El Capitan

El Capitan is a granite wall in Yosemite National Park that rises roughly 914 meters (3,000 feet) above the valley floor. The face extends more than a kilometer in width and presents a nearly vertical surface with cracks, edges, and smooth sections of polished granite.

The Ahwahneechee people called this formation Tutokanula, meaning Rock Chief, long before Spanish explorers translated the name to El Capitan in the 19th century. The first complete ascent of the Nose route took place in 1958, marking the beginning of modern bigwall climbing.

Climbing teams from around the world gather here to test themselves on the vertical walls, and their tents at the base form a temporary community of adventurers. You often see spectators with binoculars tracking the tiny figures on the rock face from the valley floor, commenting on their progress.

The hike to the summit takes a full day and requires an early morning start, as the ascent is long and steep. The best time to visit is between spring and fall when trails are free of snow and temperatures remain comfortable.

During certain February evenings, Horsetail Fall on the eastern side appears like a glowing fire cascade when sunset light turns the waterfall orange-red. This natural display lasts only a few minutes and depends on perfect conditions like sufficient meltwater and a clear sky.