El Capitan & Northern Rim Backpacking in Yosemite

Enjoy 1 night and 2 days or 2 night and 3 days along the northern rim of Yosemite Valley looking down from the iconic summits of El Capitan, Eagle Peak and Yosemite Falls before hiking into Yosemite Valley for pizza and beer! This is one of the best 17.5 miles of spring hiking in Yosemite for big views and no crowds! Note: This hike can be requested in either direction

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1 | 9 Miles | Strenuous Elevation Gain Meet your guide after breakfast around 7 AM at a convenient prearranged meet up location to pack gear, drink coffee and talk safety. We'll immediately head to the trailhead and begin our backcountry adventure. Before lunch we'll hike through several burn scars along the historic Big Flat Road, before enjoying lunch in the shade near Cascade Creek and exposed trails to the top of El Capitan. Once refueled, we'll work on the steep rocky trail leading to the summit of El Capitan, that largest granite monolith on the planet! The elevation gain is well worth it as we enjoy expansive views, stroll through the wildflowers of Ribbon Meadow and set camp for a delicious dinner and the starriest sky imaginable!

Day 2 | 8.5 Miles |Strenuous Elevation Loss We'll wake with the sun and enjoy coffee and a hearty mountain breakfast before another incredible day along the Northern Rim! That morning we'll get a well-deserved treat of moderate hiking, no crowds, and unprecedented views with breakfast on top of El Capitan and a mid morning snack on Three Brother’s Eagles Peak and an early lunch at the top of Yosemite Falls, the 5th tallest waterfall in the world! We'll have a steep and steady decline that afternoon as we descend into Yosemite Valley along the Yosemite Falls Trail.Once inside Yosemite Valley, we'll enjoy a short scenic drive through Yosemite Valley to the Half Dome Pizza Desk for a well-earned dinner of pizza and beer before you head back to your accommodations for the evening!

What's Provided

• Private Transportation to Trailhead.
• All meals from lunch on Day 1 - Pizza on the evening of Day 2
• Snacks, drinks, and water available throughout your excursion.
• Private naturalist guide with Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Entrance, license and permit fees, and taxes
• All camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and bag liners.
• Complete camp kitchen and bear canisters.
• Water and water filtration.
• Toiletries and sanitation supplies.
• First aid and emergency equipment.
• Shuttle transportation from Fresno, Sacramento and the Bay Area available - contact for pricing and availability.
• Lodging or tent camping options available - contact for pricing and availability.

What to Bring

A detailed list will be provided in your confirmation email.

Duration

2 Days and 1 Night 3 Days and 2 Nights