May 12, 2012
Hetch Hetchy Area
Total distance: 3.5 miles
Today’s hike took place in the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite National Park.
The trail was a maintenance road that veered off the O’Shaughnessy Dam and wove its way downhill to the valley floor.
There was a good view of the spillway from the top of the gravel road.
Colorful succulents adorned the rock wall that supported the parking area.
I walked in the hot sun the whole way and eventually came to a well-constructed bridge above the raging Tuolumne River.
After crossing, I continued walking to the road’s end and came to a gauging station. It was a pretty area filled with trees, grass, tiny wildflowers, and a beautiful view of Hetch Hetchy Dome, Kolana Rock and O’Shaughnessy Dam. Although the trail ended, I was not content to stop because I was hoping to reach the river.
Nature made a crude downhill trail to the water. As I descended, a red salamander darted out of the rocks. At the bottom, trees bordered the river. I found a heavenly spot for lunch, a sandy beach next to the lazy moving river.
I sat for a while before retracing my steps back…uphill all the way. What a grand day this was!
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 