Mount Bruce

Mount Bruce is a 9,724-foot summit on the Buena Vista Crest, deep in Yosemite's southern high country above Wawona. It's named for the Bruce family, early pioneer settlers in the area, and it stays well off the tourist radar — there's no maintained trail to the top, no signage, and no crowds. This is a peak for experienced wilderness travelers willing to leave the trail behind, not a stop on a casual day trip out of Fish Camp.

Getting There

The standard approach is the Buena Vista Trail, an NPS-documented wilderness route that starts at the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead in Wawona. Round trip through the Buena Vista Crest area runs about 29 miles with roughly 5,300 feet of elevation gain — a multi-day backpacking trip for most hikers, not a day hike. Reaching Mount Bruce's actual summit means leaving the trail near Buena Vista Peak for cross-country travel across open granite and forest.

What to Expect

• A wilderness permit is required for any overnight stay in the area. The NPS lists permit demand for this trail as low, meaning fewer competing groups but also long stretches without seeing anyone else.
• No facilities, reliable water sources, or cell service along the route — come prepared to navigate and camp self-sufficiently.
• The payoff is quiet: forested basins, small lakes, and long views across the Buena Vista Crest that few park visitors ever see.