Yosemite's Secret Valley - Hetch Hetchy

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In the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park you can find the Hetch Hetchy Valley. This is a place considered by John Muir to be equal in beauty to Yosemite Valley. Then in 1913 legislation was passed to build the O'Shaughnessy dam in the valley to provide water to the city of San Francisco and the valley was buried under 300 feet of water.
Despite the addition of the reservoir almost a 100 years ago, Hetch Hetchy remains a beautiful part of Yosemite and has several fantastic hikes, including the Wapama Falls trail. Maybe even more appealing, Hetch Hetchy is normally far less crowded than the rest of the park, with the National Park Service estimating that less than 1% of the visitors to Yosemite travel to Hetch Hetchy. You don't even need a reservation to visit Hetch Hetchy, unlike the rest of Yosemite.
In this video we take a look at Hetch Hetchy, discuss its history, and talk about things to do when visiting.
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Опубликовано:

18 май 2021

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Комментарии : 191

@pengzheng9439 2 года назад

I’m from China. 11years ago my wife and I just got married. We flew to US and went to Yosemite for our honeymoon. I just showed my wife this video. It brings such a sweet memory back. Thank you for sharing this video.

@keithwinters3031 3 года назад

Went to Yosemite in 75. Great vid. Did't know about H.H. though. A lifetime trip from U.K. Rented a camper drove Cal. Ariz. Nev. Great outdoors of U.S.A....Take care everyone.

@meooowww3672 Год назад

Wow, I live in California and it is my dream to visit the U.K

@timenglert8998 Месяц назад

You make the best travel videos. Excellent camera work, interesting out of the way places, relevant history and backstories, and your narration is great. It's about the place, not about how cool you think you are or what you ate for breakfast. Keep up the good work, we appreciate your efforts.

@davidmontierth8258 2 года назад

San Francisco lied to get this dam and water, then failed completely to do the improvements in the agreement. To this day they still haven't made the new roads for access, or allowed recreation on the water. This is the only dam built in a National Park. The NPS should revoke San Francisco's right to the water.

@stevewilson3688 3 года назад

I flew over Hetch Hetchy the week before Mt St Helens erupted. The pilot pointed it out. Not only did I get to see Hetch Hetchy reservoir but we flew over Mt St Helens with a banked view into the pre-eruption crater. I drove back home from Washington on May 18, 1980 and saw the eruption. What a memory.

@Fort_Sed 2 года назад

Awesome memory!

@DreamcastQ 3 года назад

I'm from SD and my brother works at Yosemite, this is a great video, they say Hetch valley looked just like Yosemite valley before they flooded it...

@Dave_the_Dave 2 года назад

It's nice to think that someday that dam will crumble and the valley will be restored

@TheFarmanimalfriend Год назад

I have in Yosemite valley at least 150 times. I have never been to Hetch Hetchy - it would break my heart 💔. I hope they remove that dam. I would love to stand barefoot in meadow grass, look up at the ring, the reservoir left, and see it getting fainter.

@tm510a Год назад

Climbing in Yosemite Valley for years I can just imagine how many beautiful climbs are on all those granite walls never to be climbed......

@michaelclarke5495 Год назад

Great video! I backpacked from Hetch Hetchy to Lake Dorothy and back many years ago. A black bear checked me out while I was sleeping under the stars. The next morning he was still in my camp waiting for me to make breakfast! And no, I was not on the menu.

@nunyabizznizz7326 6 месяцев назад

ive watched your channel enough to subscribe, i also live in the southwest(lake havasu AZ) so you do stuff in my backyard that i havent seen...........thank you for posting that bridge under the falls was awesome

@lawrencebrandt8448 8 месяцев назад

its beautiful reminds me of glacier national park .

@Irish-Rose Год назад

I was there & I loved it. It’s been a few years , but I would love to go back. And stay at the Awanahee Hotel again. So beautiful

@heartstudio9130 2 года назад

I'm going to be working in Yosemite this summer, so I am so excited to find places like this!

@SidetrackAdventures 2 года назад

Working there for the summer sounds amazing. I'm sure you'll get to see so many amazing things. Have fun!

@andrewvazquez5277 2 года назад

How can I apply for something like that please send link if possible thank you

@jcornman24 Год назад

I'm so in love with Yosemite, I'll need to check out Hetch Hetchy next time I'm there

@thatplace1 Год назад

Thanks for taking me to that place🤠👍👍👍

@georgefrench1907 Год назад

I love that you take your beautiful family along on many of these adventures.👍

@mozart2jazz 7 месяцев назад

Loved this one - Thanks for sharing! I first learned about Hetch Hetchy and John Muir back in college, thanks to a CD I purchased at the time: The Wilderness Collection (featuring various Narada artists). "Lament for Hetch Hetchy" was the final track on the CD, and is an Irish-inspired ballad featuring a soulful violin melody, composed by Narada artist Alasdair Fraser. After viewing your video of it, I highly recommend giving it a listen. 🎻🎶

@daviddeking2676 2 года назад

When I lived in California, we would backpack to Laurel Lake going in through Hetch Hetchy. Thanks for your video, it brought back lots of memories...

@ajmksmsc2652 Год назад

Thank you for the informative video with acknowledgement to the controversy and necessity behind the construction of O'Shaughnessy.

@mixflip Год назад

I am going to put this on the bucket list.

@charlesyell6318 Год назад

From the look of the water line around the walls of the lake it looks like it is low. True.

@wafflesnfalafel1 Год назад

that looks really amazing - I knew about the history and influence over the formation of park service, but had no idea there was this gorgeous hike and it was so accessible.

@joepeach997 11 месяцев назад

So beautiful of a place, a gem off the beaten path!

@steveo601 2 года назад

Grew up at Camp Mather almost every summer starting around 1980. I’m 49 now but hiking around the reservoir is spectacular. Don’t live in CA anymore but I’ll get back someday

@richardricca8012 2 года назад

My late wife and I visited Yosemite Valley and '83 for the first time and for several years. In 1985 we decided to go see Hetch Hetchy, we walked across the damn. I don't remember the tunnel. I do remember how beautiful the valley looked and the trout fishing from one of the streams coming down from the dam. I really enjoyed your video of Hetch Hetchy and history.

@evertzander6924 5 месяцев назад

Beautiful 👏👍🇸🇪

@rica967 10 месяцев назад

Love your videos and your wife and son are fortunate to have you. A great sense of adventure. Thanks for sharing.

@faithford9143 3 года назад

This is the most beautiful video on RU-vid thank you so much for bringing it to us.and it is stunning

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Wow, thank you!

@fiveinitaly 2 года назад

Great share👍👍❤️👍 ciao from italia 🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹

@user-ew4qn1um2l Месяц назад

Wonderful video. I had never seen Hetch Hetchy close up before. Looks like it was a great day to make the hike!

@BackRoadsWest1 3 года назад

Great job on the video! We've visited Hetch Hetchy and hiked to the falls in the late '90s and your video made me feel like we went back. We produce videos like yours, so I can appreciate the effort you put into producing it. Again, great job.

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Thank you. We really appreciate it.

@ajmksmsc2652 Год назад

2022 traveller * no camping besides backpacking camping, or lodging. Campsites outside park and plenty of lodges * no reservation needed, only entrance fee. Road open 8 am - 5 pm * trailheads to Smith Peak (highest point) or pinpoint trail (2.5 mile hike to touolimine river) views from the road * parking area by Odhanasre Dam [include pictures] * amazing views from the West to the East *helped create National Park Service 1916- set a good precedent *end of path leads to tunnel- hike through the mountain! Well lit *Hetch Hetchy trail- 2.7 miles out & back Hike to Apollo trailhead (5.4 mi) * 47.5 mile hike to Yosemite valley!

@beverly9885 2 года назад

Nice hat! Go Padres! Thank you for this great video of Hetch Hetchy. I am unable to traverse the trails because I am wheelchair-bound, and this is the first time I’ve seen the waterfall. It was gorgeous. Thank you so very much for taking me along on your hike with you. Yosemite is my favorite place on earth!

@SidetrackAdventures 2 года назад

Thank you for watching! Yosemite is so beautiful. Can't wait to go back.

@danaandrews1961 9 месяцев назад

As always, a great video.

@CactusAtlas 3 года назад

Wow! Haven't been to Yosemite (YET!) but honestly did not know about this valley. Given the number of people who visit it seems like an ideal place for those seeking solitude from the usual crowds and offers so much. The view across the water is gorgeous and love all the history you provided too!

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Thank you. Yeah, I think because you can't access it from inside the rest of Yosemite a lot of people don't realize it is there.

@vilstef6988 2 года назад

This is a nice informative little film on Hatch Hetchy! Great visuals!

@jeffreysalomone6354 9 месяцев назад

What a beautiful place!

@trangoadvisory 3 года назад

I still remember the first time I saw this valley. I was flying my airplane between Southern California and Lake Tahoe. I was completely unaware of the valley and I thought I was over Yosemite but couldn't understand why I was flying over a giant reservoir. Thanks for a super informative video and you made me want to visit there on foot!

@kurtweiand7086 Год назад

Very good episode Steve 👏!

@Zyworski 2 года назад

I never knew about the tunnel, now I have something new for the bucket list.

@malcolmmoodie6512 27 дней назад

That was great , loved the waterfall

@RonnKnox-vs9jl Месяц назад

The "crowds" are really only in Yosemite Valley. Another great place to go in Yosemite where you can get away from the "crowds" is Tuolomne Meadows, the true high country with some amazing hikes among lakes, meadows, and alpine forest. There is even a Sierra Club cabin and some hot springs and mud pots!

@ehulsy 3 месяца назад

Great video on Hetch Hetchy! I visited twice in 2023.

@SidetrackAdventures 3 месяца назад

I bet the falls will be amazing this year with all the rain and snow this winter. I need to get back there.

@8188jlpc Год назад

There's some camping nearby, its dry camping so fortunately that eliminates slot of people that aren't equipped for that 👍

@chrislilly8657 3 года назад

Thank you for the vid... Getting me on my feet again

@archstanton_live 6 месяцев назад

If you have more time and strong legs, the backpacking trip from Tuolumne Meadows down the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River to the reservoir is most worthy and even more secret. Climbing out to White Wolf takes some effort, but it is worth it.

@bradyhunsberger 2 года назад

Yosemite is my favorite national park, so I was looking in the general area for some reservoirs that would give some cool views with water and found Hetch Hetchy. After watching this fantastic video, which really shows everything, I am definitely going to plan a visit. Thanks!

@slf994 2 года назад

Very cool, thanks

@fakealexstrong 3 года назад

Another banger 👊🏽 🎥 that tunnel and bridge were awesome! Would love to visit

@jclikespam7791 27 дней назад

Very beautiful area!

@damionsweet2847 2 года назад

Thanks for the video! I really miss it there!

@conniewojahn6445 2 года назад

Stunning! Understandable why John Muir and others tried to protect this area. Still needs to be protected. How long before water gets grabbed by other cities who've used up their water sources? I can't believe this pristine water will last long. Oh, and the trail - I'd say difficult at best due to the bridges, rocky pathways and steep drops. But then, I'm basically a flat lander and don't do hiking like I used to.

@josephalfonsoamantia7028 3 года назад

San Francisco gets their water directly from the Hetch Hetchy reservoir. That's why San Francisco has one of the best and cleanest tap water in the country.

@derek20la 2 года назад

They use the clean water to spray homeless poop off the sidewalks

@vanishingpoint5248 3 года назад

Another cool video brother. Passed HH whilst backpacking to Rancheria Falls, beautiful and peaceful!

@jerroldkazynski5480 3 года назад

I've taken my kids & grandkids there on day trips. The youngsters are awed by crossing the dam and comparing the view of the water-filled side with the canyon side. My last trip a few years ago showed the sad state of the surrounding forest caused by the guys who put the "goober" in gubernatorial! Plus, the drive in takes you through generations-long great land stewardship by local beef cattle ranching families.

@conniewojahn6445 11 месяцев назад

Your comment makes it sound like the ranchers are better stewards of the land than government which is suppose to be taking care of it. Too bad both groups can't do what's right together.

@benzlick 3 года назад

Wow! I'm definitely going to check this out!

@dougspindler4947 Год назад

Well done.

@bpark222 9 месяцев назад

I am fairly liberal and very environmentally concerned though not an environmentalist. Just saying that because when i lived in san Francisco i had many activist friends who went to rallies, protest, even a blockades against developments like dams and roads through wilderness who would get very quiet when hetch hetchy was mentioned which is why little moment has ever cone to the valley's restoration, so, you know, just saying. Aside from the politics, the video of wapama falls was great, brought back memories of my trip which is still the most stunning hike i've been on. Rancheria falls is pretty awesome to, and if you go in mid spring tueelala ( i know i messed that up) falls is amazing too, almost as strong ad the other two.

@Nick-wq2ph 4 месяца назад

Very well made video. Thank you!

@steveo601 2 года назад

Rancheria falls is the best.Horizontal so you can get in it to cool off. There is a pool that you can slide into. We would hike in and eat lunch at the falls then hike back. Was about 3 hours each way. Close to an all day hike but well worth it. Bring a lot of water. It catches up to you. Hot on that trail and your gaining elevation on the way out!!

@SidetrackAdventures 2 года назад

Next time I hope to make the hike out to Rancheria.

@kristymoore7052 2 года назад

I backpacked this past April to Rancherias Falls and it was miserable. Though you can see the reservoir and walk by the falls, there was NO access to water. Though every year is different and 2021 was dry, I had a very hard time in the 90 degree heat and didn’t expect the utter lack of water access. Carry water. A lot!

@janakachandrasekera39 2 года назад

I was in YNP last month. Your beautiful presentation wanted me to go there again. Thank you and keep up the good work.

@roaldyboy 2 года назад

Beautiful day! Thanks for sharing, My buddies and I used to camp up there in the early 80’s, not really any rangers or anyone to monitor things so as long as your careful and considerate to nature it’s no problem really!

@jamespatterson7780 2 года назад

I hiked from Hetch Hetchy to Lake Vernon in 1980 with my 14 year old brother to camp overnight. Called my wife the next day after we found a phone booth to tell her about our experience, and she told me that she was pregnant with our first daughter (determined later). That ended the camping trip. Still remember the beauty of that area.

@conniewojahn6445 11 месяцев назад

@@jamespatterson7780 She told you while on the phone? Seems odd she didn't wait to tell you such a momentous announcement in person so you could enjoy together.

@mmontero15 2 года назад

Awesome video! Thank you. Checking it out next time i visit

@praiserdusty 3 года назад

Seriously the best informative video you've made in an area almost no one know about. But omg those views.

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Thank you. Yeah, its such a beautiful place. I don't think the video does it justice.

@arizonamodelshop2512 3 года назад

I was there during the Rim Fire 2013, Put alot of fire on the ground below the dam to protect structures down there and put alot of fire on the road leading into the dam. Looks like its recovering nicely.

@DHRStreetSpeed 3 года назад

Great channel - watch every vid!

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Thank you. We really appreciate it.

@stevearita3267 2 года назад

Hello, just found your channel and subscribed. Thank you for doing this video, I visit Yosemite all the time (at least 3-4 times a year in the spring and particularly in the fall), but never have visited Hetch Hetchy...the hike to the falls was very interesting and now I want to do it! Thank you again!

@SidetrackAdventures 2 года назад

Thanks for the sub! If you get the chance you should definitely check out Hetch Hetchy,.

@ruthkent7190 2 года назад

Thank you.

@TenMinuteTrips 3 года назад

I took a tour group up here when I drove charter buses in the ‘80s. I hiked as far as the waterfall and back. I think I would have like to keep going longer but had to return to the bus ahead of the group. Visitors to Yosemite should definitely put this on their list for a side trip, as well as taking SR-120 (when open) toward US-395.

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

SR-120 is amazing. That is my favorite way to get into the park, especially since I enjoy driving up the 395 from Southern California more than the 5/99.

@danielnorman8595 2 года назад

That is a really pretty valley I've done the hike from tuolumne meadows down to hetch hetchy and then up to whitewolf. That hike up to white wolf he's a killer. LOL

@SunnyWu Год назад

The open times vary seasonally actually, so it doesn't always close at 5PM.

@onipepperonni2088 2 года назад

thank you

@josejojoveslino4936 2 года назад

Thank you for sharing your videos. We were there on July of 2018. It was a lifetime experienced plus we did see a brown bear on the way to the falls and back. Definitely must see if you are in Yosemite.

@SidetrackAdventures 2 года назад

Wow, bears avoid me I think, I haven't seen one in Yosemite in a long time.

@sfe 2 года назад

Great Job on the video. Very informative and beautiful shots. Stayin at Rush Creek and headed to Hetchy in a couple days.

@SidetrackAdventures 2 года назад

Have fun! Its a great time of year to visit.

@dickspade7045 3 года назад

thanks for taking me along on this great hike. Your filming is very professional & the narrative just right. I hope to follow in your foot steps before I get any more advance in maturity.

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Thank you for the kind words.

@griselluna368 3 года назад

Wow I'm loving all these adventures! Now I want to go to this valley. Thanks for the video, you always do such a great job.

@wrightgregson9761 2 года назад

nice narration--informative and human-sounding!!! (no computer generated speech. )

@markmoreno7295 2 года назад

I did not see any bathrooms on the trail. There is one before you cross the dam. Since it is a drinking water reservoir the rangers patrol to make sure no one “anoints” the trail. Otherwise it is a must see hike to the falls.

@ldd7525 3 года назад

Another fantastic piece of work. Great shots. Informative.

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Thank you.

@jimschafer9196 3 года назад

Grate day trip thank you.

@elliswoodall407 11 месяцев назад

Cool hike

@tagon 3 года назад

Great video, you always do such a great job with them! Thanks for taking us a long in your adventures!!

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Thank you, glad you like them!

@birdman5223 11 месяцев назад

❤ your content👍👍

@SidetrackAdventures 11 месяцев назад

Thanks, I appreciate it.

@JoeStaehle 2 года назад

What sucks is when I went to Yosemite all of those areas were closed from winter damage and I went in June

@kevinconrad6156 3 года назад

You should do S-24 from Winterhaven to US95 in AZ. Date farms, date shakes, Imperial Dam, Army proving grounds and some armored vehicles in a roadside park.

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Will be in that area pretty soon, as we were already starting to plan a US95 video. Will definitely look into S-24. Thank you for the suggestion.

@notchboy 3 года назад

Excellent vid. You have gotten better on your editing. Very well done sir. Keep up the good work. See you in San Diego.

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Thank you, I appreciate it.

@tiphill4957 2 года назад

Cool video👍😎

@oneeyedjack8525 3 года назад

Great video. You really do a good job. Are you a Sandy eggo boy? I live on the east coast and this is the reason I became a truck driver to see this great country of ours. I spent 30 years out there. Love the western states, but I got a long way to go to get there. Retired now,And wish to fly out there to see the places I missed ,like the places you video. Am a subscriber to your channel, hope you can keep them coming.

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Yes, born and raised in San Diego. Thank you for subscribing.

@MichaelTitera Год назад

Hetch Hetchy is beautiful! Why is it named Hetch Hetchy? Is boating and/or fishing allowed? Great video and kudos to your family on taking the hike!

@pameladutton9076 Год назад

I was there on a fire about 15 years ago and was told that since it's the water source for the city of San Francisco no water sports of any kind were allowed on Hetch Hetchy

@markthompson7727 3 года назад

Ya gotta get out of the “Disneyland” valley and explore the high country to truly appreciate Yosemite!

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

Agreed. Its crazy how crowded Yosemite Valley gets.

@Hkanox4 2 года назад

I just barely went to the first time last week. Im exploring Disneyland before i venture out

@Corgis175 Год назад

I've been to Hetch Hetchy.

@m8trxd Год назад

Lived in SF for years and let me tell ya..... best tap water in the world.

@elsupremo3651 11 месяцев назад

Vienna Austria tap water is cold and delicious

@jamesdickinson1397 Год назад

I just watched this and it is a very nice video. I enjoy all of your videos as you have good filming technics and great knowledgeable narration. Very professional. I lived in San Diego for about 7 1/2 years and now the last 22 years in Temecula so most of your videos are very relevant to me and therefore I will want to visit some of these places. Your videos have made me realize how much I have not seen in So Cal. Since your videos are so good I may not have to go to some of these places. 🙂 I have been to Yosemite several times but never to this place. Now I have to go even though I am not in the best of shape anymore and I too will no doubt turn back where you did. Yosemite was a very busy place every time I have been but this spot seems like my kind of place to go. Quiet and peaceful. Thanks again and keep these videos coming. Jim

@SidetrackAdventures Год назад

Thank you, we really appreciate it. Hetch Hetchy is definitely the place to go in Yosemite to avoid the crowds.

@gohome678 6 месяцев назад

I've known this since the 60s

@HauntedHarmonics 3 года назад

great video man! i just found your channel, love that you’re exploring some of CAs lesser known landmarks and natural wonders. btw, have you heard of Cerro Gordo CA? It’s an old ghost town just outside of the town of independence. would love to see you do a video on it. the current owner Brett has a popular youtube channel of his own, and i’m sure he’d be willing to give you a tour and a history lesson if you went up there to visit. it’d probably help boost your sub count quite a bit too!

@SidetrackAdventures 3 года назад

I actually watch all his videos! Such a cool story. Would love to visit someday.

@714amit 2 года назад

@@SidetrackAdventures story is cool but... thats all, try to go meet him and see

@peternicola7622 Год назад

Great video! Where are the nearest shops and restaurants then?

@SidetrackAdventures Год назад

The lodge in the video is the closest place to buy food or do any shopping. Its not too far from the entrance.

@matty_w 3 года назад

Generally speaking, I find that federal facilities, including campsites, are far better than CA State Parks facilities.

@Robert-fs1pb 2 месяца назад

In the sixties when i was a babymy uncle who raised me.worked on Hetch-Hetchy dam.we stayed at camp Mather.and in the night time the blackbears use to come to the camp ground and look at me and my baby sister and my uncle would scare them off with pots and pans .Every night when they would come to raid the camp sites.