Wapama Falls Trail: A Must-Do Hike in Hetch Hetchy (2026)

Hiking the Wapama Falls Trail in Hetch Hetchy is a such an underrated thing to do in Yosemite National Park!

This part of the park does not get as much love as all the other parts, like Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, or Tuolumne Meadows. 🥲

But if you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded place to visit, then it’s probably a good thing!

In a nutshell, hiking the Wapama Falls Trail will take you across the O’Shaughnessy Dam, through a tunnel, alongside the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, and ending at the base of the stunning Wapama Falls.

The highlight, of course, is reaching Wapama Falls, where cascading water roars down over 1,300 feet, creating a refreshing mist perfect for cooling off after the hike. 😌

Get ready to experience the beauty of the Wapama Falls Trail in Hetch Hetchy with this detailed hiking guide!

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Wapama Falls Trail Stats and Map

Wapama Falls Trail Stats

Wapama Falls Trail Map

Wapama Falls Trailhead and Parking

Best Time to Hike Wapama Falls Trail

🌷Spring (March – May): Spring is the best time to hike to Wapama Falls. This period offers the most dramatic scenery, as the snowmelt feeds the waterfalls making them incredible and powerful.

Also, the weather is typically mild, making it perfect for hiking!

✨ READ THIS: Why You Should Visit Yosemite in May

☀️ Summer (June – August): Summer can be a great time to hike to Wapama Falls, though it comes with both advantages and challenges.

On the plus side, you’ll enjoy longer daylight hours, warm temperatures, and the valley in full bloom with vibrant wildflowers and abundant wildlife.

However, this trail is quite exposed to direct sunlight, and in the summer, this can lead to unsafe hiking conditions without the right precautions.

🥵 To ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure, here are some essential summer safety tips to keep in mind:

• Be sure to bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated, as dehydration can occur quickly in warm temperatures.
• Eat high-carb and salty snacks to help keep your energy levels up and replenish electrolytes.
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
• Try to hike during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
• Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
• Always listen to your body – if you start feeling dizzy, fatigued, or nauseous, take a rest and seek shelter from the heat.

🍂 Fall (September – November): This is a great time to visit Hetch Hetchy as the cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn colors make for a picturesque and peaceful experience.

However, for those hoping to see a powerful waterfall, this season will be less thrilling, as Wapama Falls’ volume reduces by this time of year.

☃️ Winter (December – February): Winter can be a beautiful time to hike the Wapama Falls Trail due to even fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and potential for snow.

Hetch Hetchy sits at just below 4,000 feet in elevation, so it does not see much snow accumulation in the winter months. However, the Hetch Hetchy Road may experience closures or require chains due to icy or snowy conditions.

For up-to-date information on road status, call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1). Also, you can check the current conditions HERE.

Wapama Falls Trail Directions

O’Shaughnessy Dam

Begin the hike by walking over the O’Shaughnessy Dam towards the tunnel.

Stop for a moment and admire the spectacular views from the dam.

On the right side of the dam, you can see Tueeulala Falls and Wapama Falls along with a prominent granite dome known as Kolana Rock.

Pass through the 500-foot-long tunnel then begin your hike towards Wapama Falls.

Wapama Falls Trail

Throughout the hike, you will have amazing views of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and surrounding granite peaks.

A portion of the hike will lead you through a shaded forest but much of it will be exposed to the sun.

In about a mile, you will reach a junction in the trail. Veer right to remain on the trail towards Wapama Falls. Only 1.6 miles left to go!

If you are hiking in late spring or early summer, you will see a few unnamed waterfalls flowing off the edges of the granite cliffs above.

During peak flow season, you may have to wade through ankle or knee-deep water to cross some sections of the trail.

Tueeulala Falls

One “named” waterfall that you will pass prior to reaching Wapama Falls is Tueeulala Falls.

Dropping nearly 900 feet, this waterfall is a beautiful site to see. But it’s best seen during the peak flow season.

My husband and I did this hike for the first time in August 2023 and Tueeulala Falls was looking a bit dried up.

As you continue along the trail, you will descend down a rocky section.

You may feel the mist of Wapama Falls. It will become stronger and stronger as you get closer.

Wapama Falls

The best part is coming up! You will walk across a long footbridge near the base of Wapama Falls.

Prepare to get either lightly rained on or completely drenched depending on what time of year it is.

During the peak run-off season, the waterfall may flow over the footbridge rather than under like usual. This can create hazardous conditions!

If it looks unsafe, do not cross. Sometimes portions of the trail may be closed due to unsafe conditions from intense water flow.

If it looks safe, then proceed cautiously along the footbridge.

You will catch different angles of Wapama Falls and more beautiful views of Hetch Hetchy.

If you are up for a challenge, continue past the footbridge towards Rancheria Falls which is a challenging 13-mile out-and-back hike.

If your plan was only to hike to Wapama Falls, then retrace your steps to return to the parking lot.

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

✨ READ THIS: Best Yosemite Waterfalls You Can’t Miss!

Tips for Hiking Wapama Falls Trail

1. Yosemite Entrance Fee and Reservations:

Entrance to Yosemite National Park costs $35 per vehicle for a 3-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free!

For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, for U.S. residents, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

FEE UPDATES! Beginning January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents (without an annual pass) will pay a $100 per person in addition to the standard entrance fee. The Annual Pass for non-US. residents will cost $250.

Reservations are not required at this time (updated March 28, 2026).

⚠️ You can visit Hetch Hetchy when it is open (sunrise to sunset) WITHOUT a reservation. But if you visit any other part of Yosemite National Park then you must acquire a reservation for the dates listed above. 

2. Start Early: Avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

3. Be Physically Prepared: The hike to Wapama Falls isn’t very challenging, but it’s always important to be well-prepared. Get into the habit of working out regularly. This will make hiking feel a lot easier!

4. Bugs: Summer brings an abundance of gnats and mosquitoes. Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize exposure and bring a mosquito net to protect your face and maintain your sanity.

5. Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Yosemite. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

🐻Note: bear spray is prohibited in Yosemite!

6. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.

What to Bring to Yosemite

🎟️ Entrance Pass – You will need to purchase an entrance pass once you reach the entrance station or you can buy the America the Beautiful Pass ahead of time and use that for the entire year.

📆 Reservation – Depending on when you plan to visit Yosemite, you may need a reservation.

👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!

Check out my favorite tops 👇

• Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
• Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
• Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
• Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. Make sure to also pack a waterproof rain jacket – I like the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.

🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.

Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇

• Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
• RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
• Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
• RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
• Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts

🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!

🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!

🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇

• Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
• Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
• Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack

🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!

❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.

🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.

🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.

🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.

🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.

💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.

🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.

🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.

🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.

🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, visiting Hetch Hetchy and hiking the Wapama Falls Trail should be on everyone’s Yosemite National Park itinerary!

With its stunning scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and incredible waterfalls, it’s a perfect escape from the busier trails of Yosemite Valley.

If this guide inspires you to hike to Wapama Falls, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!

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