Yosemite National Park: Hetch Hetchy-Vernon Lake Loop
Enjoy the quiet trails and scenic views of Yosemite Valley's less-traveled twin on this 28.7-mile overnighter. Early season is marked by waterfalls surging with spring meltoff.
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PERMIT INFO: Backcountry camping permits are required by the Park Service. See nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm for the latest details and prices.
MORE INFO: Yosemite National Park, (209) 372-020; nps.gov/yose/
Trail Facts
- Distance: 43.2
Waypoints
YOS001
Location: 37.9480094909668, -119.788299560547
Cross O’Shaughnessy Dam; pass through Eleanor Tunnel
YOS002
Location: 37.9580192565918, -119.784599304199
L @ Y; hike through shaded switchbacks; views to E of Le Conte Point and Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River
YOS003
Location: 37.9628105163574, -119.79109954834
Stay R @ Y with Miguel Meadow Trail. Climb through pines; trail soon levels, winds through manzanita chaparral
YOS004
Location: 37.9885902404785, -119.787300109863
R @ T; pass through meadows of vibrant yellow monkeyflowers.
YOS005
Location: 37.9958992004394, -119.776702880859
4-way with Laurel Lake Trail (1.3-mi. sidetrip). Stay R toward Vernon Lake and pass through Beehive Meadow
YOS006
Location: 38.0032005310059, -119.758003234863
R @ Y with Moraine Ridge Trail. Begin Moraine Ridge ascent
YOS007
Location: 38.0057792663574, -119.749099731445
Navigate carefully; for next .5 mi., trail turns faint on rocky slope
YOS009
Location: 38.0161018371582, -119.721603393555
Superb lake campsite; rock slabs may make bearbagging difficult. Return to WPT #8, turn L to complete loop
YOS008
Location: 38.0114097595215, -119.732498168945
L @ T toward N end of lake and campsite
YOS010
Location: 38.0074501037598, -119.725898742676
Ascend more than 3 dozen grueling switchbacks into valley; head R off-trail about 75 ft. for wide-open views of Hetch Hetchy high country
YOS011
Location: 37.9731483459473, -119.690101623535
R @ T near petal-shaped lake in Tilltill Valley
YOS012
Location: 37.9567604064941, -119.711601257324
Trail heads S to base of steep bluffs. R @ T near Rancheria Falls campsite; spur trails lead to falls
YOS013
Location: 37.963550567627, -119.765998840332
Wapama Falls; relax on bridge and enjoy the cool, cascading mist.
YOS014
Location: 37.9579086303711, -119.784599304199
Turn L @ Beehive Trail toward dam; return to car
