Yosemite And El Capitan
El Capitan is the largest exposed-granite monolith in the world and among the most popular rock-climbing destinations in the US. Rising 3,593 feet (1095 meters) above Yosemite Valley, El Capitan was once considered impossible to climb. However, since Warren Harding first conquered the "nose" in 1958, El Capitan has become the standard for big-wall climbing. El Capitan is a granite rock formation in Yosemite national park vertically. It is about 3000 ft high from its base to the top. El Capitan, also known as El Cap is located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. It is very popular for rock climbers. El Capitan in Yosemite National Park rises nearly 3,600 feet above the valley floor (7,500 feet above sea level) making it one of the most prominent features in the park. One of the largest exposed pieces of granite in the world, this behemoth attracts rock climbers from aroundthe world.
Probably the 2nd most recognizable feature in Yosemite National Park, you’ll never forget the first time you lay eyes on this granite behemoth. Please enjoy these select El Capitan photos captured throughout the year.
El Capitan Views
View From Southside Drive
You get a stunning view when you suddenly break through the forest canopy on Southside Drive. Here you’ll find RVs and cars clogging up the road, trying to find a parking spot. With a view of El Capitan like this, who can blame them?
El Capitan View From Cathedral Beach
To be honest, I barely recognized the monolith when I first glanced up at it from this vantage point. It’s interesting how drastically different it looks from this angle.
View From Northside Drive
Northside Drive provides more standard (in a good way) views. Be sure to catch El Capitan in late afternoon sunlight, and preferably with some passing clouds to accent it. Makes for the best pictures, in my opinion.
Here I was lucky to capture the tip of El Capitan illuminated through patchy clouds. Add to this the Pacific Dogwood in full bloom below – it was quite a beautiful scene!
Here’s a unique view along the river, it’s hidden off the beaten path a bit. I hope to return to this area for a picnic someday.
El Capitan Photos with Ribbon Fall
Speaking of which, if you’re willing to park your car and explore, you’ll find some great photo ops with (seasonal) Ribbon Fall and El Capitan in the same frame. Again, not too many people take the time to seek this combo out.
From Tunnel View (In B&W)
Tunnel view is one of the best places to photograph El Capitan, as well as the iconic valley as a whole. The image above was shot after some winter snowfall.
Storm Clouds
El Capitan Os X
A few weeks later, I photographed these moody storm clouds engulfing the granite face. This picture kind of reminds me of a “mushroom cloud” – You know, those old atomic bomb tests done in the desert. Can you see it?
Hanging Climber Lights (and Stars) at Night
If you’re lucky enough to be driving through the park on a moonless night in summer, you might see lantern lights hanging from the rock face.
This surreal sight actually consists of rock climbers hanging by ropes on the cliffside. They have tents and everything, and will continue their technical climbs when they wake up in the morning. How surreal to see their artificial lights glowing alongside the stars in the milky way!
Looking for lodging? Check out my Yosemite Hotels page.
Show the Sierra some love – Share this page:
El Capitan Os X Download
About My Photos
The images on this website are available for licensing and/or sale as framed prints. If you’d like to purchase them for a blog, news article, or gift, feel free to contact me with the specifics. This way you’re supporting photographers such as me directly (as opposed to buying from a faceless stock photo corporation).
Pinterest users: By all means, feel free to pin!
– Nathan Allen
Difference Between Os Yosemite And El Capitan
About Me
I’m Nathan Allen, photographer / creator of YosemiteParkPhotos.com (Yosemite Photos) and international travel site I Dreamed Of This. In truth, I lived in San Francisco, New York, & Singapore…but nothing compares to life in the mountains. I share my experiences HERE.