Backpack to Rancheria Falls

John Muir held the Hetch Hetchy Valley to the same standards of beauty as Yosemite. He fought to preserve the land, but lost and the valley was filled and became what is now the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir which provides San Francisco and the surrounding bay area with much of its water. This area boasts excellent views and trails as an escape from the bustling tourists of Yosemite.

Beginning at O'Shaugnessey Dam, the trail to Rancheria Falls loops around the northern side of the reservoir. There are a few waterfalls along the way and breathtaking views of enormous granite walls. There is a space designated for camping off the trail on the right just near Rancheria Falls. The falls themselves are spectacular. I went in late summer and the falls were not flowing much at all. At first we were a little bummed, but as we continued to explore the falls we found that this decreased flow created small pools along the stream as the waterfall descended. We were able to do some awesome cliff jumping into the pools and take in the view of the entire valley.