El Capitan

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 from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous location for big wall climbing. It stands 7,569 feet above sea level and towers some 3,600 feet over the western end of Yosemite Valley. The mountain was named 'El Capitan' by the Mariposa Battalion in 1851, which is Spanish for 'The Captain'. The formation has a rich history and has been a subject of interest for climbers, artists, and photographers. The top of El Capitan can be reached by hiking out of Yosemite Valley on the trail next to Yosemite Falls, then proceeding west. For climbers, the challenge is to climb up the sheer granite face. El Capitan Meadow provides a great view of the rock formation, as well as Lower and Middle Cathedral Rock, and the Cathedral Spires