going at end of may. i was told by park that there are no wildflowers in tuolumne until june, but hetcy hetchy is loaded now. it is 1 hour from valley (we are staying at the lodge). worth the trip?

We went to Hetch Hetchy from El Portal. There is actually a hike there that would probably fit your parameters from your other post. It is relatively level and goes by two waterfalls and is a very scenic trail around the reservoir. We drove along Tioga Road on the way back, stopping at the viewpoints on that road. We did all this easily in one day, so it depends on what all you have planned while there as to whether you want to spend the time doing this. It was a great way to spend a Sunday to avoid the crowds in the Valley on the weekend.

thank you, maj! do you ( or anyone) know the approx time for a walk around the reservoir?

Wapama Falls (moderate)

5 mi (8 km) round-trip; 2 hours

Begin at O'Shaughnessy Dam

This trail takes you to the base of Wapama Falls, passing two smaller waterfalls (during spring) on the way.


It probably took us longer because we stop for pictures and take our time. You can see the waterfalls from a distance from the parking lot when you get to the Dam and really don't have to go all the way to the waterfalls to enjoy the beauty of the place.

http://www.sierranevadaphotos.com/ga...D=2000_0006_16

I would also recommend hiking at Hetch-Hetchy. On our trip last year we stopped there on our way up from SF to avoid the valley crowds on Sunday. It was uncrowded and the waterfalls were spectacular. The walk is level and easy. The wildflowers were just beginning to come our (the beginning of May) and it was lovely. I can only imagine what it must be like now!

thank you both! great post, maj!