Eagle Peak

Eagle Peak is the highest of the Three Brothers, the stair-stepped rock formation on Yosemite Valley's north rim above El Capitan. Reaching the summit is one of the longest and most demanding day hikes out of the Valley floor — a full-day commitment that rewards you with a 360-degree view few visitors ever earn.

The Route

The hike starts at the Upper Yosemite Falls Trailhead near Camp 4, climbing the same steep, exposed switchbacks used to reach Yosemite Falls. Most hikers continue past Columbia Rock and the top of the falls, then follow the connector toward El Capitan before branching off on the spur trail to the summit. Figure on roughly 12 to 13 miles round trip with well over 3,500 feet of elevation gain — an 8 to 9 hour day for most hikers, longer if you linger at the falls overlook.

What You'll See

From the top, the view opens across the entire Valley — Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and El Capitan's back side are all visible, along with the drop straight down Yosemite Falls. John Muir called the view from this stretch of the north wall the most complete of any in the park.

Before You Go

• Start early — the switchbacks are exposed to full sun for most of the morning
• No permit is required for a day hike; overnight camping in the backcountry beyond this point requires a Yosemite wilderness permit
• Shorter options exist: many hikers turn around at Yosemite Point or the top of Yosemite Falls instead of continuing to the peak