Eagle Peak (Mariposa County, California)

Eagle Peak

Eagle Peak is a prominent granite summit on the north rim of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California. Rising to approximately 7,783 feet (2,372 meters), it is the highest of the three formations collectively known as the Three Brothers and offers one of the most expansive viewpoints above Yosemite Valley.

Although Eagle Peak is overshadowed in popular attention by nearby landmarks such as Half Dome and El Capitan, it occupies an impressive position high above the valley floor. Reaching the summit from Yosemite Valley requires a long, strenuous hike, typically using the Yosemite Falls Trail before continuing west toward Eagle Peak.

🏔️ Overview

Eagle Peak stands along the northern wall of Yosemite Valley in the central Sierra Nevada. The National Park Service identifies Eagle Peak as the uppermost and highest of the Three Brothers, a group of three conspicuous rock formations immediately east of El Capitan.

Unlike Yosemite’s isolated granite domes, Eagle Peak forms part of the deeply dissected northern rim of the glacially carved valley. Its summit is accessible by trail, but hikers starting on the valley floor must overcome substantial elevation gain.

The National Park Service describes Eagle Peak as the highest point on the north rim of Yosemite Valley, giving the summit an exceptional position for viewing the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape.

⚡ Fast Facts

Feature	Details
Mountain	Eagle Peak
Continent	North America
Country	United States
State	California
County	Mariposa County
Protected Area	Yosemite National Park / Yosemite Wilderness
Mountain Range	Sierra Nevada
Elevation	Approximately 7,783 ft (2,372 m), NGS/NAVD88
Prominence	Approximately 342–359 ft (104–109 m), depending on database
Isolation	About 1.48 mi (2.38 km), according to ListsOfJohn
Parent Peak	Boundary Hill, according to ListsOfJohn
Nearest Higher Neighbor	Higher terrain toward Boundary Hill; databases differ in summit-parent conventions
Coordinates	Approximately 37.7460° N, 119.6147° W
USGS Topographic Map	Half Dome
Rock Type	Primarily granitic rock
Geologic Age	Predominantly Cretaceous
Standard Approach	Yosemite Falls Trail and Eagle Peak Trail
Difficulty	Strenuous hike; final summit area commonly rated Class 2

Elevation and prominence figures for Eagle Peak vary slightly among modern topographic and peak databases. National Geodetic Survey–based data place the summit near 7,783 feet, while Peakbagger lists approximately 7,780 feet and ListsOfJohn approximately 7,779 feet. Peakbagger currently calculates about 342 feet of prominence, while ListsOfJohn reports 359 feet.

📍 Location

Eagle Peak lies in Mariposa County in east-central California, entirely within Yosemite National Park. It rises above the northern side of Yosemite Valley, east of El Capitan and west of Yosemite Falls.

The peak is the uppermost member of the Three Brothers. From the valley, the three formations appear as a sequence of increasingly high granite buttresses:

Lower Brother
Middle Brother
Eagle Peak

The National Park Service recommends viewing the Three Brothers from portions of Southside Drive or from the Merced River area east of Cathedral Beach Picnic Area.

Eagle Peak occupies a particularly commanding position because its summit rises thousands of feet above Yosemite Valley while remaining relatively close to its central landmarks.

📏 Elevation, Prominence, and Isolation

Eagle Peak’s official National Geodetic Survey–referenced elevation is approximately 7,783 feet (2,372 meters) above sea level. Small differences among maps and databases are normal because elevations may be based on different vertical datums, survey methods, contour interpretation, or digital elevation models.

The discrepancy is more noticeable for prominence.

Peakbagger currently lists Eagle Peak at roughly:

Elevation: 7,780 feet
Prominence: 342 feet

ListsOfJohn gives approximately:

Elevation: 7,779 feet
Prominence: 359 feet
Key saddle: 7,420 feet
Isolation: 1.48 miles

ListsOfJohn identifies Boundary Hill as both the line parent and proximate parent of Eagle Peak.

These differences are relatively small and do not affect Eagle Peak’s geographic importance as the highest summit along Yosemite Valley’s north rim.

🪨 Geology

Eagle Peak is part of Yosemite’s immense granitic landscape, which was created through a combination of deep igneous intrusion, tectonic uplift, erosion, and repeated glaciation.

Most of Yosemite National Park consists of granitic rock associated with the Sierra Nevada Batholith. Much of this granite crystallized from magma deep underground during the Cretaceous Period. According to the National Park Service, most of Yosemite’s granitic rocks formed roughly 105 million to 85 million years ago.

As overlying rock was gradually removed by erosion, the deeply formed granite became exposed.

Later uplift of the Sierra Nevada increased the erosional power of rivers and streams. During the Pleistocene ice ages, glaciers repeatedly occupied the Yosemite region. These glaciers widened and deepened existing river valleys, helping create Yosemite Valley’s famous steep walls, hanging valleys, cliffs, and polished granite surfaces.

Eagle Peak and the Three Brothers are therefore remnants of a much larger granitic landscape that was progressively sculpted as Yosemite Valley was excavated around them.

🥾 Hiking to Eagle Peak

The standard route to Eagle Peak begins in Yosemite Valley near Camp 4 and follows the Yosemite Falls Trail.

The first major objective is the top of Yosemite Falls. According to the National Park Service, the hike to the top of Yosemite Falls is approximately:

7.2 miles roundtrip
2,700 feet of elevation gain

From the top of Yosemite Falls, hikers can continue west toward Eagle Peak. The National Park Service states that the Eagle Peak extension adds approximately 5.8 miles roundtrip. A complete outing from the Yosemite Valley trailhead to Eagle Peak and back can therefore approach 13 miles, depending on the precise route and turnaround points.

The total climb from Yosemite Valley to Eagle Peak exceeds 3,500 feet, making this a demanding full-day hike for most visitors.

Yosemite Valley Route

A typical route follows:

Begin near Camp 4.
Follow the Yosemite Falls Trail uphill.
Continue toward the top of Upper Yosemite Fall.
Follow the trail west from the Yosemite Falls area.
Continue through the Eagle Peak area toward the summit.
Return by the same general route.

The trail climbs steeply from Yosemite Valley and has extended sections exposed to sun, particularly during warmer months.

The National Park Service warns that summer conditions on the Yosemite Falls Trail can be hot and dry, while snow and ice can make the upper trail dangerous during winter. There is also no drinking water available along the trail, so hikers should carry sufficient water and use appropriate treatment methods if obtaining water from natural sources.

Alternative Approaches

Eagle Peak can also be approached from higher-elevation trailheads north and northwest of Yosemite Valley.

One alternative begins near Tamarack Flat, providing access to the Yosemite north-rim trail system without beginning on the valley floor. Another approach may be possible from the Yosemite Creek area when seasonal roads and trails are accessible. These options can reduce some of the enormous elevation gain associated with starting in Yosemite Valley, although they involve longer backcountry approaches and seasonal access considerations.

🏔️ Field Guide Tip: If hiking Eagle Peak from Yosemite Valley, treat it as a major mountain hike rather than a short Yosemite viewpoint walk. Start early, carry ample water, check trail and weather conditions, and allow substantial time for the descent.

🧗 How Difficult Is Eagle Peak?

Eagle Peak does not require technical climbing when approached by the normal hiking route, but the outing is still strenuous.

The principal challenge is the combination of:

Long mileage
More than 3,500 feet of climbing from Yosemite Valley
Steep switchbacks
Exposed sunny terrain
High summer temperatures
Possible snow or ice outside the main hiking season

Summit databases commonly describe the final approach as approximately Yosemite Decimal System Class 2, meaning hikers may occasionally use their hands for balance or negotiate rough terrain, but ropes are not ordinarily required for the standard route.

The biggest risks for ordinary hikers are more likely to be exhaustion, dehydration, heat, snow, ice, changing weather, and inadequate turnaround planning rather than technical climbing difficulty.

🌲 Flora and Fauna

The hike to Eagle Peak passes through several ecological environments as it rises from Yosemite Valley toward the higher north rim.

At lower elevations, Yosemite’s lower montane forests include species such as ponderosa pine, incense cedar, California black oak, and white fir. With increasing elevation, the vegetation transitions toward cooler conifer-dominated forests interspersed with granite openings and exposed rocky terrain.

Yosemite National Park supports a rich variety of wildlife, including:

American black bears
Mule deer
Coyotes
Bobcats
Mountain lions
Numerous squirrels and other small mammals
Many species of birds

Wildlife sightings on any particular Eagle Peak hike are never guaranteed, and visitors should maintain proper distances from wild animals and store food according to Yosemite’s bear-safety regulations.

View of Eagle Peak, the highest of the Three Brothers, a rock formation located in Yosemite National Park, California | Marcia Nakagawa

👀 Views from Eagle Peak

The summit is valued primarily for its extraordinary position above Yosemite Valley.

Eagle Peak provides a much less developed viewpoint than many roadside overlooks in Yosemite. From the north rim, hikers can look across the valley toward the enormous granitic landscape surrounding Half Dome, Glacier Point, Sentinel Dome, and the southern rim.

Nearby El Capitan dominates the western portion of Yosemite Valley, while Yosemite Falls and the complex granite terrain of the north rim lie to the east.

Because Eagle Peak is the highest point along the immediate north rim of Yosemite Valley, the summit provides a broader perspective than many lower valley-wall viewpoints.

For hikers interested in Yosemite’s famous granite landmarks, see the Mountain Field Guide profiles of Half Dome, Sentinel Dome, and El Capitan.

🌤️ Best Time to Hike Eagle Peak

The practical hiking season depends heavily on snowpack, temperatures, road access, and current Yosemite conditions.

Late Spring

Late spring can bring strong waterfall flows and relatively moderate temperatures at lower elevations. However, lingering snow may remain on portions of the north rim during high-snow years.

Summer

Summer generally provides snow-free trail conditions, but Yosemite Valley can become extremely hot. The steep Yosemite Falls Trail receives substantial sun exposure, making an early start particularly important.

Fall

Early fall can provide cooler temperatures and generally dry trails. Yosemite Falls, however, may have greatly reduced flow after a dry summer.

Winter

The Yosemite Falls Trail remains accessible year-round in principle, but the National Park Service warns that upper portions can become snowy and icy in winter. Eagle Peak should not be treated as an ordinary summer-style hike when winter conditions are present.

Always check current Yosemite National Park trail, weather, wildfire, and road conditions immediately before a trip.

🎟️ Permits and Regulations

A wilderness permit is generally not required for a day hike to Eagle Peak. Yosemite requires wilderness permits for overnight wilderness travel, however, so backpackers camping in the backcountry must obtain the appropriate permit.

As of 2026, Yosemite National Park does not require a general timed-entry reservation simply to enter the park, although entrance, reservation, parking, wilderness, and seasonal access policies can change. Visitors should verify current National Park Service requirements before traveling.

All hikers should follow Leave No Trace principles and Yosemite regulations governing food storage, wildlife, camping, fires, and wilderness use.

💡 Interesting Facts About Eagle Peak

Eagle Peak is the highest of Yosemite’s Three Brothers.
The other formations are Middle Brother and Lower Brother.
Eagle Peak is also identified by the National Park Service as the highest point on the north rim of Yosemite Valley.
The peak rises more than 3,500 vertical feet above the starting area of the standard Yosemite Valley hiking route.
Eagle Peak lies immediately east of Yosemite’s famous El Capitan formation.
The surrounding rock belongs to Yosemite’s predominantly Cretaceous granitic landscape.
John Muir regarded the Eagle Peak area as one of Yosemite’s outstanding high viewpoints, helping establish its long history as a destination for hikers exploring the valley rim.
Despite its commanding location, Eagle Peak receives far less attention than Yosemite landmarks such as Half Dome, El Capitan, and Glacier Point.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Eagle Peak in Yosemite?

Eagle Peak has an NGS-referenced elevation of approximately 7,783 feet (2,372 meters). Peak databases may list elevations a few feet lower because they use different source data and methods.

Where is Eagle Peak?

Eagle Peak is in Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County, California, on the northern rim of Yosemite Valley.

Is Eagle Peak part of the Three Brothers?

Yes. Eagle Peak is the highest and uppermost of the three formations known as the Three Brothers. Middle Brother and Lower Brother descend toward Yosemite Valley below it.

Is Eagle Peak higher than Yosemite Falls?

Eagle Peak’s summit is higher than the top of Yosemite Falls and requires hikers using the standard valley route to continue beyond the Yosemite Falls area.

How long is the hike to Eagle Peak?

Using National Park Service mileage figures, hiking from Yosemite Valley to the top of Yosemite Falls and adding the Eagle Peak extension can produce an outing approaching 13 miles roundtrip. Exact GPS mileage varies slightly depending on starting point and route.

Is Eagle Peak difficult to hike?

Yes. Although it is primarily a hiking route rather than a technical climb, the Yosemite Valley approach is strenuous because of its long distance and more than 3,500 feet of climbing.

Do you need a permit to hike Eagle Peak?

A wilderness permit is generally not required for an ordinary day hike. Overnight wilderness trips require a Yosemite wilderness permit.

What mountain range is Eagle Peak in?

Eagle Peak is part of California’s Sierra Nevada, the enormous mountain range extending along the eastern side of the state.

What is Eagle Peak’s prominence?

There is a small database discrepancy. Peakbagger currently calculates approximately 342 feet (104 meters) of prominence, while ListsOfJohn reports approximately 359 feet (109 meters). Because prominence depends on identifying and measuring the correct key saddle, modest differences between datasets are possible.

Can Eagle Peak be hiked in winter?

The route is not formally restricted to summer, but winter can bring snow and dangerous ice to the upper Yosemite Falls Trail and north rim. Appropriate winter equipment, experience, and current-condition assessment are essential.

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