El Capitán Backpacking Tour
Adventure Details
This Discovery Treks backpacking tour through Yosemite Creek to El Capitán is a great intro to Yosemite National Park with moderate backpacking trails and mileage but extraordinary views of the National Park. On this hike we will start up at elevation from the Tioga Road and hike out to the top of Yosemite Falls (see our Yosemite Falls to Snow Creek hike for a more intensive version of this hike) where we will get our first great views of the Sierra Nevadas from an elevated position. Yosemite Fall is also the tallest fall in the park, as well as the lower 48 states. During the interior days of the hike, we will day hike to the top of El Capitan and/or Eagle Peak (and wonder why all these people are climbing it when you can just hike to the top), camp along Yosemite Creek for a few nights and then make our way back to our trailhead. The Yosemite Creek day hike is the perfect trip for anyone looking for a more moderate hike in the park with incredible views. Due to the elevation of the Tioga Road, where we start our hike, we experience less elevation change throughout the hike to get to the high points. We will gain a good amount of elevation day hiking to the tops of El Capitan and/or Eagle Peak, but we will do this without our main packs. This tour is offered in both 4 and 5 day variations. On the 4 day hike in Yosemite Creek, we can choose to summit either Eagle Peak or El Capitan. On the 5 day tour, we summit both of the magnificent peaks over looking the park. *Route Variation - Our specific hiking route and campsites on each departure are dependent upon permit availability.
Adventure Itinerary
Day 1
Meet in the park at 5pm to connect up with your guide and the rest of the members of your group. On night 1 of the tour, your guide will go through an orientation with the group to go over final details, give out and size everyones backpacking equipment, do a packing demonstration and generally confirm that all hikers are prepared for the hike. Following orientation, we will have dinner and our first night of front country camping in the backpackers campground in Yosemite Valley.Day 2
We will wake up early to smell of breakfast, pack up camp, load up our vehicles and make our way out to trailhead and begin our hike. Our drive will take approximately an hour to get to the trailhead. We will hike approximately 7.5 miles with a 1500ft elevation decline throughout to get to our campsite for the duration of the tour.Day 3
Wake up for breakfast at the Yosemite backpacking camp along Yosemite Creek and begin on our day hike to El Capitan or Eagle Peak (Eagle Peak – 4 mile day hike round trip; El Capitan – 7 mile day hike round trip)Day 4 (Optional)
Day hike to summit whichever peak we didn’t do the day priorFinal Day (day 4 or 5):
Hike back out to the trailhead 7.5 miles – 1500 ft elevation inclineWhat'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. For 2022 tours, a rental car to get to the trailhead is required as shuttle transportation is not yet available.
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Cost:
$1197 – $1297
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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.
Accepted Credit Cards
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
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Cost:
$1197 – $1297
-
Type:
Backpacking
-
Length:
4-5 days
-
Difficulty:
Moderate
-
Mileage:
20-25 miles
-
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.
Accepted Credit Cards
Questions? Inquire Below!
-
Cost:
$1197 – $1297
-
Type:
Backpacking
-
Length:
4-5 days
-
Difficulty:
Moderate
-
Mileage:
20-25 miles
-
Season:
June – September