Eagle Tower

Eagle Tower is a granite outcrop on the north rim of Yosemite Valley, just off the Eagle Peak Trail, with one of the widest views in the park — Ribbon Fall, Half Dome, and a sheer drop to the valley floor, all from the same spot. Getting there is the whole point: it's a long, steep day hike that most visitors skip, so you'll likely have the overlook to yourself.

The Hike

Start on the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail from Camp 4 and continue onto the Eagle Peak Trail, which runs roughly 6 miles one way with over 3,500 feet of elevation gain. Near the end of that trail, an unmarked spur breaks off toward the cliff edge — that's Eagle Tower, with no sign or worn path marking the turn. Trip reports put the round trip at close to 11.5 miles, easily a full day out.

What You'll See

The payoff is the view: Ribbon Fall, Half Dome, and a several-thousand-foot drop to the valley floor, all visible from one overlook. Because the Eagle Peak Trail carries far less traffic than the main Yosemite Falls routes, the exposed edge at the Tower is usually quiet.

Know Before You Go

• This is a long, strenuous, full-day hike with an unmarked final stretch — bring a map or GPS track.
• The route is lightly traveled, so don't count on other hikers being nearby if something goes wrong.
• The overlook sits at an exposed, unrailed cliff edge — stay well back from the drop-off.
• Best done once winter snowpack has cleared, while the waterfalls are still running strong.