• Expedition: Mar 27 - Apr 1, 2016
  • Generation Green Southern California Consortium
  • Yosemite National Park: Rancheria Falls

The students of Generation Green Southern California arrived in Yosemite Valley in late March. Views of spectacular waterfalls and wildflower-strewn meadows greeted them as they learned to pack and carry backpacks. The following morning the group drove to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which serves as the San Francisco Bay Area's water source and is one of the least visited parts of Yosemite National Park. Surrounding the clear water of the reservoir are towering granite domes that created the perfect backdrop to the challenging hike into base camp. Camp was located near Rancheria Falls, which cascades over granite slabs beneath the summit of LeConte Point. The students challenged themselves along the steep ascent to the point, and gave back to the park by removing campfire rings alongside a National Park Service wilderness ranger. An incredible trip with a fantastic group of students!

We saw snow fall, Half Dome, and so many waterfalls and we will never forget their beauty.

Today we packed everything to go backpacking tomorrow. and I think we are all ready for the challenge.

We saw a couple of deer, one was eating in the meadow.
-Erick

Group Hiking

Hitting the trail.

Group Map

Where are we going?

I was supposed to write yesterday. We hiked up here and my back started hurting, but we all made it up here. Was it worth it? It's very beautiful up here and very cold. We've learned a lot of stuff about water and how to clean it. Haha, going to the bathroom out here is still a little weird, gotta make sure you go high up so no one can see you. Really nice hearing the water and relaxing. 1 more day, hope we get to see more animals before we leave.
-Necalli

Group Hetchy Rain

Springtime showers!

Group Campfire

Staying warm and toasty.

Group Rainbow

Even a rainbow!

Group Cards

A little downtime in camp.

Group Ranger Circle

Meeting with National Park Service Wilderness Ranger Joe.

Group Ranger Joe

Ranger Joe teaches the group about "leave no trace" ethics around campfire rings.

Group Newt

A Sierra Newt!

Group Bear

A black bear!

Group Science Investigation

Taking observations as part of the group science investigation.

Group Yoga

A little afternoon yoga to loosen up sore muscles.

Group Lake

Hetchy = home.

WildLink is a proud partner of the National Park Service, National Forest Service, and Nature Bridge.