DESTINATION Hetch Hetchy Reservoir Waterfalls 1 Photoset
2016-05-26 | |
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| Backpack | 33.04 Miles |
8,025 AEG |
| | Backpack | 33.04 Miles | 3 Days 13 Hrs 42 Mns | | |
| 8,025 ft AEG | | 45 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | I got to the Mather Ranger Station on Wednesday to obtain my permit for Thursday 5/26-5/28. Stayed in the backpackers campground Wed nite. Thursday AM I left the Hetch Hetchy Dam at about 7AM. Made it to Rancheria Falls about 2pm- the Trail was well traveled, the falls were booming and the footbridges were clear of water. There were plenty of campsites at Rancheria falls. Mosquitos were noticeable but not unmanageable. Day two- on to Vernon Lake. Day two- getting out of camp was a bit troublesome. It took me about 15 minutes to find the trail to Tiltill Valley. Once on the trail the hike was a moderate climb to Tiltell Valley. The valley was a bit muddy for about 100 yards. One creek crossing, lunch and water refill then it was time to Ascend Mount Gibson. That climb lasted most of the afternoon. It was difficult but being that it was nestled in the pines it was a bit easy on the legs. Once I summit-ed Mt Gibson I was met with just a trace of snow for about 50 yards. the trail was still well traveled and an easy find. Then the decent into vernon lake. Absolutely beautiful. The switchbacks down were all granite stairs. It took me about 10 hours to hike from Rancheria to Lake vernon. about 7.5 miles. I pushed it while a couple that left behind me decided to camp ontop of Mt Gibson. Vernon Lake- took a zero day, fished a bit- No Luck. The campsites were all really nice. Either on granite or sand. The next day my plan was to hike to Laurel Lake but was told by some hikers that it was very muddy and Frog Creek was a difficult crossing. So I opted to skip the lake and just take it easy and camp in Behive Meadow. I reached Behive meadow in no time and was faced with the decision to camp or push it back to the dam. 10 miles. I pushed it and made great time since most if this hike was all downhill. It took me about 10 hours to hike out from Lake Vernon.
I had my doberman Zeus ( service dog) and he enjoyed this trip as well. There are no dogs allowed in Yosemite so unless you have a service dog leave fido home. The ranger was really cool she just asked if he was a service dog and a head shake yes was all she needed.
Bear canisters are a must and fires are allowed.
I thought this was a good loop- at first I thought I should have went the opposite route but the downhill hike on the way out was super easy.
the last leg from Beehive meadow to the dam is actually an old logging road so it was pretty easy. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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