Postcard from Yosemite - Hetch Hetchy

Yosemite Valley is one of the most unique places on earth, created by the carving actions of glaciers during the last ice age. But, did you know that it is not the only such valley (or canyon) in the Sierras that was created this way? Actually, there are two others...Kings Canyon to the south (also a national park) and the Hetch Hetchy valley to the north. While Yosemite is the most spectacular by far, the other two have a special beauty all their own...especially Hetch Hetchy.

This once beautiful valley could be called Little Yosemite as it has so many spectacular granite formations that are similar to Yosemite Valley. Look at the first picture of the valley as it used to be. You can see another El Capitan and another Yosemite Falls. It was a beautiful place.

In 1906, San Francisco was devastated by its now famous fire and earthquake...especially its water infrastructure. After things settled down, the city applied for the water rights to Hetch Hetchy. Environmentalists of the time, led by John Muir and the Sierra Club, opposed this in the strongest possible terms. A seven-year vicious battle ensued, with San Francisco finally winning the battle. Because Hetch Hetchy lies within the borders of Yosemite National Park, an act of Congress was required, which finally happened 1913. It is said that the passing of this act broke John Muir's heart and he died shortly thereafter.

Construction of a dam that would back up the water in the valley began and was finally completed in 1923. Today, the O'Shaughnessy Dam blocks the entrance of Hetch Hetchy Valley and backs up the water from the Tuolumne River to form the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The dam provides water and electricity to 2.4 million people in the city of San Francisco, San Mateo County, Alameda County, and the San Joaquin Valley. Interestingly, the power-generation facilities and transmission lines are concealed to protect the valley's famous scenery.

As I write this blog, I am sitting in the Bay Area, partially enjoying the benefits from this dam. As I was raised in both San Francisco and San Mateo counties, I was a direct beneficiary of the dam. Still, I can't look at Hetch Hetchy and not wish I could see it in its natural state. Oh well...it is what it is.

Their is only one road to Hetch Hetchy and it lies just outside the north entrance to Yosemite. But, before you get to the dam, you cross back into the park. There are no facilities for using the lake for recreation. All you can do is walk across the dam, go through a tunnel, then pick up several trails to hike further into the back country. The waterfalls are still there to be seen, but, of course, not in October, which is when I was there.

There is actually a movement afoot to take down the dam and restore the valley to the way it was. Even if this happened, it would never be restored the way it was for many generations to come, if ever. So, just let it be.

After my short time here, I headed west to be with family and friends in the Bay Area. It was time to relax a bit, visit, and stop driving.