Buena Vista Lake

Buena Vista Lake sits at roughly 9,000 feet in the remote southern reaches of Yosemite's wilderness, reached by a long climb up the Chilnualna Falls Trail out of Wawona — the actual trailhead, a short drive from Fish Camp rather than in town itself. This is a serious backcountry trip: the out-and-back route runs about 25 miles round trip with roughly 5,700 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers spread it over two or three days rather than push it in one.

Getting There

Start at the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead in Wawona. The first leg climbs about 2,500 feet over roughly 4.6 miles to reach Chilnualna Falls, then keeps climbing through forest and granite toward Buena Vista Peak before dropping to the lake itself.

What You'll Find

Near the lake, Buena Vista Peak delivers a 360-degree view that few Yosemite visitors ever see — the back side of Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and a long sweep of domes and peaks across the park's southern high country. Because the approach is long, foot traffic here stays light even in peak season.

Permits and Timing

• Wilderness permit required for any overnight stay, reserved through Yosemite's lottery up to 24 weeks ahead, with unclaimed permits released closer to the trip date
• Best season: roughly April through October
• Dogs are not permitted on this trail