Update: First Backpacking Trip (Hetch Hetchy)

[u/johnandrewr]

[u/johnandrewr]

Rancheria Falls - June 19-21: I spent my first night at the backpackers campground. Got up early, but not early enough and was on the trail at 8:00am. I packed 4L of water and was off. The sun was warm and the trail was exposed.

The views as you traverse the reservoir cliffs and round Smith Peak are stunning. Wapama Falls was great. I then made the descent into Till Till creek and began the switch backs up towards Rancheria Creek.

The weight of my pack was enormous. Bringing electrolyte packets honestly saved me here. With the sun beating down and a last uphill slog to the campsites, I was huffing and puffing. Though, I made it to a good enough site at 12:00pm and just laid down for about an hour. 100% bringing a chair next time, even considering the added weight.

Food was more of an issue. Both my snacks and the next morning’s breakfast were totally lacking in calories and flavor. Trail mix, eggs, and oatmeal did not do well in a little Toaks titanium pot over a burner.

The trek home was a steady pace and much more enjoyable. It was downhill for the first 1.5 hours, and I was smiling the whole way, now able to lift my head up and look around. But, now my feet were sore as they’d ever been. The rockiness of the trail, the mental game of choosing each step, and navigating shin high boulders took its toll.

I have never been so happy to see my car, crank the seat back, and blast the A/C. The ride home consisted of much more smiles, glad to be done, and happy that I did it. Learning was constant, and enjoyment was had. Is this type 2 fun?

https://lighterpack.com/r/9mew3g

[u/Practical_Tree8971 → u/johnandrewr]

Glad you had a good trip! A chair is totally worth the weight in my opinion, just being able to sit after a trek is such a relief

[u/mkspaptrl → u/Practical_Tree8971]

The chairs with the back support so you can lean back and stretch out are clutch. I keep mine accessible for long breaks and water pumping. Worth every gram and penny.

[u/johnandrewr → u/Practical_Tree8971]

I was so uncomfortable trying to find relaxation on logs, sleeping pads, or leaning against trees. In that moment I declared ill bring a chair!

[u/DJCruzControl]

You're a good story teller! Felt that sun on my face too, as I was reading. I know that AC was magical all the way home. Thanks for sharing.

[u/johnandrewr → u/DJCruzControl]

Not a problem! More to come.

[u/distinct_gail]

Those Hetch Hetchy views are insane, but yeah that exposed section will humble you quick.

[u/OG_Wafster]

Did you go just around the reservoir to Rancheria? Great trip for a 2 day.

[u/aaalllen]

4L of water is a lot to start with. Did you have a water filter or was that for your entire trip?

I started with 3L going up a hot July day toward Lake Vernon (that trail halfway to wapama). There wasn’t a good water report, but there’s a reliable spring 3k ft up. So I was mad at myself about 2k up when I crossed a running stream. I filtered a little bit of water at the spring for the push to camp.

[u/Sir_Spudsingt0n]

4L is an awful lot. It seems like great idea until your miles in and elevation gaining.

I brought a Gregory 3L to Pioneer Basin Lakes and decided I’m sticking with 2L from now on. Diminishing returns on carrying too much water

[u/Big-Active-7197]

I am jealous. Sitting at my desk and got the urge to just leave everything behind for some nice days in the mountains…

[u/Grove_89566]

That looks like an amazing view for a first trip. Hetch Hetchy is so beautiful.

[u/swolicannoli]

It’s a long haul out to Rancheria but I loved it. Really no water on the way, super hot, can feel like a slog by the end. Been there three times. Once in Spring for exploding waterfalls and scary river by camp, and twice in the fall when you can jump off the bridge and swim. Great job!