dome rises up in the distance. This hike is best in spring, when temperatures are moderate and wildflowers poke out everywhere. Bring bug spray and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, especially in summer.

There are no visitors services at Hetch Hetchy. The road is only open during daylight hours; specifics are posted at the Evergreen Rd turnoff. After hours the gate is locked in keeping with regulations set forth by the Department of Homeland Security, which considers O'Shaughnessy Dam a terrorist target.