Wapama Falls

Wapama Falls is a thundering cascade in the less-visited Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite, dropping approximately 1,100 feet down a granite cliff face into the reservoir below. The waterfall descends in multiple dramatic stages, with the main cascade visible for miles across the turquoise waters of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. During peak spring runoff, the volume of water is staggering, sending walls of spray across the footbridges at the base and creating a roar that can be heard from the dam.

The 5-mile round-trip hike from O'Shaughnessy Dam follows the north shore of the reservoir through a tunnel and along an exposed but well-maintained trail. Along the way, hikers pass the seasonal Tueeulala Falls before reaching the much larger Wapama Falls. The trail includes some moderate ups and downs with about 500 feet of total elevation gain. Two footbridges at the base of the falls provide dramatic close-up views, though they can be dangerously flooded during peak spring runoff and are occasionally closed.

Visit from April through June for peak flow. The Hetch Hetchy entrance is open from sunrise to sunset only, and the road closes each night. This quieter corner of Yosemite sees a fraction of the Valley's crowds, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more solitary waterfall experience. Watch for rattlesnakes on the sun-exposed sections of trail, and bring sun protection as shade is limited.