May 17 - Hetch Hetchy (Yosemite National Park)

It's sunny and the final day of my trip.

Heading to Hetch Hetchy today. It's the less travel section of Yosemite National Park and contains a huge reservoir, waterfalls and hiking trail.

I have no idea what to expect today but I am planning on only travelling to the first waterfall (Tueeulala). Based on AllTrails, the waterfalls are running strong with lots of fast water (just like the valley). Reports by one says they made it 2 miles before turning around. The goal is Tueeulala Falls. If I have time to kill afterwards, I'll head to either Tulomne or Merced Grove as I want to start my way to SF around 12:00.

I started a bit later this morning (a bit after 7;30) just so I don't have time to kill.

It's down the same road as Carlon Falls so I know the 1st section really well. The rest of that road is curvy and narrow with lots of open country that varies for large pines to open meadows.

I see a small herd of deer on the drive.

It's about 16 miles until I reach the Park gate.

On entry the curvy road continues although the drop-offs are serious and the country is rocky and raw. Perhaps at one point there were pines that were downed in a forest fire but there are no stumps -- just pure and raw -- wonderful!

Rounding one bend, I see two waterfalls. The one must be Yosemite Falls and I'm not sure what the other could be. They are beautiful in the brief looks it get.

I see although herd of deer conveniently after a sign the said "Slow animals crossing".)

As I get closer, I can see the dam and that's when I realize those Falls are the ones I will be walking to shortly. Wow! (This is the O'Shaughnessy Dam built in 1915-1922)

I make a brief stop at the bathroom and then to the dam where I find parking easily. It took about 1 hour to get here.

I gear up and start towards the dam. Looking down I see the powerful 3 shoots of water coming from the dam and the incredible two rainbows in their mist. Awesome!

I reach the dam and take a look at the two waterfalls (Tueeulala and Wapama)

One more view of those rainbows before I enter the tunnel.

At the end of the dam is a few wets spots were I find Properitus Duskwing and Variable Checkerspot!!!

I enter the tunnel. The initial section is a big puddle and then it becomes just wet ground.

I reach the other side and start up the trail. The trail starts off relatively flat. And there are flowers Paintbrush, Lupine, etc) 

and lots of butterflies.

Along the trail I see: Properitus Duskwings, Variable Checkerspots, 

Northern Checkerspots, Mylitta Crescent, Spring Azure, Pale, Anise and Two-tailed Swallowtail, White, Orangetips, Ringlets, 

Orange Sulphur and CA Sister  (very excited about this one; saw it in 2 locations). 

I also find a huge pinecone.

I also see a couple of big lizards and a smaller lizard.

And a colorful moth.

There's also a nice "unnamed" waterfall to pass.

The trail starts to rise more until it comes to a trail intersection. Not sure which way to go and of course, despite having an unused map in my pocket, I choose the wrong trail. And it's uphill and going away from the Falls. I think I go a 1/4 mile before I realize my error and return. Unfortunately, the herds of people have caught up.

The trail remains flat for a bit and then it starts downhill and it's rocky and wet. Ugh, I have to climb all this again.

But there are butterflies - lots of butterflies - mostly Azures and Variable Checkerspots

I think we are near the Falls because I see water but it's just a smaller waterfall in volume not in height. 

I'm a bit disappointed.

I continue around another corner and there's flowing water across the trail. 

This is from unnamed waterfall #2.

A few steps farther is deeper water with rocks place for people to step across. Hmmmm!

I'm standing there debating what to do. I feel like I've already been out here long enough and I still have to get back to SF.

A backpacker guy is coming in the other direction and is standing in the water. He asks if I'm continuing I say I don't know. Then he tells me a bit up the trail is another water crossing and the water is about knee deep. Well that ends my day; no reason to continue. I'm so glad that guy was there.

I stop not too far from Tulme Falls. :(



I turn around and head back towards my car. 

When I return it's already 11am. No need to kill any time; it's time to head to SF as it'll take me an hour to get back to the highway. (It was a very long drive to SF. Lots of sitting or very slow traffic. But there were times I was moving. Just happy to be at the hotel!)

Awesome way to end my trip!!

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