Hetch hetchy

[opiejsimpson]

Saw a few places that spoke about the hetchy loop backpacking trail. A few friends and I were interested in trying it in next few days but keep reading that the weather is hot. Is it so bearable that we shouldn't do it? Are the falls flowing? Can we swim anywhere nearby? I know we can't in reservoir. Can we have fires at night?

Thanks in advance.

[AlmostThere]

No fires at all, fire bans are pretty much universal. Take a stove.

You'll need bear cans.

It will be hot at the lower elevations but if you can stay at the backpacker camp and start very early in the morning, it wouldn't be so difficult to get higher by mid day and not suffer too much of the early afternoon heat that will put temps in the 90-100F range by 2 pm at the lower elevations. There are two loops possible - depending on your level of fitness, the smaller might be 2 - 5 days.

You can't camp until Miguel Meadow (Beehive trail) or Rancheria Falls (lake trail).

The waterfalls will be minimal flow... it's been a dry, dry, dry year. Wapama is the largest and will be less impressive but present. You might be able to find a pool in Rancheria Creek that's big enough - Laurel or the other lakes up higher might be more conducive to actual swimming.

[balzaccom]

We just hiked in this area about ten days ago. It is a long, hot climb up to the Beehive, and that is your first chance at water after the trailhead. I would go counterclockwise on this loop---Rancheria Falls the first night, then climb up and over Till Till. that's still going to be hot and a climb, but I think it would be better than the very first day...