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Eagle Peak

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 23/100 · Moderateout and back#north-rim#valley-views#el-capitan
Distance
12.6 mi
Total gain
3,770 ft
Net gain
3,770 ft
Net loss
3,770 ft
Elevation
4,058–7,621 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Eagle Peak is the North Rim's best-value summit: 6.3 miles and 3,770 feet up the Yosemite Falls Trail to a 7,782-foot viewpoint with El Capitan and the whole Valley spread below. A rugged alternative to the Valley floor's famous viewpoints — with the rim's silence as the reward.

Highlights

  • El Capitan and Half Dome from above, across the Valley
  • The Yosemite Falls Trail's zigzags past the top of Upper Yosemite Fall
  • A rim camp with a front-row seat for sunset
  • Far fewer people than the Valley viewpoints

How hard is Eagle Peak?

CaliPeaks rates this route 23/100 (Moderate). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 3,770 ft puts this trip at 31% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 12.6 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 7,621 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Yosemite Falls Trailhead (4,058 ft) · parking: Camp 4 / Yosemite Falls parking in Yosemite Valley
  • Water: Yosemite Creek near the rim; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Yosemite Valley stores at the trailhead.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Yosemite Falls entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,600 ft unless fire restrictions are in effect. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: May, June, September, October.

Snow: Usually snow-free May through October.

Heat: The lower climb is exposed.

Bugs: Moderate in the forested sections.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • 3,770 feet of climbing — a serious leg day
  • Water is limited on the rim; fill up at Yosemite Creek
  • Lightning risk on the open summit — watch afternoon skies

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Yosemite Valley Trails — Eagle Peak. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/yosemite-valley-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (12.6 mi round trip) and elevation gain (3,770 ft) from the Yosemite Falls trailhead.
  3. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  4. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.