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Lake Vernon and Rancheria Falls Loop

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 26/100 · Moderateloop#loop#waterfalls#lakes#hetch-hetchy
Distance
28.2 mi
Total gain
4,450 ft
Net gain
4,450 ft
Net loss
4,450 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

This loop is Hetch Hetchy's grand tour: up out of the reservoir valley to Lake Vernon's granite shore, down through Tiltill Valley's meadows, and home along the reservoir past Rancheria Falls. Four days in Yosemite's quietest district.

Highlights

  • Lake Vernon's granite-rimmed water
  • Tiltill Valley's wildflower meadows in spring
  • Rancheria Falls thundering at the reservoir's end
  • Reservoir views from the climbing trail

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Beehive Meadows Trailhead (Hetch Hetchy) · parking: Hetch Hetchy trailhead parking at the end of the road
  • Water: Falls Creek, Lake Vernon, Tiltill Valley, and Rancheria Creek; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; carry everything from the start.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for a loop.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Beehive Meadows entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing fire rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: April, May, June, September, October.

Snow: Hetch Hetchy's low elevation makes this one of the earliest backpackable loops in the park.

Heat: Hot midsummer; spring and fall are ideal.

Bugs: Moderate in spring.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • No store at Hetch Hetchy — carry all food
  • Spring creek crossings can run high
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. Hetch Hetchy Area Trails — Lake Vernon and Rancheria Falls. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/hetch-hetchy-area-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). 28.2-mile loop with 4,450 ft gain from Beehive Meadow via Lake Vernon and Rancheria Falls.
  2. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  3. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.