El capitan easiest route. The only time you would need a permit to hike to the .
El capitan easiest route. 13. Jan 30, 2024 · El Capitan, located in Yosemite National Park, is renowned for its breathtaking rock climbing routes that have attracted climbers from all over the world. 12+/5. See full list on yosemite. Originally climbed as an easier variation of Salathé Wall, avoiding the hard crack pitches on the headwall, Freerider is now one of the most popular free routes on El Capitan. Apr 23, 2024 · I teach a lot of learn to lead classes. S. This iconic landmark is about 1. The granite rock face is about 3,000 feet (914 metres) from base to summit along its tallest face, and is a popular objective for rock climbers. Sep 23, 2008 · The Free Rider is the Astroman of the new millennium. As one of the more popular routes in the Valley The Nose is a big wall climbing route up El Capitan. – Visit Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center. Amtrak provides a combination of train and bus service to Yosemite Valley. The hauling on the last seven pitches is bad and punishes parties that bring too much. 13 crux pitches first freed by Paul Piana and Todd Skinner in the mid 80's. The Upper Yosemite Falls Track is the most heavily trafficked trail to El Capitan, which offers a sense of security for more junior travelers. The easiest 'Real' el cap route is supposed to be lurking fear Jul 4, 2019 · You start at the base of the rock wall where the Nose route begins, and finish at the tree that marks the end of the climb. Jan 16, 2015 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Like many climbers before and after, I considered El Cap’s East Buttress a stepping-stone to the big time. It is the is the largest exposed monolith of granite in the world. So Feb 16, 2022 · I'd bagged a handful of long free routes but not the Nose or Salathe or any of the other trade routes up the 3,000-foot El Capitan, home to the most celebrated big-wall climbs on earth. Like 3000’ tall large. 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 Nov 22, 2021 · What’s the easiest route on El Capitan? At 5. Discover the highlights. Run the most direct / fastest route, cutting through Camp 4, to the Yosemite Falls TH. – Take a scenic drive through Yosemite Valley. 12 pitches, and has a 5. 10+, 17 pitches, my friend Paul Morgan wanted to climb i. 99 Add to cart 2025 Rock Climbing Yosemite Valley PDF + Print Book (Preorder) – Aug delivery) $ 50. El Capitan Overview El Capitan is a term known for various magnificent locations in California, each unique in its own way. com 1 day ago · Lurking Fear is the easiest aid line on El Cap. El Capitan is Yosemite's majestic icon known for its sheer cliff face and stunning views. One of the best times to drive through Yosemite is from May/June through early autumn. Chai Vasarhelyi (" ") and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin got an oscar for best documentary. ) here, a Discover the challenges of climbing El Capitan in Yosemite. At the 2019 oscars , documenting the climb, by filmmaker E. Below are five quick tips to keep in mind if you’re thinking about heading to Yosemite this year to try your first route up El Capitan May 21, 2024 · The climbs that Honnold did have been free-soloed countless times over the past few decades, with the East Buttress being the easiest free route up El Capitan – read about it here. It spares your knees the long hike down either the Yosemite Falls Trail or Tamarack Flat Trail. So fasten your seatbelt, roll down your windows, and let the captivating landscapes of Yosemite National Park take your breath away. It's an awe-inspiring thing that first time you go to the Valley and stand at the base of El Cap, looking up. 'the Captain' or 'the Chief') is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. , Possibly the most famous climb in the world, The Nose is the route. What route does Alex Honnold free solo? When Alex Honnold chose an El Capitan route to free solo, he picked one of the easiest big wall free climbing routes on El Capitan, Free Rider (5. Jun 12, 2024 · El Capitan is certainly best known as being a mecca for big wall climbers and it’s home to some of the most difficult climbing routes on the planet, but does that mean you have to don climbing shoes and a harness to get to the top?. This route has an elevation gain of about 377. The only time you would need a permit to hike to the Apr 12, 2018 · El Capitan Yosemite has a lot of what you’ll need to prepare for your first climb up El Capitan, including short practice aid and free routes. Le rocher est globalement bon, quelques passages délités au milieu néanmoins (un Nov 27, 2024 · Planning your first rock climbing trip to Yosemite Valley? Here are six must climb routes for the beginner Yosemite rock climber with tips for your first rock climbing experience in Yosemite National Park. 13 free climbing on the insanely steep Salathe Headwall. What to do in Yosemite National Park? There are plenty of things to do in Yosemite. May 19, 2025 · Did you know you can stand on top of Yosemite’s most iconic landmark without any climbing gear? No, I’m not talking about Half Dome. Explore routes, speed climbs, and overnight adventures on this iconic granite monolith. Dec 13, 2024 · El Capitan, the world’s most accessible big wall, sits just a thousand feet from the road in sunny California and begs to be climbed. This 16 mile route took us past Yosemite Falls and through some beautiful forested Yosemite backcountry. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. You're a superhuman freak if you can do that in two years. Everything you need to know about Big Wall climbing in Yosemite. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of ancient sequoia groves, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking cliffs as you embark on these picturesque routes. This goal is large. From spring to fall, climbers come from all over the globe to scale El Capitan and discover the thrill of the vertical wilderness on Yosemite's big walls. Many pitches Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. 11 and 5. Preparation is key for climbing El Capitan. This post aims to provide folks with a timeline and intermediate goals so they can better prepare for the daunting task Dec 26, 2024 · El Capitan is a breathtaking granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. I’m talking about El Capitan! 😍 Everyone knows it has some of the best climbing routes in the world. Now what determines whether you do it while suffering and barely make it up/end up bailing OR make it up smoothly is mastery of the techniques. Feb 21, 2008 · It makes you realize how big El Cap is, as you traverse underneath a lot of rock on your way to Lurking Fear. 13- crux. Nov 22, 2021 · What grade is the easiest route on El Capitan? At 5. 3 days ago · The 2-3 hour East Ledges Descent is the fastest, most convenient way to descend from El Capitan. The granite monolith is about 3,0 Sep 28, 2023 · The most visited part of the National Park is Yosemite Valley, which is where you'll find the iconic rock-climbing destination El Capitan. It rises over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley. Oct 1, 2024 · Exploring the El Capitan area of Yosemite National Park is best experienced by immersing oneself in the natural surroundings, and the park offers a variety of camping and hiking options to facilitate this. Feb 27, 2007 · El Capitan is home to numerous classic routes but "The Nose" is the mega classic of them all. Oct 29, 2022 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 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. Very large. to El Cap Meadow's parking (along Northside Road), you have to cross over the bridge just past Bridalveil Falls area. Afterwards, I often have students tell me their dreams of climbing El Capitan. The lower pitches are beautiful, exposed and straightforward, while the upper part of the route involves wandering, lower-angle free climbing of lesser quality. Nov 13, 2021 · Hiking El Capitan, the largest single granite rock on earth, was one of the biggest highlights of our trip to Yosemite National Park. As you snake east along the Merced River, clearings in the dense trees reveal astonishing views of the towering Yosemite Falls, plus the iconic El Capitan and Half Dome formations. The concensus is that you don't get an el cap tick. How can you properly describe 3000 feet of beautiful granite loaded with awesome routes? El Cap is probably the most recognized chunk of rock in the world to rock climbers. El Capitan is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. El Cap Overview El Capitan, often referred to as El Cap, is a breathtaking monolith found in Yosemite National Park, California. Essentially it is the Salathe wall with a few variations used (pioneered by Alex Huber) to avoid the numerous 5. The formation is made from a We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. There is a few hundred feet of 3rd and 4th class ledges to negotiate, shortly before the start of the route. 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. This route is climbing at its finest. Jan 1, 2023 · The El Capitan hike is one of the best in Yosemite and few people take it on (making it even better). Tackle the most legendary landmark in Yosemite National Park along the El Capitan Trail. The East Buttress of El Capitan has the potential to spawn all these emotions with far less commitment than a Grade VI nail-up. May 21, 2023 · Severe/hard severe leading ability is not sufficient for that type of route The easiest free route on El Capitan (although not considered an El Capitan route) is the East Butress 5. The easiest free routes I believe are in the 11+ range and none go especially easy. It is a premier destination for rock climbing and photography, showcasing some of the best views in the park. Share Add a Comment Sort by: Top Open comment sort options Best Top New Controversial Old Q&A tradmaster9000 • Jun 15, 2006 · The Captain. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Open in App for Details Get route beta and reviews from other climbers regarding: El Capitan - The Nose 5. Months of work, all on a single gigapixel image. Apr 11, 2025 · One of the shortest yet most enthralling drives in the area, this route takes you through the heart of Yosemite National Park and its most famous geological formations. It is the first free solo ascent of El Cap, and arguably one of the crowning achievements of climbing up to this point. I drew every route, every feature, every named pitch on El Cap. The easiest route on El Capitan is the East Butress, 5. Feb 14, 2016 · At 5. 12d), without ropes. The most famous El Capitan can be found in Yosemite National Park. Apr 9, 2025 · Public TransportationGetting to Yosemite Bus service is available to Yosemite Valley (and, during summer, to some other areas of the park) from cities throughout California and the rest of the United States. Rob Miller and Roby Rudolf spent 14 days on the wall to complete the 39-pitch 5. Jun 19, 2023 · The East Buttress is considered the easiest free route up El Capitan, although it climbs one of the shorter walls, it still gives you an amazing opportunity to experience the face and to descend the legendary East Ledges. Check out Chris Macnamara's book "road to the nose" for a training plan. Mar 5, 2019 · He went up Freerider, a 5. Of note, the route also serves as a convenient introduction to the East Slabs descent route which is very nearby upon topping out. Located along one-way Northside Drive, it is best to stop here on your way out of Yosemite Valley. 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 We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Freerider, being the easiest free-climb on El Capitan, instantly became a valley classic. What is the easiest climb on El Capitan? At 5. 14a or 5. Feb 23, 2023 · El Capitan Hiking FAQs Here are our answers to some of your most pressing questions about hiking El Capitan so you can spend less time researching your adventures and more time living them. If you're competent at aiding and in decent shape you can do it. in regards to you doing a free route: There aren't a ton of free routes up el capitan. Then follow the above route to the high point, but continue another ~1/2 mile, descending 500', to the famous tree (see 4th picture below). How else are climbers supposed to get back down? Actually, most climbers take a Nov 22, 2021 · What grade is the easiest route on El Capitan? At 5. This massive granite formation stands about 3,000 feet tall, making it a favorite among climbers and nature enthusiasts alike. Towering nearly 3000' this route offers 31 pitches of superb climbing right up the middle of the wall. But many people don’t realize there’s a trail leading to the top. 00 Add to cart FREE and BIGWALL PDF TRIFECTA – Three 500 Page PDF’s! FREERIDER (12d/13a, 32 pitches) You've seen it in “Free Solo,” Honnold climbed it before breakfast, how hard can it be? Freerider on El Capitan follows much of the classic route The Salathe, but with a four-pitch variation that avoids the sustained 5. If you’re a free climber, the Free Rider (VI 5. El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; lit. 9 C2, the Nose is considered to be the easiest full-length route on El Capitan, which makes it extremely popular and draws relatively inexperienced big-wall climbers. The Free OK honestly, climbing any of the huge walls up one of the easier routes needn't be a HUGE pain. Before you go, you’ll want a good resume of basic aid climbing skills and the ability to climb up to 5. Oct 30, 2017 · The Direct Line is the newest route up El Capitan in Yosemite and it was climbed all free. Then, on May 11a climber from Lake Tahoe named Brant Hysell tagged the Jul 21, 2014 · One climb that will appear on the list of just about any climber with blood flowing through their veins is The Nose on El Cap, which perhaps - when all things are considered, such as location, quality, steepness and difficulty - is the greatest rock route on the planet. 12d). You can look up Yosemite Valley from alongside the Merced River at Valley View. SuperTopo offers the world's best big wall climbing, rock climbing, and mountaineering route information for Yosemite National Park and other destinations in both online downloadable format and in printed books 3 days ago · Free Rider is currently the easiest and most popular way to say proudly "I have free climbed El Capitan". Nov 22, 2021 · What is the easiest climbing route on El Capitan? At 5. 13+. Aug 4, 2023 · Explore the awe-inspiring world of scenic drives in Yosemite National Park. 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. This towering granite formation attracts climbers, hikers, and nature lovers from all around the world. Jun 7, 2017 · In 1998, Alex Huber made the first ascent of the easiest and most popular free route on El Capitan when he sent the Freerider in 1998. El Capitan is best seen from El Capitan Meadow. – Enjoy breathtaking views from Glacier Point. Today, National Geographic broke the story that Alex Honnold, the best free soloist in the world, climbed El Capitan via Freerider (5. Without a road map to get there it can be quite intimidating and people don’t know where to start. During the cooler months, from November through April, several roads are closed for the winter and weather during this time of year may affect driving conditions on other roads. 9 C2 - Yosemite Valley, California USA. – Drive on Tioga Road through Tioga Pass. It is probably advisable to haul bags or fix lines on some of these sections. El Capitan is Spanish for The Captain or The Chief and is fitting given its domineering The easiest aid routes require a lot of technical knowledge and decent fitness, but with focus you could attain these in two years, I bet. I’d bagged a handful of long free routes but not the Nose or Salathé or any of the other trade routes up the 3,000-foot El Capitan, home to the most celebrated big-wall climbs on earth. This epic adventure offers breathtaking views of the Yosemite Valley. So, we made plans on how to get in shape by climbing all summer then to tune up our bodies with a couple of weeks of climbing, and finally, on one fall day to climb El Cap. – See El Capitan and Half Dome. Aug 1, 2025 · best / easiest route for first el cap solo? - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. People will be stopping in droves for a very similar view of El Cap from the Bridalveil area, because they've just entered the park and are gobsmacked. 10, but it isn't really "on el capitan" (in the same way that snake dike is only kind of on half dome Jul 31, 2025 · The 2-3 hour East Ledges Descent is the fastest, most convenient way to descend from El Capitan. El Capitan Route Introduction El Capitan Route is a 0. But the Nose also is a complex climb, requiring a large repertoire of techniques that may be unfamiliar to newcomers. (Elevation at the top of El Capitan is 7,569 feet. Charles, Andy and Max underneath The Nose on Yosemite's giant El Capitan Oct 9, 2012 · In reply to Boulderdash86: most people wouldn't consider the east buttress as a proper rout up el cap. Enjoy the El Capitan picnic area or trails and get carried away in Yosemite Valley. Then he spent a lot of time over many years “freeing” the route (with ropes) before daring to attempt it free solo (without ropes). – Hike to Vernal Fall or Mirror Lake. [2] May 31, 2024 · The solo speed record on the Salathé Wall, a climbing route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, had stood for 10 years. Amtrak also provides limited service to White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows daily during July and August (weekends Nov 22, 2021 · What is the easiest route up El Capitan? At 5. Feb 16, 2022 · I think I was 18. 2 ft and is rated as hard. Oct 10, 2024 · El Capitan, rising over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley, is a favorite for experienced rock climbers and onlookers alike. Tighten your harness and double-check your knot, to join Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold, and Tommy Yosemite Big Walls covers the 64 best big wall routes on El Capitan, Half Dome, and Washington Column most of which were personally climbed and documented by authors Chris McNamara and Chris Van Leuven. You don't get the feeling you're actually on El Cap, though you are afforded with great views of the tremendous southeast face. The route was completed in a day, making the Hubers the second and third people behind Lynn Hill to free-climb a route on El Capitan in a day. Once considered impossible to climb, [1] El Capitan is now the standard for big wall climbing. A. The Freerider variation was pioneered by Alex Huber and then established free in-a Honnold is the only person to free solo El Capitan (2000ft), and holds the fastest ascent of the Yosemite triple crown, an 18-hour, 50-minute link-up of Mount Watkins, The Nose, and the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome. gov to book your trip prior to arrival. While many visitors come to Yosemite National Park for day hiking, … Which route is easiest El Capitan? At 5. Climbers must ensure they have the right gear The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite, U. SuperTopo offers the world's best rock climbing and mountaineering route information for Yosemite National Park in both online downloadable format and in printed books El Capitan, also known as El Cap, is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, located on the North side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. Popular for its climbing routes, it draws experienced climbers and tourists alike. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App. The El Capitan Hiking Route Experienced El Capitan visitors regard the Upper Yosemite Falls Track hike as the best trip up to the summit. There are two common variations that make up the crux of the route, The Boulder Problem at around 7c+ sport or 7B/+ boulder or The Teflon Corner at around 7c sport. See a more detailed description in the Yosemite Big Walls guidebook. Jul 10, 2019 · In Yosemite Valley, El Capitan Meadow provides a view straight up El Capitan and a great view of Cathedral Rocks, as well. 13a; 3,000ft ) is the “easiest” true El Cap route. You talked about Lurking fear, which goes free at a hard 5. its not on the main cliff, but more up a subsidiary buttress of rock miles over to the right. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Feb 26, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Efficiency: Belay changeovers should not take 15 minutes. 5 miles wide and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The easiest free route on El Cap is 3,000 feet of free climbing on trad gear, has multiple 5. 10+. The road in the park is a loop, so to get. If you study the route El Capitan (once known as Tu-toch-ah-nulah and “The Great Chief of the Valley”), rises 3,593 feet above Yosemite valley and can be seen from many viewpoints, thirteen of which are described here, some considered the best locations to photograph El Capitan. 7 mile (1,500-step) route located near Youbou, British Columbia. Welcome to The Nose of El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park -- the most iconic rock climb on earth. (You can't proudly say you have free climbed El Cap if you do the West Face or East Buttress because these routes are so far to the sides on much smaller sections of the wall). The East Buttress is the obvious "easy" free route at 5. Explore nps. 11. 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. The route is a good step up in difficulty from the East Buttress of Middle Cathedral. 2025 Ebook Rock Climbing Yosemite Valley – 750 Best Free Routes (Downloadable PDF) $ 19. A reasonable comparison would be Roger Bannister breaking the 4 minute mile, or Tommy Caldwell and Keven Jorgeson's Apr 10, 2025 · There are five entrances to Yosemite National Park, and the road to each of them offers unique sights to see along the way. Jul 29, 2023 · The routes on El Capitan provide a physical challenge and an unforgettable experience anchored in climbing history. SuperTopo offers the world's best big wall rock climbing and mountaineering route information for Yosemite National Park in both online downloadable format and in printed books 4 days ago · The 2-3 hour East Ledges Descent is the fastest, most convenient way to descend from El Capitan. Highway 140, which runs through Merced and Mariposa to Yosemite's Arch Rock Entrance, is the least scary way to drive to Yosemite as it avoids the steep climbs, tight switch backs and unguarded drop offs Feb 26, 2024 · El Capitan's towering granite walls draw rock climbers, photographers and visitors looking for a dose of awe in Yosemite National Park. 12d route, with a few variations in 3 hours, 56 minutes. Oct 3, 2018 · Alex Honnold climbs El Capitan without a rope or safety equipment, becoming the first person to free solo the route. Do you need a permit to hike El Capitan? Unlike some other popular hikes in Yosemite, such as Half Dome, you do not need a permit to hike El Capitan. La voie la plus facile sur El Capitan, une des deux seules accessibles en libre au commun des mortels (avec la Face W). With its towering granite walls and challenging terrain, El Capitan offers an unparalleled experience for both seasoned climbers and beginners. However, El Capitan is not just one location; it also refers to El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara 20 hours ago · This page is for users to be able to post the latest conditions to the East Ledge Descent. The first 10 pitches of this route are often independently completed as a separate route and is known as Freeblast 5. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New The thought of climbing El Capitan conjures fear, doubt and excitement. It is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and considered a classic around the world. The East Ledges is by far the fastest way to descent El Cap. The route follows complex crack systems up the southwest face of El Capitan. Jun 15, 2006 · The East Buttress of El Cap is a classic adventure up the right hand shoulder of El Cap. Climbers come from across the globe to challenge themselves on the 3000 foot walls of El Capitan. While El Capitan climbing offers a wide range of big wall climbing routes, there is plenty to do for non-climbers as well. nqxhcptbaznzoblmkrcmvuaznbkxityvjedsgemiqiqtprzt