Buena Vista Day Hike
Kings Canyon National Park
Rising to 7,604 feet, Buena Vista is a dome-like summit with large erratics standing guard. Two and half miles to the northeast, Buck Rock Lookout is perched on a craggy granite tower. To the north is the spectacular Kings River Canyon and distant Monarch Divide.
A number of snow-capped peaks along the Sierra crest are visible. Westward views look down on the majestic sequoias in Redwood Canyon and offer hazy glimpses of the San Joaquin Valley. To the south look out along the Big Baldy Ridge.
Buck Rock Fire Lookout from Atop Buena Vista
Buena Vista Trailhead
Moderate
2 miles
420 feet
Kings Cnyn.
The Buena Vista Trailhead is along the Generals Highway, 5 miles south of Highway 180, 20 miles north of Lodgepole Village in Sequoia, and just south of the Kings Canyon Wilderness Overlook. The trailhead has a small parking lot and informational signs about the hike to Buena Vista.
Buena Vista Trailhead
Buena Vista Trail
The 1-mile hike to the summit of Buena Vista climbs 420 feet along a moderately difficult trail. While most of the trail is fairly even, there are rocky spots where the footing is uneven. A scattered forest provides shade over many portions of the trail. Granite boulders offer interesting formations along the way.
Buena Vista Trail
Things to Know
- Pets are not allowed on any park trails.
- Water is not available at the trailhead or along the trail.
- Restrooms are not available at the trailhead.
Monarch Divide from Buena Vista
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- General Grant Tree - stroll among Giant Sequoias in Grant Grove
- Panoramic Point - short trail to wonderful view near Grant Grove
Other Nearby Trails
Big Baldy Ridge Trail is 2 miles south on the Generals Highway. The 4-mile round-trip trail climbs 600 feet to the summit and views of Redwood Canyon.
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