Rancheria Falls Trail
![](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Table of contents
The Rancheria Falls Trail is a must-add to your Yosemite hiking itinerary. Wander over the O’Shaughnessy Dam, through an eerie tunnel, and past not one, but four incredible cascades in Hetch Hetchy Valley. We love this trek, and we know you will too!
Route Description for Rancheria Falls Trail
Hiking the Rancheria Falls Trail is an exciting adventure. Wander through the diverse landscape as you make your way along the banks of the Tuolumne River that is bounded by impressive granite bluffs. As this trek travels over various terrain types, a sturdy pair of footwear is a must! Additionally, we encourage you to wear layers, as the path weaves between exposed and shaded sections. Note: the footbridges beneath Wapama Falls are known to get inundated by surging waters in the spring. Do not proceed if this is the case, as attempting to pass through the cascades has proven extremely dangerous in the past. Yosemite National Park also charges an entrance fee, so be sure to check out the NPS website for additional information.
Setting out from the trailhead at O’Shaughnessy Dam, track north along the path and over the dam that bounds Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Revel in the views of the shimmering waters flanked by granite walls and continue north through the tunnel—watch out for puddles! The path will redirect northeast to guide you along the banks of Tuolumne River, where you will pass the Tueeulala Falls. Soon, you will reach the famous Wapama Falls, where you will need to mind your footing on the slippery footbridges, taking care only to pass if the waters are not inundating the bridges. Admire the grandeur of the fall before continuing your trek.
Passing beneath Hetch Hetchy Dome, you will be rewarded with views of Kolana Rock. Eventually, you will pass over a small metal bridge to take in the sights of Tiltill Creek Cascades above. Follow the path southeast up to the Rancheria Falls Campsite and Rancheria Falls. Appreciate the scenery and, when you are ready, head back the way you came.
Getting to the Rancheria Falls Trail Trailhead
The Rancheria Falls Hike departs from the O’Shaughnessy Dam and Trailhead off Hetch Hetchy Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
Backcountry Camping, Wilderness Permit Required.
When to do:
March-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Rancheria Falls Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Cliff Lake via Dinkey Lakes Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cliff Lake via Dinkey Lakes Trail
Sierra National Forest
![Big Creek Railroad Grade Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Big Creek Railroad Grade Trail
Sierra National Forest
![Indian Pools Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Indian Pools Trail
Sierra National Forest
![Balsam Forebay Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Balsam Forebay Hike
Sierra National Forest
![Brewer Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Brewer Lake Trail
Sierra National Forest
![White Bark Vista Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
White Bark Vista Hike
Sierra National Forest
![Rancheria Falls Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Rancheria Falls Trail
Sierra National Forest
![Mount Tom Fire Lookout Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Mount Tom Fire Lookout Trail
Sierra National Forest
![Dinkey Lakes Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/US-CA-Sierra-National-Forest-Dinkey-Lakes-Trail-1709-633.jpg)
Dinkey Lakes Trail
Sierra National Forest
![Ely Mountain Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Ely Mountain Hike
Sierra National Forest
![George Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/US-CA-Sierra-National-Forest-George-Lake-Trail-1709-633.jpg)
George Lake Trail
Sierra National Forest
![Mono Hot Springs Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Mono Hot Springs Hike
Sierra National Forest