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El Capitan

Sight·Yosemite National ParkRecommended by 4 publications
El Capitan
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
“El Capitan is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. 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…”
— Wikipedia
Read more on Wikipedia →

In the coverage6 stories

Condé Nast TravelerJul 10

The Best Airbnbs Near Yosemite National Park for a One-of-a-Kind Getaway

Take in mountain views all day long from these homes.

majestic granite face in Yosemite

20 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Smithsonian MagazineMay 15

These 15 Breathtaking Photos of Yosemite National Park Will Have You Planning Your Next Vacation to the Great Outdoors

The park’s picturesque peaks, wonderful waterfalls and towering trees aren’t just photo opportunities; they’re visual poetry. And they’re just some of the reasons to love Yosemite

5 sights in this story
  • Half DomeSightIt is a well-known rock formation in the park, named for its distinct shape.
  • El CapitanSightThe granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous…
  • Glacier PointSightstate of California.
  • Yosemite FallsSightLocated in the Sierra Nevada of California, it is a major attraction in the park, especially in late spring when the…
  • Merced RiverSightIt flows from the Sierra Nevada into the San Joaquin Valley and is best known for its steep course through the southern…
Read the full piece at Smithsonian Magazine →

OutsideApr 10

In Defense of Visiting the Obvious Places (Like Crowded National Parks)

I’ve spent my career writing about under-appreciated gems and getting away from the crowds. But there’s something to be said for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a bunch of strangers and staring at something gorgeous—especially in the times we’re living in right now.

rising from Yosemite Valley

7 things in this story
  • El CapitanSightrising from Yosemite Valley
  • Yosemite ValleyHotelobvious place, worth the hassle
  • Elsewhere
  • Old FaithfulHotelYellowstone National Park, United Statesdependable natural wonder in Yellowstone
  • Cades CoveSightGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United Statespastoral valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • The NarrowsTrailZion National Park, United StatesIt connects the Upper New York Bay and Lower New York Bay and forms the principal channel by which the Hudson River…
  • Angels LandingTrailZion National Park, United Statespopular hike requiring a lottery
  • Jackson LakeSightGrand Teton National Park, United States
Read the full piece at Outside →

OutsideMar 25

These Permit-Free Adventures Are Just as Epic as Half Dome, Angels Landing, or Teton Crest

Did you miss the permit window for Angel’s Landing, Half Dome, or the Teton Crest Trail? We have 10 alternatives to keep your next outing epic, even if you didn’t nab a reservation.

22 things in this story
  • El CapitanSightThe granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous…
  • Cloud’s RestTrailStrenuous hike with panoramic 360-degree views.
  • Tenaya LakeSightElectric blue lake visible from Cloud's Rest.
  • The SpineTrailRocky, narrow route to Cloud's Rest summit.
  • Cathedral RocksSight
  • Elsewhere
  • Desolation WildernessTrailLake Tahoe, United StatesMoonscape with erratic rocks and open ridges.
  • Tahoe Rim TrailTrailLake Tahoe, United States167-mile loop around Lake Tahoe.
  • Watchman TrailTrailZion National Park, United StatesShort hike with broad vista of river valley.
  • Washakie Pass LoopTrailWind River Range, United States36.5 untamed miles in the Wind River Range.
  • Cirque of the TowersSightWind River Range, United StatesHorseshoe-shaped, many-spired peaks above 12,000 feet.
  • Alice-Toxaway LoopTrailSawtooth Wilderness, United States18.8-mile loop through Sawtooth Wilderness.
  • Coyote Gulch Loop TrailTrailGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesSlot canyon hike with arches and natural bridges.
  • Jacob Hamblin ArchSightGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, United StatesArch in the landscape, good resting spot.
  • Virgin RiverSightZion National Park, United StatesAquamarine river cutting through desert sandstone.
  • Beaten PathTrailRed Lodge, United StatesTrek through Beartooth-Abroska Wilderness.
  • Beartooth HighwayPlaceRed Lodge, United StatesRoute 212 in Montana and Wyoming between Red Lodge and the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
  • Alice LakeSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lake with sunrise reflections of El Capitan.
  • Toxaway LakeSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lake with flat, sun-baked slabs.
  • Twin LakesSightSawtooth Wilderness, United StatesAlpine lakes flanked by granite slopes.
  • Buckskin GulchTrailWire Pass Trail, United StatesLongest continuous slot canyon, requires scrambling and wading.
  • Lizard Head PlateauSightWind River Range, United StatesHighest point on Washakie Pass Loop with wraparound views.
  • Watchman PeakSightZion National Park, United States
Read the full piece at Outside →

National GeographicFeb 4

Everything you should know about Yosemite National Park

Our expert guide will help you make the most of your visit to this epic California park, home to El Capitan and Half Dome. One of Yosemite National Park’s must-see natural attractions, Yosemite Falls ...

Famed vertical face for climbing, views from the north rim.

25 things in this story
  • Half DomeSightSummit offers panoramic views; 16-mile return hike from valley.
  • El CapitanSightFamed vertical face for climbing, views from the north rim.
  • Glacier PointSightAccessible by car, offers panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
  • Yosemite FallsSightHighest waterfall in North America, plunges 2,425 feet.
  • Curry VillageNeighborhoodOffers cabins, tent cabins, rooms, pool, restaurant, and ice rink.
  • John Muir TrailTrail211-mile journey through the High Sierra to Mount Whitney.
  • Badger PassSightWinter sports area for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
  • Sentinel DomeSightOffers vertiginous views from the valley's south rim.
  • Taft PointSightGreat place to watch climbers on El Capitan's vertical face.
  • North DomeSightViews from the north rim require a steep uphill hike.
  • Wawona TunnelSightExiting offers a striking first view of Yosemite Valley.
  • Inspiration PointSightShort trail from Wawona Tunnel for better, less crowded views.
  • Olmsted PointSightGlimpse down Tenaya Canyon to the backside of Half Dome.
  • Lower Yosemite Fall TrailTrailEasy 1-mile walk to the base of the falls.
  • Bridalveil Fall TrailTrailEasy 0.5-mile upgraded route to Bridalveil Fall.
  • Mirror LakeSight2-mile route, reflects Half Dome.
  • Parsons Lodge & Soda Springs TrailTrailEasy 1.4-mile walk across Tuolumne Meadow.
  • Grizzly Giant LoopTrail2-mile loop in Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias.
  • Pacific Crest TrailTrailShares path with JMT for much of its length.
  • Tuolumne MeadowsNeighborhoodHigh country 'Times Square' with visitor center and trails.
  • Hetch HetchySightRemote canyon, now a lake, provides water for San Francisco.
  • Crane FlatSightArea near the western border, gateway to Tuolumne Grove.
  • Four Mile TrailTrail14-mile hike with elevation gains to Glacier Point.
  • Panorama TrailTrailHike down from Glacier Point, part of a 14-mile day.
  • May LakeSightShort 2.4-mile hike off Tioga Road in the high country.
Read the full piece at National Geographic →
More sights in Yosemite National ParkHalf Dome×4Glacier Point×3Yosemite Falls×3Tunnel View×2Upper Cathedral LakeBridal Veil Falls
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