Royal Arch Lake

Royal Arch Lake is a backcountry lake in Yosemite's southern wilderness, named for the layered granite arches that peel away from the cliff framing its northeast shore. There's no roadside view here — reaching it means a multi-day trip on foot through meadow and lodgepole pine forest, which keeps it far quieter than anything near the Valley floor.

Getting There

The route starts at the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead in Wawona, a short drive from Fish Camp near Yosemite's south entrance. According to the National Park Service, the full Buena Vista Crest loop from this trailhead runs about 29 miles round trip with roughly 5,300 feet of elevation gain. Along the way the trail passes Grouse Lake around 4.8 miles in, Crescent Lake near 6 miles, and Johnson Lake at about 6.9 miles, before a junction leads off toward Royal Arch Lake and neighboring Buena Vista Lake.

What to Know Before You Go

• A wilderness permit is required year-round for any overnight stay; permits can be reserved through recreation.gov up to 24 weeks in advance, or as late as 4 days before your trip if space remains.
• The NPS lists permit demand for this trailhead as low, so it's a realistic option even without an early-season reservation.
• This is an overnight backpacking trip for prepared hikers, not a day hike — and not a route to attempt without a map, since there's no cell service once you're in the basin.
• Trail access generally runs late spring through early fall, once high-elevation snow has cleared.