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Backpack to Crescent Lake

Yosemite National Park, California

Details

Distance

20 miles

Elevation Gain

4100 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Josh Currie

Crescent Lake sits at about 8,300 feet and is a killer spot to camp or relax at a long your journey through the Yosemite mountains.

Crescent Lake is another beautiful spot a long the Beuna Vista loop. Starting at the Chilnualna Trailhead in Wawona, you start your journey climbing about 4.6 miles and 2,300 feet to the top of Chilnualna Falls (always a good place to rest). Beyond the falls, continue a long the trail and always head east at each fork in the trail. There will be signs for Royal Arch and Johnson Lakes to direct you. Make sure you bring a trail map and you'll have no issue finding the lake. 

Depending on what time of year you decide to pack out, the trail should be relatively easy to follow. Sometimes early Spring will bring a good amount of snow cover at about 6,500 feet and losing the trail can come troublesome. You will also have to cross the creek a number of times so watch out for fast running water (again depending on the season). It's an uphill climb pretty much the entire 10 miles to the lake, so if you are going at a pretty good pace it should take you about 6-7 hours. 

Once you get to the lake there are plenty of spots to camp for the night around the boarders, and a creek for refilling your canteens. If you have fishing gear I would definitely bring that and some swimsuits to cool off in the water. 

Crescent lake is a great out and back destination for camping or a perfect spot to camp at a long the way!

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Fishing
Photography
Swimming
Backpacking
Hiking
Forest
Lake
River
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Backpack to Johnson Lake

Buena Vista Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead

Hike to the Top of Chilnualna Falls

Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail

Camp at Wawona in Yosemite National Park

Hike through Mariposa Grove to Wawona Point