Yosemite is one of my favorite spots on planet Earth, with some of the best awe inspiring views that make me feel so small and grateful for the world I live in. Nowhere else have I had my breath taken away because of the sheer beauty of the natural world.

For all of the time I’ve spent in Yosemite, I haven’t taken a backpacking trip there until now. Now there are many amazing backpacking spots in Yosemite: El Capitan, North Dome, Clouds Rest, etc. But this one is special because it requires some backcountry hiking without any trail to get there. The views are unique because it’s one of the only spots I’ve found where you have a perfect view of Upper Yosemite Falls, Halfdome, and the entire Valley.

And there’s the view! Pretty magical if you ask me. So what’s the name of this spot and how do you get there?

It’s called Eagle Tower, and there is no specified path to get there, but I will tell you how to get there. First, you need to make sure you have a wilderness permit, during the summer you have to register on recreation.gov, or during the off season it’s a walk up permit you fill out before you head out. Now when you’re getting your permit make sure you select the “Yosemite Falls Trail” as your trailhead because that is the trail we will be following the majority of the way. I would also suggest selecting El Capitan as your campsite (this specific spot isn’t on there for obvious reasons. Also upon your arrival, make sure you bring a bear can or rent one in the valley. Bear cans are required for all backcountry adventures in Yosemite.

Ok, now that you have your permits and are ready to begin your hike, it’s time to start on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail that starts right by Camp 4. Park your car in the Yosemite Falls lot (it will be fine there overnight). The beginning part of this trail will be very tough, it’s not for the faint of heart. The path to falls is about 3,000 ft of elevation gain in 3 miles. Add onto that a 40+lb pack and you will definitely be feeling it. DO NOT attempt this during the heat of the day. Below is a picture of what just a few of the switchbacks look like:

The views of the falls on the way up are awesome, but on this trip since it was in the fall, there was not much water flowing. During some drier years, the water can actually stop flowing over the falls entirely. In the springtime, it’s incredible to see the sheer volume of water flowing over these falls.

Once you get to the top of the falls, you can take a walk a quarter of a mile to the edge that gives you a great view of the valley and a view of the top of the falls. It’s definitely worth it, but the view you’re going to get later will be so much better. After taking a look at the view, walk back to the fork in the trail at the top of the switchbacks and you will see a sign that says “El Capitan” that will be your trail. You will hike along that trail for about 2-1/2 miles until you heat Eagle Peak meadows. Once you hit the meadows, immediately take a right and start hiking straight through the woods.

Now where are we actually trying to go?

This unique spot is called Eagle Tower.

Eagle Tower will pop up on Google/Apple Maps, you may even be able to look it up on AllTrails from people that have done it before. That’s probably the easiest way to get there, pull up a map, find the Eagle Tower marker, and just start walking toward it once you hit Eagle Peak Meadows (pictured above).

You’ll trek through the backcountry for 1-1/2 miles until you come out from the trees and see the immediate expansive view of the valley and Halfdome. I hiked down along the cliff’s edge until I found a great overlook of the falls. It was totally perfect. There was this fairly flat ledge I pitched my tent on and all I had to do was unzip the flap and I had a perfect uninterrupted view of Halfdome. I’m no huge fan of heights, so this was a little too close to the edge for comfort. But, I placed a few rocks along the edge so that I couldn’t roll off. This was the most incredible place I’ve ever camped and one of the best views I’ve seen in Yosemite by far. Not to mention the sunset and sunrise were absolutely incredible. The sun sets and leaves a beautiful pink reflection on Halfdome, and then it rises directly behind Halfdome.

Being honest, I didn’t get the best night’s sleep that night. The tent slab was slightly slanted so I kept sliding down to the foot of the tent. But this view was so perfect that it was all worth it. We also found an old fire ring from some previous hikers who had been there before us. So we lit a small fire too, the only thing we were missing were some marshmallows!

Sometimes the best views are a little bit off the beaten path. I will 100% come back and camp here again. These views were so much better than both Eagle Point and El Capitan. Just make sure you are careful and respectful because there is no trail leading to Eagle Peak and it is located directly above the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, so hikers can get hit by rocks below if you unintentionally make some fall over the edge.

If you’re up for some adventure and want a truly unforgettable place to camp, I highly recommend it. Just know that you are venturing into the true backcountry. So practice Leave No Trace and pack out what you pack in. Leave it as if you were never there.

This was an experience I will never forget, when I look back on my life this is one memory I will remember fondly. Views and experiences like these are impossible to forget.

Till next time!

Cowboy Rob