Hike to the base of El Capitan

Yosemite Village, California

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Distance

1 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Trevor Cox

The largest granite rock in the world. Looming 3,000 feet above the valley floor, and you can touch it. What's stopping you?

There are two ways to get to the base of El Capitan. There's a marked parking lot for the El Capitan trailhead, on your right as you're driving the Valley Loop road on your way out of the park. Follow the clearly marked trail leading to a small clearing, then take a right up the climber's trails.

My preferred route is to park alongside El Capitan Meadow. (The meadow will be on your left, about 3 minutes after passing the trailhead parking area above) Cross the road directly toward El Capitan on your right hand side, and follow the faint trail straight on toward the cliff. Head up the climbers trails meandering to the base of El Capitan.

For an awesome treat walk up to the base of El Cap, and head left, keeping the mountain on your right hand side. Scramble up a couple boulders, and a trail will appear on your right hand side. This leads to a ledge and the beginning of the infamous route, "The Nose".

Be sure to head over to Yosemite village for some pizza and brews afterward.

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Features

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Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

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