El capitan climb height. This massive granite formation stands about 3,000 feet tall, making it a favorite among climbers and nature enthusiasts alike. One of the park’s most notable landmarks, the granite monolith features nearly vertical walls and towers some 3,600 feet over the western end of Yosemite Valley. 4 days ago · Scaling El Capitan had required 45 days of climbing over 18 months and had consumed 125 bolts. Towering at a staggering height of 3,000 feet, the sheer vertical face of El Capitan presents an irresistible lure to climbers, promising a thrilling and perilous journey to its summit. 10b. S. Jun 5, 2017 · On Saturday, the professional climber Alex Honnold became the first to climb the nearly 3,000-foot El Capitan, Yosemite’s iconic granite wall, without ropes, called free soloing. Climbers must ensure they have the right gear El Capitan El Capitan is the world's largest granite monolith, 3,000 feet high - three times the height of the Eiffel Tower, more than twice as high as the Empire State Building, taller all by itself than the highest points in 17 different states and dozens of entire nations. Follow the trail to a large clearing. The hike is a steep 11+ mile round trip with over 3k feet in elevation gain. The route climbs 31 pitches up the most prominent feature on El Cap. Since the detour to El Capitan is only about an extra 0. How can you properly describe 3000 feet of beautiful granite loaded with awesome routes? El Cap is probably the most recognized chunk of rock in the world to rock climbers. Learn more about El Capitan. The granite monolith is one of the world's favorite challenges for rock climbers. El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; lit. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. In 1958, Warren Harding, George Whitmore, and Wayne Merry spent 45 days climbing the enormous 914m route. It is a premier destination for rock climbing and photography, showcasing some of the best views in the park. El Capitan, also known as El Cap, is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, located on the North side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. 13a), becoming the first person to flash El Capitan. The granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous location for big wall climbing, including the disciplines of aid climbing, free climbing, and more recently for free solo climbing. Aside from its technical difficulty, its sheer height is one of the factors that makes ascending El Capitan such a challenging feat for trad climbers and sport climbers from around the world. Once considered impossible to climb, [1] El Capitan is now the standard for big wall climbing. Learn about its geology and climbing history. Many rock climbers go up the 4 days ago · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - Freerider - Yosemite Valley, California USA. The climbing is only marginally more difficult than Zodiac, but the many lower angle Freerider is an 7c+ Sport route at El Capitan in the United States. May 19, 2025 · Ready to take on one of Yosemite’s toughest trails? Hiking El Capitan gets you to the top - no ropes needed. Rock Climbing: El Capitan is a world-renowned destination for big wall climbing, attracting climbers from around the globe. From spring to fall, climbers come from all over the globe to scale El Capitan and discover the thrill of the vertical wilderness on Yosemite's big walls. Preparation is key for climbing El Capitan. The granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous location for big wall climbing, including the disciplines of aid climbing, free climbing, and more Apr 1, 2022 · El Capitan, known as El Cap, is a 3,000-foot-high granite edifice that draws thousands of climbers to Yosemite each year. Yosemite has been the site for almost every major development in the sport of rock climbing. Nearly 3,000 feet (900 meters) high, this California summit attracts climbers from all over the world, but few can say they’ve truly tamed it. Often referred to as the "best rock climb in the world" it is obvious why this route is one of the most sought after big walls in the valley and the May 9, 2018 · The height of El Cap? - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Yosemite El Capitan Overview Yosemite’s El Capitan is one of the most iconic rock formations in Yosemite National Park, located in California, USA. The granite rock face is about 3,000 feet (914 metres) from base to summit along its tallest face, and is a popular objective for rock climbers. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Sunday March 3 at 9/8c Overview El Capitan is perhaps the most sublime feature in all of Yosemite Valley, and second only to Half Dome among Yosemite's most recognized features. It has a prominence of 9 feet (3 meters). The granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to top along its tallest face. However, don't expect to find the cracks Charlie Porter originally nailed as the rurp placements are now 1-1 1/4" scars. It’s harder Jun 4, 2017 · American rock climber Alex Honnold has made a free solo ascent of Freerider on El Capitan, Yosemite. Its sheer vertical face is a testament to nature’s beauty and power, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the park Many climbers who reach the top of El Capitan can spend the night in a bivouac at the summit and enjoy their victory under the stars. Apr 2, 2025 · El Capitan Stands at a Towering Height of 3,000 Feet Rising to an impressive height of approximately 3,000 feet (914 meters) from its base to the summit, El Capitan is one of the tallest vertical cliffs in the world. It is fairly accessible for El Cap and has experienced a huge uptick Oct 10, 2024 · El Capitan, rising over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley, is a favorite for experienced rock climbers and onlookers alike. Popular for its climbing routes, it draws experienced climbers and tourists alike. Modern big wall climbing began in the late 1950's and was developed into a fine art on its faces in the 1960's as climbers from all over the world have come to challenge its demanding routes. The Nose of El Capitan is perhaps the most decorated and sought-after rock climb in the world. Mar 5, 2019 · Free Solo - Freerider - El Capitanlast updated 5 Mar 2019 On June 3, 2017 Alex Honnold free solos (climbs without ropes for protection) , a 3,200 foot granite face in Yosemite. El Capitan is featured on a United States quarter dollar coin minted in 2010 as part of the America the Beautiful Quarters series. 14, there’s one that allows climbers to ascend 500 metres to the top of the east end at only 5. Oct 10, 2024 · El Capitan is the southern-most point of the Guadalupe Mountains. El Cap Overview El Capitan, often referred to as El Cap, is a breathtaking monolith found in Yosemite National Park, California. At the 2019 oscars , documenting the climb, by filmmaker E. This is our comprehensive guide to hiking up El Cap: how hard it is, what to expect, how to plan it and everything you need to know to stand at the top of this icon. Join legendary rock climbers 3,000 feet up Yosemite's El Capitan with Google Maps May 8, 2025 · The Nose on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley is not only America’s most iconic big wall climb, but it’s one of the most sought after and famous in the world. [2] Oct 10, 2024 · Learn the differences between climbing El Capitan and Half Dome, including scale, profile, routes, challenges, skills required, and more. Gain valuable insights into route selection, gear essentials, safety measures, and insider tips from seasoned climbers. The formation is made from a Jul 22, 2022 · Climbing El Capitan World famous rock climbing wall of El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California. El Capitan is a famous rock formation in Yosemite Valley. Climbers typically take around four to six days to reach the top, using a variety of routes. 5 times taller than the Empire State Building, making it a sight to behold. It is on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. El Capitan’s iconic granite walls dominate the west end of Yosemite Valley. It has since seen countless ascents, although few of them free. Towering nearly 3000' this route offers 31 pitches of superb climbing right up the middle of the wall. Kirk, portrayed by William Shatner, attempts a free solo climb of El Capitan. Called simply El Cap or The Captain, this immense Sep 5, 2023 · El Capitan, standing tall within Yosemite National Park, is one of the most imposing granite cliffs in the United States. Jun 5, 2017 · It’s easy enough to read it: On June 3, 2017, Alex Honnold rewrote what is humanly possible by climbing the nearly 3,000-foot-tall face of Yosemite’s El Capitan without a rope. Get all you need to know for an epic ascent. 13b/c) on El Capitan’s southwest face, with a few variations to avoid some of the harder pitches. In the opening title sequence of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, James T. Nov 8, 2024 · El Capitan, rising over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley, is a favorite for experienced rock climbers. 1 day ago · From El Capitan Meadow, pick up the distinct trail that starts 300 feet west of El Capitan Bridge. Its height is 7,573 feet (2,308 meters) above sea level, according to NAVD 88. Jun 19, 2023 · El Capitan is one of the world’s most famous mountains, with walls that rise above the valley bottom up to 1,000 metres. 5 times as tall as the Empire State Building, or more than 3 times as high as the top of the Eiffel Tower. While there are dozens of hard climbs up to 5. Jun 12, 2024 · Alex Honnold goes "full on Mission Impossible" on Coyote Tower What is El Capitan? El Capitan is gigantic, vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park and is world-famous as a destination for big wall climbing. It was first climbed in 1958, and free-climbed in 1993. It's an awe-inspiring thing that first time you go to the Valley and stand at the base of El Cap, looking up. Hiking: While there is no direct trail to the summit, experienced hikers can reach the top via the Yosemite Falls Trail and then proceed westward. This iconic landmark is about 1. It's basically a big old hunk of granite. Day climbers can return to a nearby bed & breakfast, or Yosemite Park motels to clean up and relax for the night. It ascends the most prominent line of the most esteemed wall in the most iconic climbing destination in existence. For more fascinating facts about El Capitan in Yosemite, join us for a day hike tour or a guided backpacking adventure! How Tall Is El Capitan? One of the most striking formations in the Yosemite Valley, El Capitan measures at about 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) tall from base to summit. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park rises nearly 3,600 feet above the valley floor (7,500 feet above sea level) making it one of the most prominent features in the park. From here, the trail diverges to skirt either the base of the 3 days ago · Steep, clean and outrageously exposed, the Shield Headwall may be the most spectacular place on El Capitan. Jun 15, 2006 · The Captain. El Capitan is opposite Bridalveil Fall and is best seen from the roads in western Yosemite Valley, including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall area, and El Capitan Meadow. So Mar 18, 2025 · El Capitan’s cliff has been the ultimate challenge for climbers for decades, but to attempt it without any safety equipment is to accept a level of risk that borders on the unimaginable. El Capitan is a historic natural landmark and has hundreds of years of history behind it. The granite giant stands as a Nov 29, 2017 · This summer, Alex Honnold became the first person to climb Yosemite’s legendary El Capitan without a rope, ascending 3,000 feet with nothing to catch him if he fell. Towering majestically over Yosemite Valley, this incredible granite monolith rises to a staggering height of more than 3,000 feet, which is over 900 meters. The first ascent was in 1958 after 47 days of effort by Wayne Merry, Warren Harding and George Whitmore. This towering granite monolith, rising over 3,000 feet from the valley floor, is a testament to the raw power and enduring beauty of the natural Jan 1, 2023 · The El Capitan hike is one of the best in Yosemite and few people take it on (making it even better). El Capitan is Spanish for The Captain or The Chief and is fitting given its domineering Feb 26, 2024 · El Capitan's towering granite walls draw rock climbers, photographers and visitors looking for a dose of awe in Yosemite National Park. El Capitan is best seen from El Capitan Meadow. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New El Capitan continues to be universally regarded as the mecca of big-wall rock climbing, with hundreds of climbers attempting to claim its summit each year. Here's what I wish I knew beforehand. Honnold spent years preparing for the climb, meticulously planning every foothold and handhold. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. 5 miles wide and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. From its towering height of 3,000 feet to its challenging climbing routes, El Capitan captivates climbers and nature lovers alike. Dec 13, 2024 · I spent 40 days on Freerider (my first El Capitan route) before freeing it in a 16-hour push. This massive granite monolith stands about 3,000 feet tall and is revered by climbers and hikers alike. 5 days ago · The Final Ascent El Capitan isn't just a rock formation; it's a symbol of human determination, adventure, and the beauty of nature. No formal trail reaches the summit, and the peak is best seen from U. 4 miles added to the total How Alex Honnold made ‘the ultimate climb’—without a rope His stunning scramble up the 3,000-foot granite wall known as El Capitan, in less than 4 hours, came after meticulous planning and Sep 12, 2023 · El Capitan Mountain Dawn Wall: The world's hardest rock climbing. Yosemite rock climbing is an essential experience. Popular with climbers, it was first summited in 1958. Jul 22, 2025 · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - North America Wall - Yosemite Valley, California USA. 12d route, with a few variations in 3 hours, 56 minutes. To put its grandeur into perspective, El Capitan is roughly 2. Honnold walks us through how Hiking El Cajon Mountain is one of the toughest hikes in the local San Diego area. You could stack two Rocks of Gibraltar on top of each other on the floor of Yosemite Valley and they still wouldn't Oct 3, 2018 · Watch Alex Honnold’s journey toward his rope-free climb of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan in Free Solo, the Oscar-winning film by E. First free climbed by the Huber brothers in 1998, the 3,300 ft climb essentially follows The Salathé Wall route (5. El Capitan is a 3,000-foot (910 m) vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. When facing the wall, walk at 10 o’clock and pick up the climbers' trail that eventually leads to a point 200 feet in front of the toe of the Southeast Buttress and the start of the Nose. The world's most renowned huge wall climb is The Nose on El Capitan (one of the climbing routes) in Yosemite National Park. Feb 27, 2007 · El Capitan is home to numerous classic routes but "The Nose" is the mega classic of them all. He went up Freerider, a 5. One of the largest exposed pieces of granite in the world, this behemoth attracts rock climbers from aroundthe world. Its rich history, from Native American legends to modern-day climbing feats, adds layers of intrigue. At more than 3,000 feet (900+ m) above the valley floor, it is 2. Jun 15, 2025 · El Capitan, mountain in Yosemite National Park, east-central California. In doing so he has become the first person to climb El Capitan without ropes. It rises over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley. 'the Captain' or 'the Chief') is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. The Nose is a big wall climbing route up El Capitan. And by big, we mean really, really big. But exactly how tall is El Capitan? May 25, 2024 · Explore the ultimate guide to climbing El Capitan with essential tips and insights into El Capitan routes. Oct 1, 2024 · The Awe-Inspiring Wonder of Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan is a natural wonder that has captivated the hearts and minds of visitors from around the world. Apple named its 12th major release of macOS after El Capitan. The triumph shook both the climbing and non-climbing worlds and would change big wall climbing forever. Nov 17, 2021 · Is El Capitan the hardest climb in the world? Looming over Yosemite Valley, El Capitan is widely regarded as the most brutal challenge in rock climbing. Following a long, varied and gorgeous crack system, Freerider is one of the more popular routes on El Capitan. El Cajon Mountain is right next to El Capitan Mountain, so you can easily summit both on the same hike if you are feeling a little extra adventurous. Feb 10, 2024 · El Capitan, the colossal granite monolith that guards Yosemite Valley, has long been a symbol of challenge and adventure for rock climbers across the globe. It is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and considered a classic around the world. Chai Vasarhelyi (" ") and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy El Capitan El Capitan El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; The Captain or The Chief), also known as El Cap, is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park. Learn about climbing Half Dome, El Capitan climbing and Yosemite Mountaineering School. Its grandeur, beauty, and challenging vertical ascent have made it a mecca for rock climbers from all over the world. Highway 62/180 in the vicinity of the park. This iconic landmark draws many climbers and tourists every year, showcasing its natural grandeur. People cheer as climbers complete a free climb of El Capitan in the Yosemite Valley Tommy Caldwell, top, raises his arms after reaching the summit of El Capitan Dec 6, 2024 · Babsi Zangerl blasted up the 3,300-foot Free Rider (5. It’s brutal, but the views are worth it! Mar 4, 2019 · El Capitan is a 3,000-foot-high granite monolith and the climbing icon of Yosemite National Park. Climbers come from across the globe to challenge themselves on the 3000 foot walls of El Capitan. At 8,085 feet above sea level, El Capitan is the eighth highest peak in Texas and it's imposing height and stark outline have made it an iconic image for generations of travelers. El Capitan, with an elevation of approximately 2,307 meters (7,569 feet) El Capitan stands over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley Park at the east end of Wawona Tunnel to get marvelous views El Capitan is a favorite of experienced rock climbers Hike on the Valley Floor Loop to see more great views of El Capitan and more. The single, thin seam that runs the duration of the Headwall is unbelievable. Photography & Sightseeing: El Capitan Meadow offers spectacular views of the monolith, making it a popular spot for Dec 26, 2024 · El Capitan is a breathtaking granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. gybo phmuet kqesxh ugw bhth yvd rfcu qrokt rqvdn sit