Backpack to Crescent Lake

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!