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Buena Vista Range

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 30/100 · Moderateout and back#wawona#quiet#lakes#southern-yosemite
Distance
29 mi
Total gain
5,300 ft
Net gain
5,300 ft
Net loss
5,300 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

The Buena Vista Range is southern Yosemite's forgotten crest: a 29-mile out-and-back from Wawona through Chilnualna's waterfalls to a chain of quiet lakes and panoramic passes on the park's lightly traveled southern edge.

Highlights

  • Buena Vista Pass's panorama across the Clark Range
  • A chain of small lakes for camp and fishing
  • Wildflower meadows on the lower trail in early summer
  • Solitude — this corner of the park sees almost no one

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Chilnualna Falls Trailhead (Wawona) (4,249 ft) · parking: Chilnualna Falls road end above Wawona
  • Water: Chilnualna Creek, Buena Vista Creek, and seasonal lakes; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Wawona store at the start.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Chilnualna Falls entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: June, July, September, October.

Snow: Lower trail opens early; the crest is clear by July.

Heat: Warm in the low country; cool on the crest.

Bugs: Moderate near creeks through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • A long out-and-back with significant climbing
  • Water is seasonal on the crest — plan the upper camps
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Wawona & Glacier Point Backpacking Trails — Buena Vista Range. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wawona-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). 29-mile round trip with 5,300 ft gain from the Chilnualna Falls trailhead through the Buena Vista crest.
  3. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  4. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.