El capitan mountain project 5 miles wide and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Jun 11, 2015 · El Cajon Mountain, or “El Cap” as its often referred to, is a major landmark in Eastern San Diego. Hiking: While there is no direct trail to the summit, experienced hikers can reach the top via the Yosemite Falls Trail and then proceed westward. Apr 1, 2021 · Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU! Classic Climbing Routes at El Capitan Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area. Photography & Sightseeing: El Capitan Meadow offers spectacular views of the monolith, making it a popular spot for Feb 1, 2007 · Fantastic moderate put up in 1954 by Batso and friends. 25 mile out and back trail leading to the summit. El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; lit. Expect the main parking lot and There are many El Capitans in the United States, none more famous than the one in Yosemite. Slab finish to the summit. Mostly 5. Follow the trail to a large clearing. Nov 20, 2024 · A climber on the challenging route, The Nose on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. El Capitan > 3. From highway 8 take Lake Jennings Parkway. El Capitan is opposite Bridalveil Fall and is best seen from the roads in western Yosemite Valley, including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall area, and El Capitan Meadow. The first 10 pitches of this route are often independently completed as a separate route and is known as Freeblast 5. In spring, early Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. This is our comprehensive guide to hiking up El Cap: how hard it is, what to expect, how to plan it and everything you need to know to stand at the top of this icon. 'the Captain') is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. Freeblast, , El Capitan, - Rock climbing and topo info, including possible combinations and similar climbs for Freeblast and many more of the best classic routes. Jun 10, 2021 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 11, 8 pitches A Yosemite classic free climb. Sep 21, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Nov 22, 2024 · The landscape of Yosemite National Park is a product of its unique geology, resulting from glacial erosion of the underlying granite. Popular with climbers, it was first summited in 1958. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Essentially it is the Salathe wall with a few variations used (pioneered by Alex Huber) to avoid the numerous 5. ( depends on taking the trail to the cliff overlook or not) 12 miles to the peak, 14 miles if you include the side trip to the cliffs. El Capitan is Yosemite's majestic icon known for its sheer cliff face and stunning views. Once considered impossible to climb, [1] El Capitan is now the standard for big wall climbing. The hauling on the last seven pitches is bad and punishes parties that bring too much. El Cajon Mountain from El Capitan. I first became acquainted with El Capitan when I traveled to the park in 2014 to… Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. El Capitan > 1. Tighten your harness and double-check your knot, to join Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold, and Tommy . It rises over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley. El Capitan's imposing face can be viewed from Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. May 25, 2024 · Explore the ultimate guide to climbing El Capitan with essential tips and insights into El Capitan routes. The tragedy was inadvertently livestreamed on social media, highlighting the risks of this Rock Climbing: El Capitan is a world-renowned destination for big wall climbing, attracting climbers from around the globe. Apr 9, 2013 · Description Never Never Land may be the best moderate route on El Cap's West Buttress. El Cajon Mountain Trail is an 11-mile out-and-back trail to the top of El Cajon Mountain within eastern San Diego County. The two terms are used interchangeably by locals, but there is only one El Cap, and it is in Yosemite. The East Butt of Middle is a mandatory route for those looking to bag one of the fifty classics or for people just looking to get some great views of El Cap from across the valley. El Capitan itself is a towering granite monolith rising over 3,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley floor. A. The Nose is a big wall climbing route up El Capitan. Nov 7, 2023 · El Capitan El Capitan, a prominent granite cliff that looms over the Yosemite Valley in California, is a magnet for climbers and nature enthusiasts around the globe. Explore routes, speed climbs, and overnight adventures on this iconic granite monolith. Lurking Fear : SummitPost. This area is located in Lakeside on the South slopes of El Cajon Mountain near the El Capitan Reservoir. Apr 14, 2008 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 8, this route ascends the springtime shadow line on the buttress. CAUTION: all sorts of stuff (rocks, gear, trash) comes flying from above! Follow the base several hundred yards, passing a huge We last reported from Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson in March when they were working on the immensely difficult Mescalito Dawn Wall project on El Capitan in Yosemite. Gain valuable insights into route selection, gear essentials, safety measures, and insider tips from seasoned climbers. It’s brutal, but the views are worth it! Jan 7, 2012 · The route breaks away from the Salathe (freeblast) above Mammoth Terraces and continues up through the grey ledges of Muir. Dec 26, 2024 · El Capitan is a breathtaking granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. Although most will brave the long approach to have at the classics on the Main Wall aka The Wedge. Popular for its climbing routes, it draws experienced climbers and tourists alike. Yosemite has been the site for almost every major development in the sport of rock climbing. Preparation is key for climbing El Capitan. Hanging out on the plush Ahwahnee Ledge watching headlights as the appear from the tunnel entrance while sipping whiskey is sure better than any television show I've seen. Jan 3, 2025 · El Cajon Mountain Trail is located in the El Capitan Open Space Preserve in Lakeside, Ca. Rock climbing in Yosemite re-entered the spotlight recently with documentary movies like Free Solo and Dawn Wall. org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineeringApproach Across the street from the Northern end of El Cap Meadow pick up the trail heading toward the Nose of El Capitan. Jul 21, 2007 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 2 days ago · Lurking Fear is the easiest aid line on El Cap. But while Montana's El Capitan doesn't get anywhere near the same attention, it's absolutely worth your time. Jul 13, 2006 · All Locations > California > Yosemite NP > Yosemite Valley > Valley N Side > B. Provided by Touchpoints May 19, 2025 · Ready to take on one of Yosemite’s toughest trails? Hiking El Capitan gets you to the top - no ropes needed. Located on the north side of the valley near its western end, it is a world-famous destination for big wall climbing, including disciplines like aid climbing, free climbing, and free soloing. Mar 21, 2021 · Where is El Cajon Mountain Trail? The El Cajon Mountain Trail is located in El Capitan County Preserve, in the eastern park of San Diego. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. Jul 24, 2020 · A lucky stream. Often referred to as the "best rock climb in the world" it is obvious why this route is one of the most sought after big walls in the valley and the world. Add onto this redlining of routes and over 2,000 more photos of a climbing team going up the nose, and you have some serious rock climber eye candy. Jun 15, 2006 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Enjoy the El Capitan picnic area or trails and get carried away in Yosemite Valley. ** I was recently contacted by the San Diego River Park From discovering the best trad climbing routes to sleeping overnight on the big wall, read this complete guide about everything on El Capitan Grades at Yosemite. (Image credit: Getty Images) However, Honnold, who has two young children, was quick to point out that it is not a free solo attempt, which would mean using no ropes or aids. It's the second tallest mountain in the Bitterroot Range (just behind Trapper Peak) but is far more remote, more complex, and much more interesting. Sep 30, 2025 · El Capitan Meadow offers a view of both the eastern and western faces of this iconic granite formation, rising over 3,000 feet above the meadow. The summit itself of El Capitan is rather unimpressive from the rim, only a few feet of prominence from Boundary Hill to the north and the monolithic cliffs of the mountain hidden from view below. Positioned on the on the impressive nose of rock between Lurking Fear and Dihedral Wall, the route has a great view of the huge concave Southwest wall of the Capitan. The Free Jul 13, 2006 · Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU! Classic Climbing Routes at Base Routes Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area. The climber’s trailhead starts nearby the entrance gate of “El Capitan Reservoir” in Lakeside, East county San Diego. Finally it rejoins Magic Mushroom for the topout pitches which are awkward and present challenging hauling to keep the bags out of the chimney slot. Getting there: The trailhead is located on the right side of Wildcat Canyon Road when traveling from Lakeside to Barona Indian Reservation. The prominent granite ridge can be easily identified from many of southeastern San Diego’s trails and draws your attention as you drive east on Interstate 8. Called simply El Cap or The Captain, this immense Google Earth El Cajon Mountain Hike Distance: 12-14 miles round trip. Nov 28, 2019 · Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU! Classic Climbing Routes at Valley North Side Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area. May 19, 2024 · All Locations > California > Yosemite NP > Yosemite Valley > Valley N Side > B. 3 days ago · Approach From El Capitan Meadow, pick up the distinct trail that starts 300 feet west of El Capitan Bridge. Encompassing 2619 acres of protected space, the preserve has 8 miles of rugged hiking trails, including the 11. El Cajon Mountain is an easily accessible climbing destination (all roads are paved), and the area offers a significant amount of climbing with a wide range of route grades. 5 days ago · El Capitan itself conjures up fear, adrenaline, and excitement. 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 of aid climbing, free climbing, and more recently for Feb 20, 2025 · An official form of the United States government. Iconic landforms such as Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Cathedral Peak are known throughout the world. Climbers must ensure they have the right gear Yosemite rock climbing is an essential experience. This stunning monolith, located in the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, serves as an imposing testament to the raw power and beauty of Mother Nature. Called simply El Cap or The Captain, this immense Feb 27, 2007 · El Capitan is home to numerous classic routes but "The Nose" is the mega classic of them all. Base Routes > Southwest Base > Moby Dick & Pterodact… Nov 28, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Its elevation is 7,573ft above sea level and it has a topographic elevation 1. In Free Solo, Alex Honnold’s ropeless ascent of El Capitan more than earns its acclaim from the sheer audacity of tackling such a long and difficult climbing route without any protection – never mind the amazing storytelling by climbing filmmakers Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Mar 20, 2024 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. With an A0 section on the 5th pitch that can be climbed at 10c (slabby but well Hiking Project Map by onXNote: El Cajon Mountain is the mountain's official name, but El Capitan is used colloquially. 11, 8p) Home • Trip Reports • California • El Capitan, Freeblast (5. S. Jun 20, 2008 · The wall faces away from El Capitan and looks down upon it's own meadow and the snaking Merced river. The area is primarily a sport climbing destination, but hiking out with a few cams won't disappoint the discerning trad climber. -The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite, U. The first 8-10 pitches of the Salathé Wall route. One of the park’s most notable landmarks, the granite monolith features nearly vertical walls and towers some 3,600 feet over the western end of Yosemite Valley. During the full moon, moonlight illuminates El Capitan with an otherworldly glow that can be viewed from this meadow. Jul 17, 2024 · A 41-year-old mountaineer and cancer survivor shares his tips for climbing Yosemite's most iconic big wall route, The Nose on El Capitan. Exit and take a left turn. You arrive at a mine with three cave entrances. El Capitan Meadow also provides great views of Lower and Middle Cathedral Rocks as well as the Cathedral Spires. It marked the era of big wall climbing in Yosemite and is a true work of art; audacity and tenacity enabled the first ascentionists over a period of 47 days to invent and believe in this completely direct line up El Capitan. The top classic sport, trad, boulder, and ice / mixed rock climbs in El Capitan Corridor The climber is the first person to reach the top of Yosemite’s 3,000-foot El Capitan wall without ropes. [2] Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. 5 miles, which is part of the reason why its appearance is so striking. Next it juts straight up and out the roof and up the large, sheer, and overhanging headwall on the left side of El Cap's prow. Get all you need to know for an epic ascent. Towering nearly 3000' this route offers 31 pitches of superb climbing right up the middle of the wall. Jul 18, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Views from El Cajon Mt on a crystal clear San Diego morning. The climber has famously free soloed other iconic routes, such as Freerider on El Capitan. Modern big wall climbing began in the late 1950's and was developed into a fine art on its faces in the 1960's as climbers from all over the world have come to challenge its demanding routes. Most routes Nov 8, 2024 · El Capitan, rising over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley, is a favorite for experienced rock climbers. El … Continue reading Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. El Cajon Mountain (3,468') is located in the El Capitan County Preserve, and the trail to the top involves just The line of Mescalito, El Capitan, Yosemite Jun 12, 2024 · Yes, according to Britannica, El Capitan is considered a mountain in the Sierra Nevada Range. Provided by Touchpoints Nov 3, 2024 · El Capitan, Freeblast (5. 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 of aid climbing, free climbing, and more recently for Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. The lower pitches are beautiful, exposed and straightforward, while the upper part of the route involves wandering, lower-angle free climbing of lesser quality. Overview El Capitan is perhaps the most sublime feature in all of Yosemite Valley, and second only to Half Dome among Yosemite's most recognized features. The summer set in before the two managed to free all the pitches of this massive big wall and now, with cooler autumn temperatures, they are back and climbing predominantly in the dark. , Possibly the most famous climb in the world, The Nose is the route. Learn more about El Capitan. The falls are invisible and inaudible while on route. Most of the pitches on this route are Feb 20, 2025 · An official form of the United States government. What do you do? A welcome self-serve fruit stand beyond the trailhead. Dec 18, 2017 · El Capitan, the signature peak of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, rises a modest 8,085 feet above sea level — just enough to make it part of an elite group of Lone Star peaks that are higher than 8,000 feet. 6-5. Feb 1, 2006 · El Cajon Mountain is located in East San Diego County. Southeast Face Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. To get to the start of the hike, use this address: 13775 Blue Sky Ranch Road, Lakeside, CA 92040 There's a large parking lot at the start of the hike, but the opening hours are limited. Honnold, star of the Oscar-winning 2018 climbing film Free Solo has spent the last few weeks attempting to El Cajon Mountain is a multi pitch front-country sport climbing area with views all the way to the ocean. Jun 15, 2006 · Climbers from all over the world have been visiting the Valley for decades (often staying in the little-changed walk-in campground of Camp 4) to test themselves against the great big wall climbs on El Capitan and Half Dome. ⚠ Heat Safety Tips: Shade is extremely limited on this trail. Stay on this trail and follow it to the left (West) along the base of El Capitan. Nov 3, 2024 · El Capitan, Freeblast (5. Classic Climbing Routes at El Capitan Corridor Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area. 11. Learn about climbing Half Dome, El Capitan climbing and Yosemite Mountaineering School. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Your quads will be tested but the stunning views will keep you motivated. Jan 1, 2023 · The El Capitan hike is one of the best in Yosemite and few people take it on (making it even better). While El Capitan climbing offers a wide range of big wall climbing routes, there is plenty to do for non-climbers as well. 13 crux pitches first freed by Paul Piana and Todd Skinner in the mid 80's. An abundance of amazing single to three pitch routes exists on the surrounding mountainside. Discover the challenges of climbing El Capitan in Yosemite. Aug 19, 2019 · This amazing photo project stitches together more than 2,000 images into one single, super high resolution photo of El Capitan. 11, 8p) El Capitan Route: Freeblast 5. This is a strenuous trek with endless ups-and-downs across rugged and rocky terrain. Oct 29, 2022 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Oct 2, 2025 · Balin Miller, 23, fell to his death from Yosemite’s El Capitan while trying to retrieve stuck gear. When facing the wall, walk at 10 o’clock and pick up the climbers' trail that eventually leads to a point 200 feet in front of the toe of the Southeast Buttress and the start of the Nose. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Dec 9, 2024 · Alex Honnold’s latest climbing project has taken him back to Yosemite National Park. 6 -7 hours round trip for the peak and the cliffs. A little more than a year ago, the Northern California athlete and his friend Tommy Caldwell became the first to free-climb the Dawn Wall, a near-vertical 3,000-foot (914-metre) rock face on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in California. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Nov 3, 2025 · El Capitan, mountain in Yosemite National Park, east-central California. The route follows complex crack systems up the southwest face of El Capitan. Elevation Gain: 4100 feet Time to complete: 4-5 hours round trip for the peak. This iconic landmark is about 1. The main rock climbing wall is only a small fraction of the entire mountain that is also known for a stout hike in San Diego. It is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and considered a classic around the world. Located in the the County’s El Capitan Open Space Preserve, the trail up El Cajon Mountain is one of the most challenging in San Feb 26, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The East Buttress of El Capitan has the potential to spawn all these emotions with far less commitment. Besides their natural beauty, these icons are also important sites for studying and understanding the geological May 12, 2023 · I've hiked El Cajon Mountain trail 3 times! I created this post to help other hikers successfully complete San Diego's toughest hike. Welcome to The Nose of El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park -- the most iconic rock climb on earth. drpmyv pxf lvijsj ughiw vjp dfsax febjs jktw vvzbkd urlsstl glamxwq jqwpg rkzr zkxagx sosoiux