Hetch Hetchy

The Miwoks called the valley “hatchhatchie”, which translates as “edible grasses”, and inhabited the valley for about 4,000 years before the arrival of the white man. In the late 1800s, Americans viewed wilderness as something to conquer and natural resources as infinite. John Muir considered the valley of Hetch Hetchy to be at least as beautiful as that of Yosemite, and he fought hard to keep it from being inundated, but the need of San Francisco for water (and hydroelectric power) was found to outweigh the need for wild beauty.

It is possible, however, to catch a glimpse of what the valley must have been like if you drive north from Yosemite Valley for about an hour and a quarter, reaching a part of Yosemite National Park that is much less known (and a lot less crowded) than Yosemite Valley and its surrounding high country. And unlike Yosemite Valley, there are no roads to allow you to drive around Hetch Hetchy – you must park and hike.

From the dam you can see walls of granite on the north side of the reservoir that are very reminiscent of El Capitan with Hetch Hetchy Dome on the north eastern end and two of the highest waterfalls in North America – Tueeulala, which reminds me of Bridal Veil, and Wapama, similar to Yosemite Falls.

Kolana Rock on the south side faces the dome.

Leaning over the parapet on the west side of the dam, you can see the water cascading from the outlets and the resulting rainbow.

Cross over the dam and walk through the tunnel at its north end so you can hike around the north side of the reservoir. In April of this year there was a lot of water along the trail, cascading down the granite

The water supports small communities of plants

I have no idea what this orange plant is, but it certainly was photogenic!

We found ceanothus in bloom – those in this area are white, unlike the ones with whom we are more familiar, which are purple or lavender. (It’s commonly known as “California lilac.”)

The trail was pretty rocky, and steep in some places.

We found maple trees beginning to leaf out and bloom (didn’t know they bloom!)

And, in a section of granite that was covered with a thin film of water, there were amazing plants….

If you decide to go after reading this post, here are some tips: CARRY lots of WATER – once you are on the trail there are no drinking fountains! Wear a hat and sunscreen, and know that there is very little shade. And finally, if you are old like me, bring your hiking poles. Some of the stones in the path are loose, and in some sections the trail is quite steep. But be sure to go next time you are in Yosemite National Park – it is well worth the drive and the hike.

Mary

Written in Yosemite 4/19, posted from home 9/10/19