Poopenaut Valley Trail

Overview

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.<br><br>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.<br> <br>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.<br><br>The only trail out of the valley is to climb bac

Trail Stats

Photos

The Tuolumne River in the spring as it meanders through the valley.

The Tuolumne River in the spring as it meanders through the valley.

The Poopenaut Trail as it leaves Hetch Hetchy Road.

The Poopenaut Trail as it leaves Hetch Hetchy Road.

The trail can be overgrown in the spring time, so make sure you are paying attention to where you are going.

The trail can be overgrown in the spring time, so make sure you are paying attention to where you are going.

The trail as it it works its way through the woods. You can see that it can be difficult to follow.

The trail as it it works its way through the woods. You can see that it can be difficult to follow.

Poopenaut Valley in the spring time. You can tell that its a steep drop from this point to the valley floor.

Poopenaut Valley in the spring time. You can tell that its a steep drop from this point to the valley floor.

A tree damaged by fire sits just off the trail. This trail gives you an opportunity to see a forest recovering from fire.

A tree damaged by fire sits just off the trail. This trail gives you an opportunity to see a forest recovering from fire.

Hills above the valley.

Hills above the valley.

The trail is narrow and rock strewn.

The trail is narrow and rock strewn.

The trail can be difficult to follow as it starts to descend steeply to the valley.

The trail can be difficult to follow as it starts to descend steeply to the valley.

The trail levels off as it passes through the meadow in Poopenaut Valley.

The trail levels off as it passes through the meadow in Poopenaut Valley.

This is the best view toward the dam and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

This is the best view toward the dam and the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

As the trail makes its way into the woods, evidence of the Rim Fire comes into view. The forest is recovering.

As the trail makes its way into the woods, evidence of the Rim Fire comes into view. The forest is recovering.

Lupine wildflowers bloom along the trail in the spring.

Lupine wildflowers bloom along the trail in the spring.

Tags