LeConte Point is the prominent peak standing guard over the head of Hetch Hetchy reservoir in the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park. All though not high compared the surrounding mountains, LeConte Point offers superb, mostly snow free, winter and early spring scrambling and a splendid view. In spite of a popular early season backpacking destination (Rancheria Falls) at the foot of the peak, LeConte Point sees few ascents. The summit register (a collection of loose pages and a small spiral notebook nested in a vintage steel beer can) dates back to the early 1970s and averages a half dozen entries per year.

The climbing is fun although not particularly challenging—with a bit of route finding the East Ridge is easy class 2. However, the rock is fairly solid and the short class 3 to 4 obstacles are very enjoyable leaving little incentive to spend much time searching for the easiest route. More sustained class 4 and 5 climbing can be found on the North and West faces but the approach to these cliffs would involve some excruciating bushwacking. The approach hike to LeConte Point is a lengthy seven miles each way following a scenic route along the north wall of Hetch Hetchy on a well built trail passing numerous waterfalls on the way.

Getting There

The only close trailhead to LeConte Point is Hetch Hetchy. From the San Joaquin Valley take state highway 120 east from the town of Manteca. Follow highway 120 toward the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite. A few hundred yards before the entrance station, turn left (east) at the sign onto Evergreen road (paved) and follow it to the end. Turn right onto Hetch Hetchy Road and proceed about 2 miles to the park entrance station. From the entrance station it is about seven miles down to O’Shaughnessy Dam and the trailhead. The roads are open year round but can be temporarily closed after snow storms. The most up-to-date road conditions for the park can be found by calling (209) 372-0200.

There is no public transportation to Hetch Hetchy.

Red Tape

There is a $20 entrance fee (good for a week) for Yosemite National Park. Alternately, you can buy a 12 month Yosemite Pass for $40 or a 12 month National Park Pass for $50. Overnight trips into the Yosemite wilderness require a wilderness permit (free, or $5 for advance reservations). See the Yosemite NPS wilderness page for details. New for the 2003 season, Bear canisters are required for any overnight trip to the Rancheria Falls area. See this NPS page for details on food storage regulations.

The Hetch Hetchy entrance station is only open during daylight hours. The opening and closing times vary throughout the year but generally they are 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. in the winter (November through March) and 7 A.M. to 9 P.M. the rest of the year. The gates are locked and you may be fined if you have not left before the closing time.

When To Climb

One of the main attractions to hiking and climbing in the Hetch Hetchy area is the year round access. The trailhead is at 3,800 feet and any winter snow usually melts within a few days. Summer climbs are very hot and not frequently done. The waterfalls are best in spring.

If you day hike, watch the time! In the winter you will have to arrive when the gates open at 8:00 A.M. and keep a brisk pace to make the 15+ mile, 7,000+ feet round trip and be back at the entrance station by 5:00 P.M.

Camping

Backcountry camping is excellent at Racheria Falls although you will not find much solitude here in spring, especially on weekends. See the Red Tape section for wilderness permit links. If you have an overnight wilderness permit, you can stay one night before and after your trip at the backpacker’s campground near the trailhead. There is a Forest Service campground on Evergreen road that is open summer only. In the winter, the closest open campground is Hodgdon Meadow near the Big Oak Flat entrance station. Alternately, camp for free in the National Forest Service land outside of the park. There are several private sections of land along Evergreen Road, make sure you are on public land before camping.

Mountain Conditions

The National Weather Service website has this page for Yosemite and the central Sierra.

This Yosemite NPS page has trail conditions updated monthly.

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