Trip Highlights:
El Capitan (sometimes shortened to El Cap) is one of the largest granite monoliths in the world. From the people that called this valley home, to the first time it was glimpsed by non-indigenous people saw it, to its first climbing ascent, to the famous National Geographic "Free Solo" attempt made by Alex Honnold, this iconic exposed face has inspired the urge to summit. Are you ready to stand at its peak?
All Tours Are Private
You will receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of the original booking date.
Book with confidence, knowing you can cancel for any reason 30 days before your trip date and receive a full, lifetime, transferable credit.
Not sure if your current trip dates work? Rest assured, you can change your trip date as many times as needed, provided you do so 30 days before both the current and the new trip dates, subject to our guide’s availability.
Meeting Location: Yosemite Valley Lodge at 4,035′
High Point: El Capitan at 7,616′
Mileage and Elevation Gain/Loss: 15 miles, +/- 4,713′
For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map.
Begin the day on the Yosemite Falls trail, across the main road from the Yosemite Valley Lodge. Over the first 3 miles, you’ll gain more than 3,000 feet of elevation, with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls. At this point, the trail splits, turning into a walk through the woods; passing meadows, crossing creeks, and enjoying the wildlife of the North Rim of Yosemite Valley. Continuing along the rim, the trail breaks out of the trees and gives you a taste of the views you’ll get from the peak. One final push through the trees and up a hill and you’ll be standing at the top of El Capitan…but that isn’t the end! Although we do not suggest approaching the cliff edge, we are able to travel down the hill a ways to get some shade and eat lunch while enjoying the panoramic views across the valley. This is the same view climbers get when they top out and turn around to take a break before beginning their hike back down to the valley floor.
After lunch, you’ll turn around and reverse the route you used to summit, enjoying a completely different lighting, altering the colors in the rocks and trees and giving you a beautiful view of the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. After a quick descent back to the parking lot, you can head home with an unforgettable adventure tucked away in your memory.
Your participation helps sustain our non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.
Yes, we book all of our Day Hikes as private and do not have an option to join a group. The only exception is our Half Dome in a Day hike in Yosemite, which allows up to 5 guests and 1 guide per trip.
Unfortunately, no, we do not schedule half-day tours. However, as every Day Hike is private, you can modify and customize your day with the guide as needed upon meeting and/or throughout the tour. For example, if you need (or prefer) to end at a specific time, just let the guide know when you meet, and they can make that happen.
Yes, and lucky you, as you will have a private guide for that day.
Yes, see here for our Day Hike Equipment List.
Our Guides will supply trekking poles, the gloves for Half Dome cables, and will also carry first-aid supplies and water purification devices for water along the way. They also carry bathroom supplies (toilet paper, trowel, hand sanitizer), bug repellent, suntan lotion, and they are always armed with fun, natural facts and stories from the park.
No, and we suggest you bring your own trail lunch, snacks, and full water bottles.
Yes, parking is always available at our meeting point, and your vehicle can remain there throughout the day.
Although past clients have said they were glad they rented a vehicle, there are limited public transportation options for most of the trips we offer in Yosemite. See here for additional information: Yosemite Transportation Options.
See our Day Hike Cancellation Policy on our Terms and Conditions Page, which is summarized below:
Availability
