El Capitan Traverse
Yosemite Valley, CA
5.0 (1 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Stand on El Capitan
- Iconic Views
- Creekside Camps
- 2425' High Yosemite Falls
- 4 or 5 Day Options
- Natural & Cultural History
Description
This Yosemite backpacking trip is a chance to traverse North America’s most iconic cliff, which is famously the setting for the rock climbing film “Free Solo.” You’ll stand on top of two of Yosemite National Park’s most famous features: El Capitan itself and Yosemite Falls (a 2,425 feet tall waterfall.) On the 5-day trip we add North Dome as well! This trip is a full experience of the majesty of Yosemite, and is a great spring, summer and fall trip. We camp next to pristine creeks thousands of feet above the valley floor and soak up world-class views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the snow-capped peaks of the high country. If you’re looking for views, exhilarating hiking and an overall memorable adventure, this trip is a great choice. Call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) 7 days a week to book a spot or learn more!
$1475 Per Person
$1760 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 4
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trek is between a Level 3 and 4 difficulty, tending slightly toward 4. It follows well maintained trails and includes a Day 1 hike of 8 miles with an ascent of 3300 feet. This day is the most difficult of the trip. The final day descends over 3000 feet along switchbacks on a well maintained trail.
Hiking Distances:

4-8 mi
Backpack Weight:

35-45 lbs
Terrain:

Lightly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:

3300 ft
Heights Exposure:

Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 35-45 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on lightly rugged terrain
- Hiking with occasional, moderate heights exposure
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Yosemite backpacking trip a solitude 2. You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time.
TRAVEL TO YOSEMITE VALLEY BACKPACKERS CAMP
This trip meets in Yosemite Valley in the parking lot of Curry Village near the bear boxes at shuttle stop 14 at 6PM on Day 1. Your guide will contact you approximately 10 days before your trip to coordinate this rendezvous and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will be waiting for you in a Wildland Trekking hat and shirt. This trip includes dinner and camping that night at the backpackers camp. Personal vehicles can remain parked at Curry Village during your trip.
Most of our guests rent vehicles or drive their own to Yosemite Valley. However, you can also travel to and from Yosemite National Park using train and bus options from much of California:
From Fresno: Yosemite Area Rapid Transit (YARTS) is offering 4 bus rides each direction from Fresno to Yosemite Valley. To reach the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Camp get off at Curry Village and either walk or take a national park shuttle to North Pines Campground. Walk to the back of the campground and across the footbridge to the camp.
From Other California Cities: by rail on the Amtrak San Joaquin Train to the city of Merced (serviced by most large cities in California) or by Amtrak “Thruway” Bus Service from Merced to Yosemite Valley. To book your trip, use Amtrak’s Online Reservation Service to book round-trip Amtrak travel to “YOS” (Yosemite Valley).
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
Private Rates FOr This Trip
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
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