Yosemite Backpacking
 

In August I'll be backpacking in Yosemite starting on the mirror lake to snow creek trail head. I plan to hike from there up to north dome, across upper yosemite falls, all the way to the to of El Capitan and then back down to the valley floor through the yosemite falls trail. How many days should this take? I'll be traveling with two teenagers and another adult, all of whom are tough wilderness lovers, but none with any backpacking experience so we won't be going too fast. Also, and most importantly: I know that from the top of El Cap there is a good distance down a slope before you get to the edge. Is there any chance of getting to the edge and peeking over without any special equipment? That would be the HIGHLIGHT of the whole trip if possible! Thanks for your input and if you have any suggestions on places to stop or any advice that pertains to my trail head I would be very appreciative!

Do you have permits?

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm

Here is link that will answer a lot of your questions

Yeah I have permits, I was surprised how late in the summer I was able to get them seeing as many trail heads book 26 weeks in advance! I've already seen the NPS website and everything, but I haven't found anything on what it takes to hike down to the face of El Cap from the hill top. Anyone with experience in this area of Yosem?

You'll also need bear canisters. You can rent them at the wilderness permit stations.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/bearcans.htm

Have you looked at this map?

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisi...lleyhikes1.pdf

Topo maps:

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/trails.htm

Try checking out backpacker.com or google the portion of the hike. Do you have a guide book with info on that section of the trail?