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A steep descent to a secluded valley along the Tuolumne River.


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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

Point to Point

4,574' 1,394 m

High

3,330' 1,015 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

1,243' 379 m

Down

21%

Avg Grade (12°)

50%

Max Grade (27°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Wildflowers

The Hetch Hetchy Road is open from 7 am to sunset throughout the year. The road may be closed or under chain restriction depending on the weather. You can check road conditions at nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/… or by dialing 1-209-372-0200, dialing extensions 1/1. Overnight backpackers are required to have wilderness permits, which can be acquired from the park service or at the entrance station.

Description

The Poopenaut Trailhead is located 4 miles east of the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. A sign on the lefthand side of the road marks the trail, and a small turnout on the right has a bear box for food and room for 2-3 cars to park.

The Poopenaut Trail provides access to the Tuolumne River below the O'Shaughnessy Dam by descending over 1200 feet in a little over a mile from the Hetch Hetchy Road. After crossing the road, the trail drops off slightly and follows the road through an open area where wildflowers (especially lupines) can be seen in the spring. The trail enters the woods where it cuts to the right and begins to descend steeply toward the Tuolumne River. This dirt trail is narrow and in the spring, can be overgrown and difficult to follow, especially if no one else has been on the trail recently. The trail descends steeply, at times over 40% grade, through a forest that is recovering from fire. Grass, blackberry bushes, flowers, and young trees are growing amidst the mature trees that were damaged in the fire. Because the trail can be overgrown in places, pants and waterproof boots are recommended to help protect your legs and keep your feet dry.

As the trail descends, you can get limited views of the O'Shaughnessy Dam through the trees as well as Poopenaut Valley below you. The trail snakes as it approaches a creek at roughly .7 miles, and the trail follows the edge of the gully as it makes its way toward the Tuolumne River. You'll hear the stream before you see it in the spring as snow melt makes its way to the river. At .9 miles, the trail finally levels off and the hiking becomes easier, but the trail can be difficult to follow in places.The trail makes its way to the left through the meadow and finally ends at the Tuolumne River. You can take the opportunity to rest and relax by the river as you're more than likely the only person in the valley. The area is also open to fishing for those with a valid California fishing license.

The only trail out of the valley is to climb back the hill you descended. It's a difficult climb and can seem like a completely different trail as you work your way back uphill to your vehicle.

While it's a difficult hike, it does provide the opportunity to escape the crowds and enjoy the area along the Tuolumne River.

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers bloom along the trail in the spring. Lupine, money flowers, buttercups, and monkey flowers can be seen along the trail. Deer, black bear, and various birds can be seen in the woods and feeding in the meadow.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  2.3 from 3 votes

#17

in Hetch Hetchy

#44521

Overall
  2.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
67%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#17

in Hetch Hetchy

#4,640

in California

#44,521

Overall
4 Views Last Month
2,639 Since May 19, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
67%
33%

Photos

Lupine wildflowers bloom along the trail in the spring.
May 24, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
As the trail makes its way into the woods, evidence of the Rim Fire comes into view. The forest is recovering.
May 24, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
This is the best view toward the dam and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
May 24, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
The trail levels off as it passes through the meadow in Poopenaut Valley.
May 24, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
The trail can be difficult to follow as it starts to descend steeply to the valley.
May 24, 2016 near Yosemit…, CA
Spearhead trunk
May 29, 2023 near Yosemit…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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