El Capitan Trail — Attraction in Oakhurst

This was my experience mid-January, 2015. From the base at Camp 4, we hiked 3000ft total vertical (about 9 miles one way) at a steady pace with normal breaks in around 8 hours. I’m sure some people do it much faster but we were shooting video stuff along the way. It’s probably best to get started by 8am. There are a number of running streams where you can use your portable water filter to fill your water canister as you go; plenty up top too, so no need to lug lots of water. I CAN’T SAY HOW MUCH WATER IS AVAILABLE OTHER TIMES OF YEAR or other years. Maybe book a guide if you're a beginner. Check in with the park office to find one. When you get to the top of El Cap don’t fall off. It’s a broad rounded edge and you could slide off that thing if you get too cute with your selfies. You can either rush back down the same day or dig a sleeping ditch and lay in your sleeping bag under the amazing star show. Or sure, bring a tent if you want/need. Check the rules regarding camp-fires, but it’s easier to bring a DragonFly stove to boil your pre-made bag of dinner and morning coffee. This world-class hike will keep you grinning ear-to-ear and rewards you with iconic views and a...

Knowing that I am not great on exposure and would probably never climb straight up (the normal way) to the top of El Capitan -- I opted for the backcountry trail. I was not disappointed. This is a fantastic trek allowing any seasoned hiker simply awesome (but different) views of Yosemite Valley.

There are several routes, the quickest being the trail to the top of Yosemite Falls. From there you can connect onto a trail that will ultimately take you to the summit of El Capitan. Note though, that this would be a very strenuous, long hike in just one day. Be prepared with lots of water and a good flashlight.

I opted for a 3 day adventure taking me from North Dome, across Yosemite Falls and onward to El Cap. Although you stay along the rim, this route is by no means flat. It's constantly up and down. But it connects three iconic features, and sunset at night looking across at Half Dome (from North Dome)...

Great way to explore Yosemite away from the crowds. If coming from Tamarack Flats Campground, this is a 17 mile round trip hike. Get up early, bring plenty of water (or a filter/UV light, there are several streams along the way) and food. Eat your lunch on el Capitan while taking in the panorama that includes Half Dome, Glacier Point, Eagle Peak, Taft Point, Cathedral Rocks East and many more. The hike is a moderate difficulty and poses different challenges depending on the season. In May there were still large patches of snow that you had to hike on. At dawn and dusk, be aware of the hordes of mosquitoes that will pursue you and bite you through your clothing. Bring a camera because the view is...