Hiking the Buena Vista Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Buena Vista Trail is one of the best and most underrated adventures in the Grant Grove District of Kings Canyon National Park.
I say this because the trail has one of the easiest and most gradual inclines of any similar trail, gaining just 400 ft. (122 m) in only 1.0 mile (1.6 km) from the trailhead to the summit.
On top of this, the short distance and panoramic west-facing views make Buena Vista Peak one of the best sunset hikes in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon, inevitably making it one of my personal favorite adventures whenever I’m looking for a fun but not too difficult adventure to enjoy the golden light!
U.S. National Park Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
Buena Vista Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Buena Vista Trailhead is located directly off Generals Highway in a small parking lot just past Kings Canyon Overlook on the right-hand side when driving south.
That being said, the Buena Vista Trailhead parking may be small, but it is not nearly as busy as others in the Grant Grove area, such as the General Grant Tree Trail.
Google Maps Directions: Buena Vista Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Sequoia-Kings Canyon
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park.
That being said, bear spray is purposefully excluded from this list because, while the Sierra Nevadas are home to a large black bear population, bear spray is not allowed in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Buena Vista Trail
From the trailhead, the Buena Vista Trail immediately begins climbing.
However, after the initial hill, the trail levels out and remains fairly gradual for the majority of the hike to the top.
If you follow the steeper path up the hill, as I did, go left at this split to continue on the Buena Vista Trail.
Alternatively, the maintained Buena Vista Trail follows a much more gradual path to this same junction, which is where the trail on the right is coming from.
Then, the Buena Vista Trail follows a fairly easy and straightforward path, with the elevation gain only becoming apparent as the trail approaches the peak.
Some of these granite boulders and ledges are a favorite among climbers in Kings Canyon.
If you hike the Buena Vista Trail at any time other than sunset, the trail can be quite hot and exposed, which is why I recommend traveling to Sequoia and Kings Canyon with a quality sun shirt for adventures like this.
This is where the Buena Vista Trail begins its gradual ascent toward the summit.
However, even as the climb begins, it remains one of the easiest summits in either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park.
When Buena Vista Trail begins to climb a few switchbacks, the end of the trail is getting close!
This is where the Buena Vista Trail curves back toward the summit and the end of the hike.
Buena Vista Peak
According to the USGS, the summit of Buena Vista Peak in Kings Canyon National Park is 7,615 ft (2,321 m).
In any case, it is truly the panoramic views toward the bottom of Kings Canyon to the north and the sunset views to the west that make Buena Vista Peak so special!
That being said, don’t forget to bring a quality headlamp to Sequoia and Kings Canyon for sunset adventures like Buena Vista Peak.
This view is looking south toward Big Baldy, another great day hike that I highly recommend if you’re interested in hiking a similar, but slightly longer, trail for sunset.
More Sequoia-Kings Canyon Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures within Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, check out my separate posts below!
Sequoia National Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Most importantly, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is bear country, and while hiking in black bear territory generally presents less of a risk as opposed to hiking with grizzlies, it‘s important to never get complacent.
That being said, bear spray is not allowed within either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park, but storing your food properly, both on your person and in your vehicle, is not only necessary but required. For this reason, always keep your food and trash with you, and follow these basic rules from the NPS with regards to food in your vehicle.
On a different note, there is one venomous snake found in both parks known as the Western Rattlesnake, and surprisingly, I have encountered it many times, both in dry landscapes and in the meadows of both parks.
Finally, during winter months, you may be required to carry tire chains or have them on your vehicle before entering either park. In addition, micro-spikes may be necessary to stay safe on certain trails, such as Little Baldy and many others during the early and late summer season.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park website.
National Park Service: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
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