El Capitan Trail,
Yosemite National Park

Located 17.9 miles from Fish Camp, California (CA)
4 Stars
11,500 Steps 1  (5.2 mi)
Trails National Parks Yosemite El Capitan Trail

Elevation

The El Capitan Trail has a maximum elevation of 7,779 ft., a minimum elevation of 5,876 ft. and an elevation range of 1,903 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
5.2 mi5,876 ft7,779 ft1,903 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
2.6 hrs165.71,988 ft243 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
2.1 hrs20.2243 ft1,988 ft
Data Accuracy
No Star Rating
Data Reliability
No Star Rating

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF El Capitan Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Ackerson Mountain, CA
  2. North Topo Map: Tamarack Flat, CA
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Yosemite Falls, CA
  4. West Topo Map: El Portal, CA
  5. Topo Map: El Capitan, CA
  6. East Topo Map: Half Dome, CA
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Buckingham Mountain, CA
  8. South Topo Map: Wawona, CA
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Mariposa Grove, CA

FAQ

What is the length of the El Capitan Trail?
The length of the trail is 5.2 miles (8.4 km) or 11,500 steps.

How long does it take to hike the El Capitan Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 2.6 hours in one direction and in 2.1 hours in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.