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El Capitan via Tamarack Creek

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 21/100 · Moderateout and back#el-capitan#north-rim#valley-views#quiet
Distance
21.6 mi
Total gain
1,700 ft
Net gain
1,700 ft
Net loss
1,700 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

The back door to El Capitan: a 10.8-mile forested walk from Tioga Road to the summit of the most famous cliff in the world, with the Valley opening beneath you at the rim. Quiet, gentle, and almost empty compared to the climbers' campground below.

Highlights

  • Standing on the top of El Capitan, 7,569 feet above the crowds
  • The Valley floor and Half Dome from the rim
  • A quiet, forested route that sees a fraction of the Valley's traffic
  • Camping near the summit for sunrise over the rim

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Tamarack Creek Trailhead · parking: Tamarack Flat area pullout on Tioga Road
  • Water: Tamarack Creek and seasonal streams; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; carry everything from 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 Tamarack Creek 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: June, July, August, September.

Snow: Usually snow-free June through October.

Heat: The forested approach is shaded; the summit is open.

Bugs: Moderate in the forest through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • 21.6 miles round trip — a long two-day outing
  • Water is limited near the summit; fill up on Tamarack Creek
  • Keep well back from the rim's edge

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. Tioga Road Backpacking Trails — El Capitan from Tamarack Creek. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga-road-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Distance (21.6 mi out and back) and elevation gain (1,700 ft) from the Tamarack Creek 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.