Built to carry supplies, machinery and laborers for its massive and controversial Hetch Hetchy water project, the Hetch Hetchy Railroad was completed by the City and County of San Francisco in October 1917. The Hetch Hetchy Railroad connected with the Sierra Railway near Hetch Hetchy Junction before, in turn, connecting with the Southern Pacific rail system at Oakdale. Highway 120 and the Cherry Lake Road, Forest Routes 17 and 12. But the observant visitor can readily spot the old railroad grades along these routes by noticing their narrow, raised railbeds, their gentle grades and their wide, sweeping curves.
Many segments still have the old ties in place, with scattered pieces of hardware.
Some of the more remarkable views of the Hetch Hetchy Railroad route are along the Cherry Lake Road between the hill above Spinning Wheel Camp and Camp Mather. You'll see breathtaking views of the formidable Tuolumne River Canyon. From the Groveland Ranger Station, travel eastward on Highway 120 for about 5.5 miles. As the road straightens and levels out, you are on the old Hetch Hetchy Railroad grade and will begin to see segments of it meander from the roadway. A piece of the Hetch Hetchy Railroad also passes through the Groveland Ranger Station.