Bunnell Point

Bunnell Point is a massive granite dome at the east end of Little Yosemite Valley, where the Merced River bends around its base on three sides before dropping through Bunnell Cascade. You reach it on foot, roughly four trail miles past Nevada Falls on the Merced Lake Trail — the same corridor backpackers use heading toward Merced Lake and the High Sierra Camps loop. There's no drive-up access and no shortcut; this is backcountry, reached only after the climb past Vernal and Nevada Falls.

What You'll Find at the Point

A footbridge crosses the Merced River at the foot of Bunnell Point, and it's the natural spot to refill water bottles and rest before the next stretch. That next stretch is the Bunnell Switchbacks — a steep, well-built stone staircase climbing the exposed granite slabs above the river, widely regarded as the toughest section of the entire Merced Lake Trail. Take the exposed slabs at the top carefully; a wrong step off the downhill side drops toward the river far below. A second footbridge waits above the switchbacks, at the top of Bunnell Cascade, with a striking view back down the canyon.

Good to Know

• This is a backcountry landmark on a multi-day route, not a standalone day-hike trailhead.
• The granite walls of Bunnell Point are also a known destination for experienced technical rock climbers.
• A wilderness permit is required for any overnight trip through this section of Little Yosemite Valley.