Washington Column, Granite rock formation in Yosemite Valley, California, US

Washington Column is a rock formation rising roughly 1,800 feet from Yosemite Valley, east of the Royal Arches and behind the Ahwahnee Hotel. North Dome stands above it, and the column can be seen from many points in the valley, including the trail to Mirror Lake.

This granite formation began around 100 million years ago when molten rock solidified beneath the Earth's surface and gradually became exposed. Over millions of years, glaciers and erosion carved out the rock's current shape.

Climbers from around the world come here to test themselves on routes ranging from beginner-friendly to highly difficult. The rock serves as a training ground and gathering place for the climbing community.

The formation is reachable via the Mirror Lake Trail, where visitors can view it from different vantage points. The best time to visit is late morning or early afternoon, when light clearly illuminates the rock faces.

The first recorded ascent of Washington Column was made in 1935 by Morgan Harris, Dick Leonard and Jack Riegelhuth via a line they called the Piton Traverse. Climbing historian Steve Roper later noted that the exact line of that original route is no longer known.