El Capitan

Experience the enormity of Yosemite Valley’s glacially carved granite peaks when you gaze upon this distinctive formation and rock-climbing landmark.

El Capitan is one of Yosemite National Park’s best-known features, rising sharply from the valley floor in a spectacular precipitous formation. Translating to “the captain” in Spanish, El Capitan looks out over the magnificent valley and dares rock climbers and hikers to reach its dizzying peaks. See the mesmerizing rock face from one of several roads that wind through the western part of Yosemite Valley or grab your climbing equipment and tackle “El Cap” yourself.

The sheer cliff face of El Capitan stands opposite the magnificent mists of Bridalveil Fall. Drive along the roads that connect Tunnel View, El Capitan Meadow and the Bridalveil Fall area to get clear views of Yosemite’s chief peak and the climbers scaling its face. Rising over 3,000 feet (900 meters) from its base, the granite monolith’s tallest face is easy to identify from the length of the valley. The Mariposa Battalion gave the formation its name while exploring the valley in 1851. The local Native American name for the formation translates to “Rock Chief” or “Captain,” inspiring the Spanish name.

Photograph the precipice and capture the sunlight as it reflects off the rock face. Sunset is a popular time for photographers in this colossal landscape, when the colors of the sunlight cast red and orange hues across the granite sentinel.

Reach El Capitan’s base by hiking out of Yosemite Valley on the trail that heads west from Yosemite Falls. Keen rock climbers have long heralded El Capitan as one of the world’s greatest challenges. If you are an experienced climber, bring your gear and tackle one of the climbing routes ascending the sheer granite face. If not, use binoculars to view climbers on the southwest and southeast faces.

El Capitan is located in the valley’s western section at the center of Yosemite National Park. See the magnificent peak as you drive along one of several scenic routes that pass through the soaring valley. Visit in summer to see the stark contrast of the blue sky above the pale rock or check out the views in winter when snow dusts the formation’s nose.

Guide to Exploring around El Capitan

Tuolumne Meadows

Explore the meadows of Yosemite National Park’s high country and see its velvety green plains studded with stunning granite domes, Sierra willows and wildflowers.

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Glacier Point

Witness a superb panorama of the Yosemite Valley from this viewing point and spot soaring canyons, plunging falls and granite cliffs along the rugged valley skyline.

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Yosemite Valley

From Yosemite Falls to Half Dome and El Capitan, you can see some of the most stunning scenery in the world from Yosemite National Park’s central valley.

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Vernal Fall

The first tier of the Merced River’s magnificent waterfall plunges from a jagged granite precipice in a cloud-like curtain and is surrounded by pines.

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Nevada Fall

Make your way up an immense natural staircase to reach the powerful plumes of this magnificent waterfall and enjoy views of the gleaming water-streaked granite.

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Yosemite Falls

You may hear these thundering falls, which are among the top 10 tallest in the world, before you see them in California’s Yosemite National Park.

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Lembert Dome

Climb or hike to the top of a granite massif and look out across sweeping meadows and glacier-fed rivers from the rocky outcrop’s rounded peak.

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Bridalveil Fall

Be greeted by the thunderous waterfall that plunges into Yosemite Valley from high above when you reach the end of a pleasant wooded pathway.

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Yosemite Visitor Center

Discover the geological history of the Yosemite Valley, pick up trail maps and shop for souvenirs at this portal to Yosemite National Park.

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Olmsted Point

Look out into the wide expanse of Tenaya Canyon from this viewpoint and see the stony sentinel of Half Dome presiding over the tree-studded valley.

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Tunnel View

Experience one of America’s iconic natural sights, a sweeping view of the forests, waterfalls and monolithic granite mountains of the Yosemite Valley.

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Mirror Lake

Explore a jewel of a lake located between North Dome and Half Dome. It is the final remnant of an ancient glacial lake that once covered Yosemite.

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Yosemite Lodge Amphitheater

Enjoy entertainment under the stars, ranging from ranger talks to nature movies, during the summer months in Yosemite National Park.

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Mist Trail

Trek to the top of Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall along Yosemite National Park’s signature hiking trail. Expect to be generously sprayed by both waterfalls.

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Map

Best Lodging Options Near El Capitan

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Yosemite View Lodge ￥25,476

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Yosemite View Lodge

11136 Highway 140, El Portal, CA

2.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated on a river, this hotel is 2.5 mi (4 km) from Yosemite Arch Rock Gate Entrance and within 12 mi (20 km) of Yosemite Valley and Tunnel View. Bridalveil Fall and Cathedral Beach Picnic Area are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Yosemite West Scenic Wonders Vacation Rentals

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Yosemite West Scenic Wonders Vacation Rentals

Various Addresses, Yosemite National Park, CA

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in a national park, this cabin is 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from Sierra National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of Yosemite Valley and Badger Pass. Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Yosemite Scenic Wonders - Wawona Area ￥56,836

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Yosemite Scenic Wonders - Wawona Area

Various Addresses, Wawona, Yosemite National Park, CA

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in a national park, this cabin is within 9 mi (15 km) of Sierra National Forest, Yosemite Valley, and Badger Pass. Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Inside Yosemite Mountain Beauty

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Inside Yosemite Mountain Beauty

7436 Henness Ridge Road, Yosemite National Park, CA

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Yosemite National Park, this vacation home is 2.9 mi (4.6 km) from Sierra National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of Yosemite Valley and Badger Pass. Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Inside Yosemite Park Winter Wonderland

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Inside Yosemite Park Winter Wonderland

7428 Yosemite Parkway, Yosemite National Park, CA

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in Yosemite National Park, this vacation home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Sierra National Forest, Yosemite Valley, and Badger Pass. Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Inside Yosemite Sierra Blossom

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Inside Yosemite Sierra Blossom

7432 Henness Ridge Road, Yosemite National Park, CA

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Inside Yosemite Spring Wonderland

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Inside Yosemite Spring Wonderland

7428B Yosemite Parkway, Yosemite National Park, CA

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Inside Yosemite Upper Cascades

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Inside Yosemite Upper Cascades

7426A Yosemite Parkway, Yosemite National Park, CA

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

El Capitan

El Capitan