Hetch Hetchy, Ranceria Falls and Vernon Lake Register

Date and Time:
Thu, Jun 18, 2026; 8:00 AM (Pacific) - Sun, Jun 21, 2026  1:00 PM  (Pacific)

Organized By: SF Bay Chp Backpacking

Location: Hetch Hetchy Backpackers Campground

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Bob Waltenspiel
   forestplay@gmail.com
   707-338-1033
Linda Weldele
   lindaweldele@gmail.com
   925-852-1011

We will hike the north edge of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to our first night campsite near Rancheria Falls.  We will be crossing under two waterfalls during the hike. Both can be exciting as the trail and bridges will be sprayed with water. The destination Rancheria Falls are beautiful and thrilling to see in the spring.



The second day will get an early start and climb more than 3000' over 9 miles to Lake Vernon, a picturesque mountain lake with multiple waterfalls visible or crossed.  We will cross a wet meadow, so bring water shoes with a secure heal.  Lake Vernon empties down a steep drain.  The level of the outflow will dictate what we do on day 3.



On day 3, at the discretion of trip leaders, we will decide if we continue the loop.  If water is low enough for a safe crossing at the lake drain, we will stay two nights at Lake Vernon, exploring the east and west sides of the lake.  If the water is too high, we will stay one night, returning to Rancheria Falls on day 3.

Day 4 is our exit day.  Hiking 9.75 miles back down to the backpackers camp where we started.  The view of the reservoir as we descend is spectacular!  If we spent the last night at Rancheria Falls, we will return via the trail that brought us in.

Every participant is strongly encouraged to arrive at the Hetch Hetchy backpacker camp the night before the trip.  Attempting to arrive on the day we begin will almost certainly make you late.  Since there is no cell service, there is no way for you to contact leaders to update your arrival time.  We will assume you have cancelled and depart without you. Details of where to meet will be given before the start of the trip.

 

Cost: $75

Signup Instructions: Please R.S.V.P below and acknowledge liability waiver. The trip leader will contact you to start the approval process and provide further information.

Recommended Items: Individual commissary. Participants bring their own food and cooking equipment. Participants need to furnish their own overnight backpack gear. The leader will send a detailed equipment list to approved participants.

Signup Restrictions: Leader approval required for participating.

Additional Directions: We follow the current Sierra Club COVID-19 protocol. Vaccination is not required for participating in this outing. Wearing masks is optional but not required.

Carpool: Getting from and to the trailhead is the sole responsibility of eachparticipant. The leader will provide a trip roster to all approved participants to facilitateride sharing. We recommend that drivers and riders agree in advance on costs.

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.