Hetch Hetchy Trailhead

Hetch Hetchy Trailhead

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Trailhead

Get a bird's-eye view of the Hetch Hetchy area from one of two day hiking destinations, Lookout Point or Smith Peak. Hetch Hetchy's relatively low elevation provides one of the longest hiking seasons in Yosemite.

Lookout Point

The Lookout Point trail is a two-mile hike with moderate elevation change. The trail leads to a rocky outcropping overlooking Hetch Hetchy.

Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: 680 ft (207 m)
Time estimate: 1 hour

Smith Peak

The Smith Peak (7,751 feet) trail takes you through forest and meadow to the highest point in the area and offers outstanding views of the Hetch Hetchy area. The Smith Peak trails can be used to access the Yosemite high country. Permits are required for all overnight hikes. Visit a wilderness center for more information.

Distance: 13.5 miles (21.6 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: 3,700 ft (1128 m)
Time estimate: 6 to 8 hours

Route variation: Smith Peak can also be accessed via a trail at the Hetch Hetchy entrance station. This route is 16 miles round-trip.

Tips & Hours

Watch for rattlesnakes and poison oak in this area.

Unlike other areas of Yosemite, the road to Hetch Hetchy is open from sunrise to sunset only. Hetch Hetchy trailheads are not reachable by vehicle when the road is closed.

From November through March, the Hetch Hetchy Road may be subject to closures or chain requirements due to ice and snow. Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) for current road conditions.

Pets are prohibited on all hiking trails. Swimming and boating are prohibited in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in order to maintain a clean source of drinking water.