El Capitán
Yosemite Backpacking Tour
Backpacking Gear Included
|Fresh Meals Prepared Daily
|Professional Wilderness Guides
El Capitán
Yosemite Backpacking Tour
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Cost:
$1497 (4 Day)
$1647 (5 day) -
Type:
Backpacking
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Length:
4-5 days
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Difficulty:
Moderate
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Mileage:
20-25 miles
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Season:
June – September
*IMPORTANT* – Due to the overwhelming popularity in Yosemite, this tour should be booked 6 months out to obtain permits. We accept and encourage bookings less than six months out but permit availability may be limited.
Adventure Details
Yosemite Creek to El Capitan: Summit the Giants from Above
Discover Yosemite’s hidden high-country gems on this moderate 4- or 5-day guided backpacking adventure, blending serene creek-side camping with effortless access to legendary summits. Launch from the lofty Tioga Road, where the crisp alpine air sets the stage for your journey to the rim of Yosemite Falls—North America’s tallest at 2,425 feet—unveiling sweeping vistas of the Sierra Nevada’s jagged skyline. From there, weave through wildflower-dotted meadows and along the gentle flow of Yosemite Creek, trading your heavy pack for exhilarating day hikes to the wind-swept tops of El Capitan and Eagle Peak. Gaze down at the tiny climbers scaling sheer granite walls below, marveling at the “easy” trail that delivers you to these icons without the rope. This is Yosemite reimagined: less grind, more grandeur, with elevation gifts from the high starting point minimizing the sweat while maximizing the wow. Perfect for adventurers seeking an inspiring intro to the park’s wild heart.
Tour Highlights
- Peer over the brink of Yosemite Falls, the continent’s tallest waterfall, with unobstructed Sierra panoramas
- Summit El Capitan (4-day) or both El Capitan and Eagle Peak (5-day) via pack-free day hikes—views rivaling any climber’s dream
- Idyllic camping along Yosemite Creek, with swimming holes, starlit skies, and fewer crowds than the Valley floor
- Moderate trails with ~3,000–4,000 ft total elevation gain, starting high to ease the ascent
- Small-group magic (max 8 guests) led by expert guides, including all permits, delicious backcountry meals, and bear canisters
- 15–20 miles of soul-stirring paths, customizable for your pace and peak preferences
- Bonus: Spot wildlife and wildflowers from elevated lookouts, far from the tourist throngs
Elevate your Yosemite story—where moderate miles meet monumental rewards. Choose 4 or 5 days; spots fill fast each season. Book now and claim the summit.
*Route Variation - Our specific hiking route and campsites on each departure are dependent upon permit availability.
Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Yosemite Valley Meet-Up & Orientation
Experience: Your guided Yosemite tour begins in Yosemite Valley, where you’ll meet your guide and group at 5:00 PM. This first evening is focused on preparation and ensuring everyone is ready for the backcountry. Your guide will conduct a full orientation, distribute backpacking gear, and demonstrate efficient packing techniques—key components of all successful guided backpacking tours in Yosemite.
After orientation, enjoy a relaxed group dinner and settle in for your first night at the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Campground.
Highlights: Group orientation, expert gear fitting, packing instruction, Yosemite Valley setting, front country camping.
Day 2: Yosemite Creek Trailhead to Backcountry Basecamp
Mileage: ~7.5 miles
Elevation Loss: ~1,500 ft loss
Experience:After an early breakfast, we shuttle along scenic Tioga Road to the Yosemite Creek Trailhead—one of the lesser-traveled access points for Yosemite hiking tours. From here, we begin our descent into the backcountry, hiking through pine forests, granite slabs, and classic Sierra terrain.
This section of trail offers a quieter, more remote experience compared to other guided Yosemite tours, while still delivering incredible views overlooking Yosemite Valley. We arrive at our Yosemite Creek basecamp, where we’ll stay for multiple nights.
Highlights: Tioga Road scenic drive, high-country forest hiking, granite landscapes, Yosemite Valley viewpoints, backcountry basecamp.
Day 3: Summit Day – El Capitan or Eagle Peak
Mileage: Eagle Peak: ~4 miles round trip | El Capitan: ~7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Eagle Peak: ~900 | El Capitan ~700
Experience: Today is a highlight of this Yosemite backpacking tour. With light packs, we set out to summit either Eagle Peak or El Capitan—two of the most iconic viewpoints in Yosemite National Park.
Eagle Peak offers a shorter hike with sweeping panoramic views, while El Capitan provides a longer, more adventurous route to one of the most famous overlooks in the world. Both options deliver unforgettable perspectives of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada.
Highlights: El Capitan summit experience, Eagle Peak vistas, panoramic Yosemite views, Half Dome sightlines, classic Yosemite hiking.
Day 4: Second Summit or Backcountry Exploration (5-Day Itinerary)
Mileage: Eagle Peak: ~4 miles round trip | El Capitan: ~7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Eagle Peak: ~900 | El Capitan ~700
Experience: For guests on the 5-day guided Yosemite backpacking tour, today offers the opportunity to summit the second peak or enjoy a more relaxed day in the backcountry.
This added flexibility is what sets our Yosemite backpacking tours apart—allowing you to tailor the experience based on energy levels and interests. Spend the day hiking, relaxing at camp, or exploring the Yosemite Creek area.
Highlights: Second summit opportunity, flexible itinerary, extended backcountry experience, additional exploration time.
Final Day: Hike Out to Yosemite Creek Trailhead
Mileage: ~7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~1,500 ft gain
Experience: On the final day of your guided Yosemite tour, we break camp and hike back to the trailhead. The steady climb offers a final opportunity to take in the beauty of Yosemite’s high country from a new perspective.
Reaching the trailhead marks the completion of one of the most rewarding guided backpacking tours Yosemite has to offer, leaving you with lasting memories and a true sense of accomplishment.
Highlights: Scenic ascent, high-country terrain, final Yosemite views, completion of a classic Yosemite backpacking route.
Why Choose This Yosemite Backpacking Tour?
- Expert-led guided Yosemite tours with professional wilderness guides
- One of the best guided backpacking tours Yosemite offers for iconic views
- Basecamp-style itinerary for comfort and deeper exploration
- Access to El Capitan summit—rare among Yosemite hiking tours
- All gear and meals included for a seamless experience
What's included?
- 5pm orientation the afternoon prior to your hike at Yosemite Valley at the backpacker's camp.
- Backpacking permits.
- Tent camping each night on the trail plus the night of orientation at the backpacker's camp*.
- All food while on the trail prepared by your guide - from dinner at orientation through breakfast on the last day*.
- Double occupancy tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, trekking poles. A single tent is available for an additional $50.
- A certified, medically trained guide that will lead you safely on your journey.
- An unforgettable experience!
Pickup Locations
Transportation not provided for this tour. A personal vehicle or rental car is required to get to the trailhead to start the tour.
What to Bring
Our camping and hiking trips include round trip transportation, all pro-quality gear and meals required for your adventure. This includes tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, trekking poles, and daypacks and/or backpacks. We are happy to accommodate food allergies and most dietary restrictions. Please include your preferences in your Registration Form so that we can prepare accordingly.
Gear Included
Discovery Treks tours are all inclusive tours which include:
- All meals from lunch day 1 through lunch day 4/5
- An experienced Wilderness First Responder Certified Yosemite Backpacking Guide
- Necessary pro-quality backpacking gear including 65 - 75L Osprey backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles, double occupancy tent, bear cannister (Single tent upgrade available for $50)
- All permits and fees
June
July
Don't see a tour date that works for you?
We may still be able to schedule additional tour dates that fall within your travel window.
Please call our office to inquire at 480-247-9266.