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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
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

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Yosemite Falls Trailhead · 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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.