What can you say about El Capitan that hasn't already been said?!? I really can't describe the beauty of this chunk of granite but to say you MUST see it in person before you die! Pictures do not do it justice.
Very impressive. Walked on trails below it in the winter. Would love to return in the winter. We spent about an hour hiking below it.
you just cant imagine the scale of the rockface until you see it. when you are standing on the valley floor looking up to it, you need binocs to pick out the climbers. Altogether a must-see
As we were driving through Yosemite we came across El Capitan. I am not big into rock climbing but, there where some couple people doing it.
El Capitan is where big wall climbing was born. Almost all big wall techniques were developed here. The face is known world wide. For the casual tourist is is an amazing granite cliff stretching up to the sky. With binoculars and telescopes you can spot dozens of climbing parties scaling its face. At night the face is dotted with headlamps, the stars of El Capitan. You can see El Capitan from nearly any vantage point in the valley. Spend some time and marvel at this geological masterpiece. The wall is just one of the many wonders you must see when visiting the valley.
Do not recommend walking up ruble to wall and frequent rockfall and climber's poopfall.Most walk out into the meadow and use lawn chairs and binocs to look for expert rock climbers.
We hiked to the base of El Capitan and our son climbed up 15 to 20 feet of the granite's base. Fun to say we've been there!
Had the pleasure of visiting in the afternoon - the lighting was perfect for photography! Also was excited to see some cllimbers setting a new route up the southeast face!
You can see El Cap from so many viewpoints in the valley, as well from the high country. One of the nicest ways to view the monolith is when the sun is setting and the rock changes colors. You can park near it right alongside the road.You can also walk right up to it's "nose" at the base. It's a trail no longer than a mile. It starts right around the "Devil's Elbow" area, another nice place to visit.