Yosemite’s Incredible El Capitan
These towering granite walls draw rock climbers, photographers and visitors looking for a dose of awe.
Coming into Yosemite Valley from the west, El Capitan’s magnificent face dominates the landscape. Rising more than 3,000 feet above the valley floor, its magnitude is palpable when you stand underneath it. Known affectionately as “El Cap,” its sheer, white granite walls have enchanted visitors throughout history.
What is El Capitan known for?
Other than being one of the most quintessential Yosemite views, El Capitan draws the world’s best rock climbers to test themselves on its walls. Climbers first reached the summit of El Cap in 1958 and since then the imposing faces have been the site of many first ascents. In 2015, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson made history with their ascent of the Dawn Wall, the last major unclimbed route on El Capitan and one of the most difficult. In 2017, Alex Honnold leapt to fame as he became the first person to free solo (climb a route without ropes or safety equipment) a grade VI route known as Freerider.
Watch the full movie at watch.outsideonline.com/the-dawn-wall/XDlfYMaQ.
Where is the best place to see El Capitan?
El Capitan is visible from much of Yosemite Valley, but the most popular places to view (and photograph it) are from the western end. Tunnel View, located along Hwy. 41 at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel, is one of the most classic Yosemite views including El Capitan prominently on the left side of the valley. Valley View offers a different perspective, showing El Capitan’s might as it towers above the floor. It’s located along Northside Drive, just before Pohono Bridge. Another great spot is El Capitan Meadow and El Capitan Picnic Area, right at the base of the rock. You’ll likely need a wide angle lens if you’re trying to photograph it from this angle, however, because of its sheer size.
If you’re staying at one of the lodges or campgrounds in the valley, be sure to stop by El Capitan Meadow after dark. The lights from the headlamps of climbers camping on the wall made it look like stars have fallen from the sky and onto the rock.
Each February El Cap lights up at sunset when Horsetail Fall catches the evening rays just right and looks like it’s caught on fire. This phenomenon is known as Firefall and draws visitors from around the world.
Is El Capitan easy to climb?
While this behemoth is known for some of the world’s most challenging rock climbing routes, there are more moderate routes located on the rock as well. That said, no climb to the top of El Capitan is easy. It takes the average climber two to four days to ascend more than a dozen pitches. Even if you are a regular rock climber, your first El Capitan climbing experience is best had with a guide. Yosemite Mountaineering School (www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/yosemite-mountaineering-school-guide-service/) is a great option whether you’re just learning the ropes, or are ready to tackle your first big wall climb.
Can you hike to the top of El Capitan?
Don’t want to climb El Capitan, but still want to get the views from the top? It’s possible to hike to the summit of the rock formation, no technical climbing required. The trail is long, at 15 miles one-way, so it’s best done as a backpacking trip. Advanced permits are required and can be obtained 24 weeks months in advance at recreation.gov. The hike gains more than 5,000 feet of elevation over the course of the trail, so be prepared for an intense journey. The trek starts from the Yosemite Falls Trailhead.
Explore El Capitan on Google Earth