Hetch Hetchy to Lake Vernon Trail

The Hetch Hetchy to Lake Vernon Trail is a mountain route that follows granite ridges and valleys from O'Shaughnessy Dam toward a high alpine lake. The path winds through rocky terrain with significant elevation changes and passes through different forest zones as it climbs.

The trail starts at O'Shaughnessy Dam, completed in 1923 to create the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which provides water to the San Francisco Bay Area. This construction shaped the valley landscape that hikers see on the route today.

The route passes through territories where Miwok and Paiute peoples lived before the park was established, maintaining a strong connection to this mountain region. Today, walkers can explore these lands and sense the long history of Native American presence in the Sierra Nevada.

Overnight hikers need to obtain permits and carry bear canisters because black bears actively search for food in the area. Starting early in the day allows time to reach camp before dark, and weather can change quickly at higher elevations.

This area sits at lower elevations than many other Yosemite routes, allowing spring access several months before higher altitude trails become passable. Hikers often discover unexpected views of the reservoir and surrounding peaks that feel remote despite proximity to popular valleys.