Trivia – what do Chris and I like to do when they get a weekend off? Correct answer is – go on a hike, of course! And right you are! On the last weekend of May, we drove up to the mountains and did the Buena Vista Trail to the Buena Vista Peak at Kings Canyon National Park. The hike itself was rated easy, and was only 2 mile in length (out and back). The views at the end were beyond amazing and the fact that we went on a cool and foggy day made everything so much better.
We had planned to leave at six in the morning but I overslept and turned off the alarm, we ended up leaving home at 7:30AM. A little bit of a late start, but the weather forecast was in the 30s that day, so it wasn’t too bad. The roads to Kings Canyon was the through the backcountry so we didn’t encounter too much traffic.
The trailhead was literally on the side of the road with a little parking spot, so it made life so much easier since we found it right away! We were the only ones at the trail so it felt like we had the trail all to ourselves – and that’s always such a great feeling. The fog was consistently dropping throughout our hike and it was amazing. That being said, we kept cool and were shaded the entire time.
We made it to the top in 40 minutes – could’ve done it in less time but we were in so much awe of the fog and the view that we kept stopping to take more photos. The fog lifted for a few minutes when we got to the top but came right back down. The panoramic views we got of the entire park and the summits of Sierra Crest, even with the fog, was beyond amazing. A little bit nerve-wrecking when climbing on the rocks (I mean, if either of us slipped and fell, we wouldn’t even know what we’d be falling into) but still a great view!
How amazing are these views?! Easily one of my favorite hikes of the year. Can’t wait until the weather cools down so we can visit this view again. We left the park right after and stopped for lunch at a&w then called it a day.
Buena Vista Trail to Buena Vista Peak
Length: 2 miles, out and back
Elevation: 420 ft
To the trailhead: Enter Kings Canyon National Park via Big Stump Entrance Station, off the 180 East. Proceed 1.7 miles to a three-way intersection. and turn right on Route 198, which heads south toward Sequoia National Park. The Buena Vista Trailhead will be on the right after 4.7 miles.
44 Comments
Mel LaBella
August 1, 2018 at 12:16 PMThose pictures are amazing!! I definitely need to hike more..
Nancy
August 1, 2018 at 9:40 PMI love that you’re in reach of all sorts of trails!! I like the sound of the Buena Vista Trail. 2 miles, sounds like a great adventure. You went during a good time too – away from the heat and all. I like that your car was the only one there XD. YOU TWO ARE ADORABLE!! I am glad you had a great time out there and didn’t get injured! Though, I am sure you’re a trooper either way ;)!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Andrea Harris
August 2, 2018 at 8:54 AMThe pictures and description of the fog are just mesmerizing. I would LOVE that hike. It just seems so peaceful and ethereal with the fog. Thank you for taking us along!
Andrea Harris
August 2, 2018 at 8:56 AMThe pictures of the fog are mesmerizing. I would LOVE this hike. Something about the fog and nature feels so ethereal to me. Thank you for taking me along!
Susanne
August 2, 2018 at 9:36 AMI love going on a hike when on a road trip, and your photos make me want to drive to Buena Vista Trail asap!
Tiffany
August 2, 2018 at 9:47 AMAll of these photos are amazing! Such amazing views. I’d love to see something like this one day x
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Jas
August 2, 2018 at 10:24 AMThe photography in this post is absolutely insane.
Jas xx
Lisa McLachlan
August 2, 2018 at 10:31 AMWow, Eena, these pictures are stunning. Especially the shots in the forest with the mist, really dreamy. I have to confess I’m far too lazy for hiking but I do spend a lot of time outside in my garden so hopefully that counts as fresh air and exercise too! xx
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Bexa
August 2, 2018 at 10:47 AMWow! Your photography is amazing, so many stunning views! I wish there were places to hike near where I live, it looks like so much fun and so good for you too! Always love reading about your & Chris’ adventures Eena, thank you for sharing <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Sophie
August 2, 2018 at 12:23 PMThis place is absolutely beautiful but all of that fog is kind of creepy as well! Hiking is probably one of my favourite forms of exercise because you’re enjoying the outdoors and can take it at your own place, I just wish I lived closer to some trails!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
Mani
August 3, 2018 at 6:13 AMWoahhh, the shots with the trees and the fog look so atmospheric!! Almost like it could be straight out of a horror movie, haha. It’s awesome that you guys get to hike so much! I should really do it more often 🙂
Olga
August 3, 2018 at 9:10 AMThis place looks amazing!Wonderful pictures:-)
http://www.lostindaydreams.com/
Kate
August 3, 2018 at 3:22 PMI’m in love! This is so gorgeous, and I love that mist…so amazing!
-Kate // http://www.classyandkate.com/why-ive-stopped-trying-to-do-it-all/
Sheena Sy Gonzales
August 5, 2018 at 8:00 AMThe view from up there looks awesome! Hope I can bring the whole fam hiking someday 🙂
Sheena | http://www.sheenalovessunsets.com
STYLECOME
August 5, 2018 at 9:10 PMThank you for sharing the beautiful scenery
Rosie
August 8, 2018 at 12:29 PMWow these snaps are something straight out of a movie! What an adventure! Looks bloody brilliant!
Rosie
Creative Nails
August 8, 2018 at 12:35 PMWow – this place looks incredible. I’d love to go on hikes and do this sort of thing but don’t think there is anywhere nearby me that would have amazing views like this! Your photos are amazing too by the way! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Amy,
https://creativenails.uk
Jas
August 8, 2018 at 1:20 PMI’ve never done a hike but OMG these views are amazing! Now very tempted, and your photography is beautiful!
Jas xx
Katya
August 8, 2018 at 1:45 PMThat looks like a foggy place to visit. It actually reminds me of some scary movies that I have watched before. This trip is perfect for couples.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
Katherine
August 8, 2018 at 2:42 PMCool and foggy days are the best to hike in! Gorgeous photos.
http://myclusterofthoughts.com/
Sarah
August 8, 2018 at 5:34 PMWow, this looks gorgeous! I love places with lots of trees so this is beautiful. 🙂 Hikes are the best!
Suktara
August 9, 2018 at 12:09 AMSo tranquil, so scenic. Breathtakingly beautiful. I am tempted to travel right now.
kate durston
August 9, 2018 at 1:23 AMYour pictures look amazing, the fog looks really eerie almost like a movie. I have never been hiking myself but it looks like you had an amazing time plus the view looks stunning.
Thank you for sharing.
Kate
http://www.katesbeautyhome.blog
Cae
August 9, 2018 at 2:15 AMIt’s so picturesque! The photos are amazing! <3
http://www.cae-a.com
Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
August 12, 2018 at 8:15 AMThe foggy cool air looks mysterious, but also SO inviting, especially considering the heat I’ve been getting this summer! The fog definitely creates a #mood ;D -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Paige
August 12, 2018 at 12:10 PMThese views are incredible! I’ve never actually been hiking before but it sounds like it would be so fun! Thank you so much for sharing!
~ Paige
http://www.currentlylately.com
Annie
August 12, 2018 at 12:11 PMWow! Your photos are incredible, as always! The fog makes everything look so cool and mysterious! You’ve definitely inspired me to go hiking sometime soon!
Sophie Wentworth
August 12, 2018 at 12:17 PMThe photography in this post is insane! There isn’t really anywhere to hike near me so I’ve only ever been on a couple but wow. Those views from the top!!! Sounds like a great day x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Brooke
August 12, 2018 at 12:25 PMThese photos are amazing! I wish we had walks close to where we live like this!😍
Brooke x
http://www.brooke-pearson.co.uk
What Corinne Did
August 12, 2018 at 12:28 PMLoving the photos, they are so beautiful! I have never been to the Buena Vista peak but oh wah, the views from up there, gorgeous! Must have been such an amazing magical hike!
Tiffany
August 12, 2018 at 12:36 PMOh, I love that the fog stuck around. What a magical hike that must have been! I am always on the hunt for smooth hikes. This goes on the list. <3
Alys George
August 12, 2018 at 12:37 PMWow these photos look amazing and it sounds like you both had a great day out!
Alys / alysgeorge.blogspot.co.uk
Hanna Mai
August 12, 2018 at 2:06 PMGreat post! This looks like such a beautiful place, I love your photos 🙂
Michelle
August 12, 2018 at 3:21 PMI really need to get into hiking. Looks refreshing and is good for my dog and me.
Christine Kong
August 13, 2018 at 8:20 PMYou guys are awesome! I get inspired just seeing and reading about your hiking adventures. I like this one since it’s shorter and it definitely looked like you had the trail to yourselves. What a great way to spend the outdoors and also very peaceful and beautiful! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
April Nunez
August 13, 2018 at 11:34 PMLove the scenery in your post, Great photos!
April of: https://thepromdichic.wordpress.com/
IG: @Aprilnunezzz
Kathrine Eldridge
August 14, 2018 at 5:07 AMWhat a cool hike! I would love to visit this National Park. I was close because we went to Sequoia National Park. Couldn’t fit it all in.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Kelsey Bang
August 14, 2018 at 9:24 AMthat fog looks so cool! what a great place to explore!
kelseybang.com
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers
August 16, 2018 at 5:35 PMAhhhh the fog is so majestic! I love the picture of Chris walking down the road. I feel like it’s been WAY too long since I’ve been on a hike. You guys always go on the best ones!
Also, I’m definitely the one who hits the snooze and makes us late… Whoops!
Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com
Augustin Ra
August 17, 2018 at 12:51 AMI always wanted to try hiking and hopefully, I’d be able to do it soon. I miss you, Ate Eena! 🙂
mercy
August 19, 2018 at 9:39 PMThe view from the top with numerous pine trees at the bottom is exhilarating and worth all the effort.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Mira
August 20, 2018 at 3:15 AMStunning photos, the view from the top is amazing! I can imagine it must have been scary at times but on the other hand the fog made for amazing pictures, they could have been scenes from a movie xx
113thingstosay.com
Alyse
August 20, 2018 at 10:35 AMYou are so dedicated when it comes to hiking! I have a like-hate relationship with them. It’s wonderful to do a hike though when it’s cool and foggy outside. Probably makes it more pleasant and the air is far better. Love the photo of Chris walking in the middle of road.
Nele
August 28, 2018 at 1:11 AMWow, you took some AMAZING photos there <3 Would love to go for a hike too!