TR: Buena Vista to Hart Lakes Loop (July 2 -5, 2021)

[alido2boord]

I planned a very casual trip in southern Yosemite. Last year, my friends and I explored the very northern parts of Yosemite and this year we get to explore the southern parts of it. Refreshing to get a feel of the entire Yosemite! This trip was probably the most casual trip I've ever planned. 3 nights in the backcountry with A LOT of down time.

First night we camped at Turner Meadow. There is a nice open area towards the southern part of the meadow. And it's not too far from a creek.

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Hiked out late morning to get to Buena Vista Lake by early afternoon. There were a few people at this lake, but not crowded at all. Swimming in the lake was pretty nice. One of my friends and I decided to check out the summit of Buena Vista Peak. Very easy to get to from the lake. We approached from the western side. Definitely worth the views!

You can see my friends at camp down below at Buena Vista Lake as we were going up along the ridge to Buena Vista Peak.

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Hiked out the next day and hiked less than 4 miles to Hart Lake(s). This lake doesn't have a trail, but it is quite easy to get to from Buena Vista Lake. I think it's a great intro to people who have never gone off trail before. Best part was that no one else was at the lake! Complete solitude with friends and the camping spot on the western end felt like we were staying at a lakeside vacation home. There were also a lot of boulder near Hart Lake.... so naturally we climbed some stuff because we love bouldering.

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Here's the video of our trip as well... although there's not much action going on. Just mostly us hanging out.

[c9h13no3]

Nice trip! I need to give this area some time. And that Cyanide and Happiness game is great :-).

How were the trail conditions? Rocky with lots of down trees? Or that glorious springy mixture of dirt & pine needles?

[grampy]

Thanks for your report - the narrative was to the point, but the well-edited video really added to it. Documented proof that everyone enjoyed themselves … except for the lack of chips

[wildhiker]

Looks like a nice little trip. And Buena Vista Peak certainly has a "buena vista"!
-Phil

[richapple]

Doesn't look like you're commenting back, but just in case you see this: Being climbers maybe you went off-trail from the Buena Vista Trail closer to Hart Lakes than much beyond (north of) them? We have always traversed some slabs directly south of Edson, north of Hart Lakes (with a full view of Edson, Hart Lks not visible yet). We basically go west (if "to" Hart Lakes from the BV trail) across the slabs north of a peak/knob that sits directly south of Edson, about half way between Edson and Hart Lakes. Just curious. Perhaps you never saw Edson Lake? (Hart Lakes are superb!)