Hetch Hetchy

Rate this place

Parks

California

Nearby: Peter T Gill Memorial Park Oliver W. Jones Memorial Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hetch Hetchy is a valley located in Yosemite National Park in California.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is known for its stunning natural beauty, pristine wilderness, and abundant wildlife. There are many good reasons to visit, including hiking, camping, fishing, and sightseeing. The area is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including black bears, mountain lions, and bald eagles.

Some specific points of interest to see in Hetch Hetchy include the O’Shaughnessy Dam, which provides water and electricity to the city of San Francisco, and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which offers breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Other popular spots include the Tuolumne River, which winds through the valley and offers great opportunities for fishing and rafting, and the Wapama Falls, which are one of the tallest waterfalls in the park.

Interesting facts about Hetch Hetchy include that it was once a beautiful glacial valley, but was flooded in the early 20th century to create the reservoir. The flooding of the valley was a controversial decision, with some arguing that it was necessary for water resources, while others believed that it was a loss of a precious natural area.

The best time of year to visit Hetch Hetchy is during the summer months when the weather is mild, and the park is open for camping and hiking. However, visitors should be aware that the area can be crowded during peak season, and reservations for camping and lodging should be made well in advance. Overall, Hetch Hetchy offers a unique and memorable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References