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Historic Wapama Falls Hike

Guided ·
4.8
(103)
See all hiking tours in Yosemite National Park
Kid Friendly
Locally Owned
Shuttle Included
Beginner Friendly
Instant Book
Duration: 6 hours

Pricing

Person | Easy Cancelations Rate | Age 8 and older

Cancel up to 24 hours before your adventure!

$180
Private Adventure | Easy Cancelation Rate | Up to 6 People

All ages welcome!

$850
Private Adventure | Easy Cancelation Rate | 7-9 People

All Ages Welcome

$1,250

All Prices

Person | Easy Cancelations Rate | Age 8 and older

Cancel up to 24 hours before your adventure!

$180
Private Adventure | Easy Cancelation Rate | Up to 6 People

All ages welcome!

$850
Private Adventure | Easy Cancelation Rate | 7-9 People

All Ages Welcome

$1,250

Description

Wapama Falls Year-Round Hiking Adventure in Hetch Hetchy

Experience the dramatic beauty of Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Valley on this unforgettable, year-round adventure to Wapama Falls. Often called Yosemite Valley’s “hidden sister,” Hetch Hetchy features the same glacier-carved granite walls, powerful waterfalls, and sweeping scenery, without the crowds that draw visitors elsewhere in the park.
This 5-mile guided outing follows the edge of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the Tuolumne River, beginning near the historic O’Shaughnessy Dam. Depending on seasonal conditions, the route is explored as a scenic hike, offering a dynamic way to experience the landscape in every season. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the area’s geology, ecology, and the fascinating, and often controversial, history of Hetch Hetchy.
The highlight of the journey is Wapama Falls, where water plunges more than 1,200 feet down the canyon walls in a stunning cascade. You’ll also enjoy views of Tueeulala Falls and the surrounding granite cliffs that make this valley one of Yosemite’s most striking yet lesser-known destinations.
This adventure is available as both a small-group tour and a private experience. Private options allow for greater flexibility in pacing and group composition, making them ideal for families or groups with a range of hiking abilities. Led by a knowledgeable local guide and Wilderness First Responder, the Historic Wapama Falls Hike offers a quieter, more immersive way to explore Yosemite on foot and far from the crowds, any time of year.

Duration

  1. 6 hours
  2. 5 Miles Round Trip - Moderate

Location / Where to Meet

Pickup is included from locations along Highway 120 into Hetch Hetchy. At checkout, you'll be able to select the meeting location closest to your accommodations. If you're not sure where you'll be staying yet, simply select "I don't know yet" and we'll work with you to coordinate a meeting location.

Ages & Requirements

  1. Group tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old.
  2. Custom, private adventure available for all ages.
  3. 5 Miles Round Trip
  4. Moderate hike on varied terrain with approximately 200 feet of gain and loss throughout the hike.

What's Included

  • Local and experienced guide and Wilderness First Responder.
  • Transportation from several locations along Highway 120
  • National Park Entrance Fee, If applicable
  • Reusable Water Bottle
  • Filtered Water
  • First Aid & Emergency Equipment available throughout the adventure.
  • Lunch is provided on our Winter All-Inclusive Adventures

Not Included

Lunch is not included unless otherwise noted at checkout. Options include:
  1. Purchase a Custom Hiker's Lunch as an adventure add-on
    1. Custom Hiker's Lunch: Custom Sandwich with 2 sides and a drink made to order!
    2. Charcuterie Board Picnic: Available on the private adventure option.
    3. Echo Trail Pack: A bespoke trail kit perfectly paired to keep you moving in the harshest Yosemite elements!
  2. Bring a picnic lunch.

What to Bring

  • Layered Clothing
  • Daypack
  • Brimmed Hat & Sunglasses
  • Sun Block & Insect Repellent
  • Camera & Binoculars
  • Hiking Boots or Shoes
  • Snacks & Lunch

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Echo Adventure Cooperative

FAQs

Is this hike suitable for beginners?

Yes! The 5-mile round-trip hike is considered moderate, with approximately 200 feet of elevation gain and loss. While some experience hiking helps, beginners who are comfortable walking on uneven terrain should enjoy this adventure.

Is this hike open year-round?

Yes! The route is open year-round. During winter, snow or wet conditions may require the use of snowshoes or microspikes, which are included on our winter all-inclusive adventures.

How much walking is involved?

The hike is 5 miles round trip on moderate terrain along the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Tuolumne River, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.

What kind of views can I expect?

You’ll see the 1,200-foot Wapama Falls, Tueeulala Falls, granite cliffs, and sweeping valley views, plus quieter areas of Hetch Hetchy that most visitors don’t see.

Will you pick me up at my hotel?

We'll pick you up anywhere along Highway 120, between Groveland, CA and the Yosemite National Park entrance. If you are staying on Highway 140 near El Portal or Highway 41 near Oakhurst, then we'll find the most accessible place to meet you based on the adventure you choose! Don't worry; we'll work with you, and provide maps and directions!

Do you include lunch on your adventures?

All of our all inclusive packages, backpacking adventures and full day whitewater rafting trips include lunch, and we offer a low cost, customizable lunch Add-Ons for all of our day tours and adventures!

Typically, you cannot buy lunh on the tours. We encourage you to buy a Custom Hiker’s Lunch or bring a bag lunch, so we can spend as much time as possible enjoying the National Park.

Can I cancel if it's raining?

Our philosophy is there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! That being said, we will cancel and refund tours if it is dangerous to operate - which is incredibly rare. For those fair weather hikers, we recommend the Easy Cancelation Rate! You can also double check that your travel insurance will cover guest cancelations.

Do we need a Yosemite reservation?

Nope! We will cover your reservation and entrance fee into Yosemite on the day you are with us. If you want to go in on your own, then make sure you know the rules!

Cancellation Policy

Please contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation.

Easy Cancelations Rate
- When available, our easy cancelations rate allows you to cancel your adventure or package up to 24 hours in advance for just a $25.00 processing fee.
- Cancelations within 24 hours will be refunded 50% of the listed price.

Non-Refundable Rate:
- Cancelations made at least 48 hours before scheduled adventure will be refunded 50% of the excursion price.
- Guests cancelling within 48 hours of scheduled adventure and no shows will not be refunded.

Adventure Add-Ons:
- Full refund on any cancellations 24 hours in advance of excursion start time.
- Cancellations within 24 hours will be handled on a case by case basis.

Gear & Bike Rentals
- Full refund on any cancellations 24 hours in advance of excursion start time.
- Cancelations within 24 hours will be refunded 50% of the listed price.

Exceptions:
- You will not be charged a cancellation fee if your trip is cancelled by Echo Adventure Cooperative due to weather, fire, road closures, or guide unavailability.
- You may reschedule your adventure or convert your balance into a gift card free of charge if done within 72 hours of your adventure start time.
- Your Adventure Coordinator will always work with Member-Guides as well as lodging & recreation partners to provide the largest possible refund based on your circumstances; however, we are rarely able to secure a larger refund than is stated above.
- Yelling, disrespecting or threatening your Adventure Coordinator will not result in a larger refund, so we HIGHLY recommend purchasing the easy cancelations rate, buying traveler's insurance, or using a credit card with travel protection to help take the pressure off.
- Review extortion (defined as threatening a negative review or promising a positive review in exchange for refunds or freebies) will not be tolerated and will void all refund eligibility.

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Availability

October 2026
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Reviews

4.8
(103)
4.8 (103)

Location

Address

11892 Ponderosa Lane

Groveland, CA, 95321

US

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