Plan for Eagle Peak Camping

这是2023年5月为了7月底的Eagle Peak backpacking trip写的，发上来分享一下，希望对打算在Yosemite NP wilderness backpacking的读者有所帮助。如果想在Eagle Peak顶上camping，需要提前申请Wilderness Permit。Yosemite NP有非常完善的Wilderness Permit申请管理系统，但需要backpacker阅读并理解相关规则，这是一个比较大的话题，有空我来仔细写一些，此处不再展开。按照Trailhead地图，Eagle Peak camping需要申请的是Upper Yosemite Falls Trail的permit。

这次trip的具体行程照片可以阅读之前的文章：Backpack Camping at Eagle Peak of Yosemite NP

• Where is Eagle Peak?

Eagle Peak is the highest point of Yosemite Valley, on the north rim of the valley between Upper Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. You can download the trail map (PDF，GPX) here. The trail is ~6.0 miles in one way and the total elevation is ~4,300 ft. It starts from Camp4 (37° 44′ 29.1348″ N 119° 36′ 12.0857″ W) of Yosemite NP.

• What’s the Plan?

• Camping

Camping in the wilderness of Yosemite NP requires a permit. I already reserved a permit for 3 people for the night of August 1 Tue to August 2 Wed. It needs to be picked up from the Wilderness Office (located at Yosemite Village) on July 31. This is not the campground reservation! So we still need to book the campground (ideally on Camp4) at least for the night of July 31, or more days if you want to arrive earlier/leave later. Please see below for more details. And also, we need to follow the wilderness regulation of Yosemite NP. Few important points:

1. You must camp 4 trail miles away from Yosemite Valley.
2. All human waste must be buried at least six inches deep and at least 100 feet from water sources, camp areas, and trails.
3. Do all washing at least 100 feet from water. Do not put any soap in water (even biodegradable and natural soap pollutes).
4. Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash.
5. Bear spray is not allowed in Yosemite NP.
6. Proper food storage is mandatory. Allowed bear-resistant food canisters are required in all areas of Yosemite. Hanging or guarding your food items is not permissible.

• Parking

For that night we camp on the Eagle Peak, the cars need to be parked in Curry Village, Trailhead Parking, or Day User Parking (closest to the trailhead). There is a shuttle running from Curry Village to the trailhead. 

• Hiking

Due to the high temperature of summer season, preferably we can depart early in the morning of Aug. 1st, and finish the most steep climbing section (~3 miles) to Upper Yosemite Falls before noon time. After that we will turn west and hike along the ridge for most of the time toward Eagle Peak. If the weather and time permit, we may also hike 2 extra miles from Eagle Peak to the top of El Capitan. 

On Aug. 2nd, we will hike back to Camp 4.

There is no reliable water source beyond Yosemite Creek, so a water container and water treatment device is essential. ¹

• What to bring?

1. National Park Annual Pass if you have, otherwise prepare to pay the entrance fee.
2. Backpack
3. Comfortable shoes and jacket: it’s summer, but it’s cold during the night and early morning, especially when you camp at a 7,000 ft mountain top.
4. Tent: since we need to hike a strenuous trail, please choose light-weight gear if possible.
5. Sleeping bag and pad: due to the high elevation, the temperature during the night time can drop to 40F or even lower.
6. Headlight and batteries
7. Water container: as mentioned above, there is no water supply after Yosemite Creek. Please make sure to bring a water container big enough to supply all the water needs (drinking, cooking, washing, etc) for hiking and camping. Water filter is strongly recommended so we can refill at the Yosemite Creek and you don’t need to carry all the water from the trailhead all along with you.
8. Food and cooking wares, utensils: again, please choose light-weight gear if possible.
9. Bear-resistant food container: this is required by the Yosemite NP regulation. It can be rented in Wilderness Office if you don’t have one.

• News Update²

1. Road to Glacier Point will be open this summer, after two-year closure: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/glacierpoint.htm
   
2. Half Dome daily lottery is open: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/234652
3. Mist Trail will be closed from Mon. to Thursday every week, 7am to 3:30PM. If you plan to hike the Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, Friday to Sunday will be the only option, otherwise you have to use John Muir Trail.
   
4. Tioga Road is now open, in case if you want to explore Tuolumne Meadows: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm

• Final Checklist Before Departure

1. Bring all the essential gear: water treatment or storage, food, bear canister, tent/sleeping bag/sleeping pad, headlight, national park pass if you have.
2. Make sure all the gears are in working condition, still have time to order or rent for now. 
3. Charge your digital equipment if any.
4. It’s still the busy season, it may take hours to enter the park. The parking lot can be full and the whole east Yosemite Valley can be closed, especially during the weekend. Try to get into the park early or late. Text YNPTRAFFIC to 333111 for updates.
5. When you depart, please call 209-372-0200 (press 1 then 1) for the most up-to-date road conditions. Last time when I visited the 140 road was closed just before I departed due to a rockslide.

Wilderness of Yosemite NP is potentially dangerous to everyone. Bear, rockslide, heat, dehydration, falling, and losing direction can cause severe injury or even death. Plan your visit, be cautious, know your limit, and hike smart.

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1. Later we found there was still plenty of water flow in Eagle Creek in early August, due to the rich precipitation in the past winter. However it’s still not reliable and can dry up much earlier. Get enough water at Yosemite Creek if possible. ↩︎
2. The news are from May 2023 to August 2023, please check NPS website for real time closure and park information. ↩︎