Yosemite Icons: 5-Day Backpacking Route Over El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, North Dome & More
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
High level of cardiovascular fitness and strong endurance for multi-day packs and steep elevation gains
Overview
Spend five days backpacking Yosemite’s most iconic features—from the top of Yosemite Falls to the rim views at North Dome and a lunch overlooking El Capitan. This guided route pairs big granite panoramas with technical trail logistics and backcountry camping.
Yosemite Icons: 5-Day Backpacking Route Over El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, North Dome & More
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On the first afternoon the group gathers at Curry Village, sunlight cutting across granite and the smell of pine rolling through the parking lot. Guides unpack maps and canvas packs; boots scrape gravel. By nightfall the valley's hush has a weight to it — a reminder that what you see from the road is only the overture.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Train with a loaded pack
Complete several long hikes with a 30–40 lb pack before arrival to simulate trail conditions and avoid injury.
Hydrate and filter
Carry at least 2–3 liters and a reliable filter; creeks supply water but treatment is required.
Break in your boots
Wear trail shoes for long back-to-back days to prevent blisters and joint stress.
Know the turnaround times
Follow guide cues for daylight and weather; descents can be steep and slow when tired.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- American pika (at higher elevations)
History
Yosemite was home to Miwok and Ahwahnechee communities for millennia; the park later became central to U.S. conservation history and the national park movement.
Conservation
Guides emphasize Leave No Trace and the trip operates on permits that limit group size to reduce impact; pack out all waste and minimize fire use.
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Adventure Hotspots in Yosemite Valley (Yosemite Village)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Internal-frame backpack (50–65L)
Holds multi-day gear comfortably while distributing load for steep climbs.
Mountaineering or backpacking boots
Support and traction for long miles, steep sections, and varied terrain.
3-season sleeping bag (20–10°F rating)
Keeps nights comfortable at 6,000–7,000 feet where temperatures can drop sharply.
fall specific
Water filter and 2–3L hydration system
Reliable filtration for creek water and hydration during long, hot days.
summer specific