Buena Vista Peak

Buena Vista Peak sits deep in Yosemite's southern backcountry, a high point along the Buena Vista Trail that climbs out of the Wawona area near Fish Camp. This isn't the quick roadside overlook some trail apps confuse it with — reaching this summit means committing to a real backcountry trip, not an afternoon walk.

The Buena Vista Trail

The route starts at the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead outside Wawona and follows the Buena Vista Trail up through forest and open granite country toward the Buena Vista Crest, with the peak itself well beyond day-hike range for most people. Backpackers use this corridor to reach Buena Vista Lake and connect into Yosemite's high country toward the Clark Range and Illilouette Creek basin. Plan on an overnight trip at minimum — there's no shortcut version of this hike.

Don't confuse it with the Kings Canyon hike

Search "Buena Vista Peak" and most results point to a different, much easier trail: a short, well-marked overlook hike in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, well over a hundred miles south. That's a fine hike, but it's not this mountain. Yosemite's Buena Vista Peak, near Fish Camp and Wawona, is a remote summit without that trail's easy roadside access or signage.

Before you go

• Access is via the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead in Wawona, a short drive from Fish Camp.
• Overnight stays in Yosemite's wilderness require a permit — plan ahead if you're camping along the route.
• Expect minimal signage, no cell service, and real elevation gain — this is backcountry travel, not a maintained day-use trail.