Yosemite big wall routes. Called simply El Cap or The Captain, this immense .

Yosemite big wall routes. Full page overlays bring the routes to life, and allow friends and family to follow along while you climb. Overall the climbing is a little harder than on Mescalito but not as difficult as Zenyatta Mondatta. Move back left (west) along the base for 100 feet to the obvious large gully/corner. 10+ trad. If El Cap is gray and forbidding, much of Middle Cathedral is colorful and inviting. […] Despite beat out placements & seeing 100s of ascents the Shield is about as quintessential of a big wall as you could imagine. Like anything worthwhile, big wall climbing requires hard work. . The reason is clear: there is no place on earth with the same combinations of size, rock quality, good weather and accessibility. Though this route is relatively "easy" to other grade V walls, it has plenty of exposed and interesting pitches. 9 hand cracks on the second half of the route would be chock full of people year-round if they were closer to the Valley floor. Use the below 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 May 20, 2023 · The Dawn Wall in Yosemite and Valhalla in Getu, China are currently the only multi-pitch routes in the ninth degree of French. Jul 10, 2025 · This is a slightly more difficult and much more spectacular start to the Pacific Ocean Wall. SuperTopo - offers the world's best rock climbing, bouldering, and big wall route info, featuring discussion, trip reports and and gear reviews for climbing areas like Yosemite, Alaska, and the Southwest. 8-5. It isn’t as high or as monolithic or as majestic, but it certainly has more “character” than its cross-Valley neighbor. Yosemite National Park staff began collecting usage numbers on select climbing routes in 2019. Also included is a "How to climb Freerider" spread from Canadian ace Bronwin Hodges, and a "Nose Mini-guide" spread, plus First Get route beta and reviews from other climbers regarding: El Capitan - The Shield A3 5. It is substantially harder than the Sea of Dreams or Wyoming Sheep Ranch. As a general rule of thumb, Yosemite climbs tend to be steep, smooth, and sustained. 10a or easier, but almost every pitch can be aided if necessary. In this manual, Section I discusses the gear required for big-wall ascents, Section II describes some of the techniques, and Section III covers some miscellaneous big-wall topics. Yosemite Big Walls also includes historical information garnered from interviews with first ascentionists that bring these spectacular big wall climbs to life. It is characterized by miles of thin features linked with few rivets. What to do? We went with a slightly dif Yosemite's Best Big Wall Climbing Routes Thirty years after the Golden Age, Yosemite Valley remains a mecca to big wall climbers. It boasts large clean corners from the ground to summit with moderate yet sustained climbing. May 23, 2024 · 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 Yosemite Rock Climbing Info Yosemite is much more than a valley with 3000-foot rock walls and incredible climbing. And marked by good belays. Few 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 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 Jun 5, 2024 · 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 Another day, another big wall. The Nose is a big wall climbing route up El Capitan. Forget about Yosemite’s big wall if you cannot aid. Next, it's on to the big walls, with topos from classic starter big wall routes such as Washington's Column and onward to climbs like Half Dome's northwest face. The first five pitches are STEEP! The difficulties come more from the strenuous steep placements than from the fall danger, which is pretty tame. The Steck-Salathe, the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome and other Yosemite walls fell to single day ascents. That’s how much the first ascent of the wall’s sheer The Dawn Wall, just like the rest of El Capitan, is a storied rock face that has tried and tested some of the biggest names in climbing. See full list on nps. In this 208 page printed guidebook, Chris McNamara details classic big wall routes he personally climbed and painstakingly documented to meet the needs and interests of Yosemite big wall climbers. Watkins, Quarter Dome, Half Dome, Porcelain Wall, Mt. To find all the 5. Dive into five of our favorite Yosemite rock climbing spots. Slower parties spend two nights on the wall and endure an Jul 31, 2025 · Yosemite is home to some of the world’s best and most sought-after rock climbs, which is why it’s always great news when a new guidebooks drops. Normally the route is climbed by ascending the first 10 pitches to the Mammoth Terraces to then Aug 12, 2025 · From the Lower Yosemite Fall parking area, 0. These areas allow climbers to build skills and gain experience before tackling some of the park’s more challenging routes. Nearly all routes were climbed and documented by authors Chri The Salathé Wall, El Capitan, Yosemite, U. , One of the all-time monuments to free climbing, the Salathé is perhaps the most logical big wall up El Capitan. or 5. We have compiled a list of the most difficult multi-pitch routes in the world for you. 8 yosemite". The climbing will prepare you for the easier aid pitches on The Nose. 00 Add to cart FREE and BIGWALL PDF TRIFECTA – Three 500 Page PDF’s! 3 days ago · Read the following text while referencing the descent topo in the book "Yosemite Big Walls: SuperTopo": For rap routes A and B, move down 15 feet of 4th class and cut right (south) across a 20-foot wide drainage gully. The first ascent was in 1958 after 47 days of effort by Wayne Merry, Warren Harding and George Whitmore, with over various partner. The hand crack pitches in the middle of the route would be overflowing with climbers if they were closer to the Valley floor. Gold Wall is the perfect first wall for a team of comfortable 5. It’s since been aid climbed by thousands of rock climbers, but only a few have free climbed it. search for "the nose"), rating (e. The South Face of Washington Column is considered the easiest big wall style route in Yosemite at a grade of 5. May 31, 2022 · Lengthwise, this Grade V route is even longer than most Yosemite big-wall classics, including the Nose (VI 5. The weather is great, cracks flawless and beauty unsurpassed. This is a great first aid climbing lead. , Possibly the most famous climb in the world, The Nose is the route. The first ascensionists, in fact, never regarded their line as “climbing El Cap,” knowing that the real challenge began just a few yards left of their route. Fast teams spend day one approaching the wall and fixing to Pitch 3, day two climbing to Big Sandy Ledge, and day three topping out and walking down. This fun line The Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome was the first Grade VI big wall climbing route in the United States. Stop where the trail nears the rock wall. 10 climbers. Feb 29, 2024 · Yosemite is home to some of the most incredible climbing in the world. The bottom two-thirds of Early Morning Light is heavily riveted with sketchy aluminum dowels, while the upper third is classic. Yosemite is the location of bigwall routes of all types including well traveled classics, unrepeated challenges, the best bigwall free climbs in the world and much more. The route visits at least four classic bivy ledges. It is harder than Zenyatta Mondatta, but not nearly as hard as Reticent Wall. Nov 10, 2010 · Part photo documentary, part mega beta pack, part Big Backpack Strategy handbook. Yosemite Big Walls: 3rd Edition is the most current, detailed, and accurate guide to Yosemite's most classic walls such as El Cap and Half Dome. The climbing is only marginally more difficult than Zodiac, but the many lower angle Yosemite's Best Big Wall Climbing Routes Thirty years after the “Golden Age,” Yosemite Valley remains a mecca to big wall climbers. 10 might be 1000’ long, but aren’t considered big wall because it might only take 4-6 hrs to do. 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 These routes go basically clean with the fixed gear. 4 days ago · The southeast face of El Capitan was named the North America Wall after a giant section of diorite in the middle face that resembles the shape of the continent. Included are 64 of best big wall routes on El Capitan, Half Dome, Liberty Cap, Leaning Tower, Mt. Other beginner friendly places include Squamish (Canada), the Dolomites (Italy), Orco Valley (Italy), Catalonia (Spain) and Zion (USA). Almost every pitch is rated A2 or A3. Gain valuable insights into route selection, gear essentials, safety measures, and insider tips from seasoned climbers. It is hard to imagine a better route up a more incredible wall. 13b routes in Yosemite Valley Highly regarded 5. S. While Marble Canyon is a well-known ice climbing area, there aren’t many established rock routes in the park, Nixon told Climbing. 99 Add to cart 2025 Rock Climbing Yosemite Valley PDF + Print Book (Preorder) – Sept delivery) $ 50. Jun 26, 2018 · Over the past few years, not only had Yosemite locals followed the Dawn Wall progress but also Brett from Big Up Productions filmed Tommy working on the route. Written by big wall master Chris McNamara who personally climbed and painstakingly documented every route, this book includes: Topos, history and strategy for 41 of Yosemite's most classic big wall routes. Every pitch has its own story to tell and, as always in Yosemite, has its own name. El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; lit. Get all you need to know for an epic ascent. 8 C1 over 10 pitches. 11 sport. That makes it an obvious target for pros trying to flash the Big Stone (congrats Babsi Zangerl!), but it also makes it an obvious choice for mortals like me May 28, 2019 · Hanging in space high above the Yosemite Valley floor on the West Face of the Leaning Tower, I was terrified, but in learning the true meaning of exposure, I got addicted to big walls. 9 and 5. Over the next 15 years, I traveled around the world for those soaring faces, nabbing about 50 big wall routes and learning the ins and outs of the planning, ability, and equipment required. For example, to find all the 5. Every pitch is legendary. The guidebook is 600 pages long and 2025 Ebook Rock Climbing Yosemite Valley – 750 Best Free Routes (Downloadable PDF) $ 19. 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 Yosemite Bigwalls by Erik Sloan, is now available as The Complete Guide, 2nd edition. The single, thin seam that runs the duration of the Headwall is unbelievable. ” This season Martin was on big walls every chance she got — plus free climbing long routes. 9,A2: the easiest and most popular grade V. -The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite, U. Yosemite National Park, widely regarded as the birthplace of modern rock climbing has attracted generations of climbers seeking to scale iconic El Capitan and its famous routes. If El Cap defines Big Wall Climbing, then Middle Cathedral stands for Medium Wall Climbing. This is the comprehensive guide to Yosemite's Big Wall routes, free and aid, with details for over 350 different climbs. Yosemite's Best Big Wall Climbing Routes Thirty years after the “Golden Age,” Yosemite Valley remains a mecca to big wall climbers. We list top choice first followed sometimes by the Best Buy (BB) choice> For example, the La Sportiva Ganda 6 days ago · Get route beta and reviews from other climbers regarding: Lost Arrow Spire - Lost Arrow Spire Direct C2 5. Most seams are filled with long stretches of unpleasant fixed heads, but otherwise the route is classic. South Face, Washington's Column V, 5. So much fun fixing in hot weather and rapping down and swimming in the tub-like pools at the base of upper Yosemite Falls. 13a; 3,000ft ) is the “easiest” true El Cap route. Absolutely Classic climb with free climbing, hand jamming, and some exciting placements. Broderick, Liberty Cap, Panorama Wall, Jericho Wall, FireFall Wall, Glacier Point, 9 O’clock Yosemite's Best Free Climbing Routes When rock climbers die, they can only hope that they end up in a place as perfect as Yosemite Valley. Routes 5. There are hundreds of Grade IV climbs in the 800-1500 foot tall range and more than a few taller than 2000 feet. Both park management and park visitors have a special responsibility to protect designated Wilderness for this and future generations. Detailing the route’s features, challenges, and stunning views, it 4 days ago · The key to enjoying this route is moving light and fast enough to bivy only once. There’s no international shipping. Below you will find our list of the 100 finest single and multi-pitch climbs in Yosemite Valley. Of course, fine big-wall adventures can be had off the beaten path--discover them for yourself. Arrow Spire, Ribbons Falls, and Washington Column. Watkins, Lost Arrow Spire, Ribbons Falls, and Washington Column. This route is substantially more involved than the Nose or Salathé but technically easier than the Shield or Zodiac. At times the guide goes into learn to climb bigwall country but climbing these routes and the complex nature of big wall climbing are parts of the game that should be addressed and a good reminder for all of us to show care always. The Ribbon Falls area provides stunning views of the Southwest Face of El Cap as well as Bridalveil Falls and the Leaning Jun 1, 2016 · In the annals of Yosemite history, there are two eras of big-wall climbing: before Half Dome, and big-wall climbing after Half Dome. The 54 climbs listed below are among the most classic in 3 days ago · The approach is long for a Yosemite big wall but short compared to other walls that feel this remote. Once considered impossible to climb, [1] El Capitan is now the standard for big wall climbing. 13b routes anywhere Show me all routes in Yosemite Valley 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 Yosemite's Best Big Wall Climbing Routes Thirty years after the “Golden Age,” Yosemite Valley remains a mecca to big wall climbers. However, don't expect to find the cracks Charlie Porter originally nailed as the rurp placements are now 1-1 1/4" scars. This was the first route on the wall. Everything you need to know about Big Wall climbing in Yosemite. 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 hard routes listed here really are hard; attempting these without the proper experience is not only dangerous, but invariably means that bolts will be added. Jul 18, 2023 · Moreover, it was the first big wall route done in Yosemite Valley and the hardest climb in North America, at the time! In 1950, with his partner Allen Steck, he climbed the formidable Sentinel Rock. The seven-minute approach makes this a lightweight, convenient outing for those who climb 5. 10+ or easier. The route breaks away from the ledges of freeblast with a few lack-luster pitches up through the grey ledges section 3 days ago · This may be the best A4 route on El Capitan. 3 days ago · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - Freerider - Yosemite Valley, California USA. 14 (he rated it 5. They climbed mostly free using occasional direct aid pitons on some pitches, and a blank wall halfway up required a 30-foot bolt ladder. The Salathé Wall was named by Yvon Chouinard in honor of John Salathé, a pioneer of rock climbing in Yosemite. There are also numerous other rock-hard big wall climbs. It’s currently available as a bundle, so you will get the print in summer PDF now. " (note this may occur through a in-park camping or accomodation permit or wilderness/bigwall permit), a permit is NOT required if entering the park outside of these hours Aug 12, 2025 · Long, clean and beautiful, New Dawn is the more natural line for access to the upper pitches of the Wall of Early Morning Light. Jan 30, 2025 · The Nose on El Cap in Yosemite Valley is America’s most iconic big wall rock climb. Jun 4, 2025 · Watch a new video about an ascent that just dropped below. It is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and considered a classic around the world. The slow release of the climbing excited the media. The aid is straightforward and 80 percent of the route goes at 5. Americans can pre-order Rock Climbing Yosemite: 750 free climbs – 2025 edition now. It opens up new sets of routes you can climb. The route follows long crack systems up beautiful rock. 4 days ago · This climbing account explores the South Face of Washington Column, often regarded as Yosemite’s most approachable big wall. You get comprehensive approach/descent info, photo overlays of the mountains, as well as tools to help you choose the best routes. 6 days ago · Middle Cathedral Rock rivals El Cap in an odd sort of way. 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 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. Feb 20, 2025 · An official form of the United States government. Permits are required for all overnight Big Wall climbs. The climbing is characterized by medium and large-sized features connected by a few rivet ladders. Mescalito is easier than the Pacific Ocean Wall and as difficult as the Shield but much more sustained. The 54 climbs listed below are among the most classic in Aug 11, 2025 · The South Face is the easiest and most crowded big wall in Yosemite. The Ribbon Falls area provides stunning views of the Southwest Face of El Cap as well as Bridalveil Falls and the Leaning The Dawn Wall, just like the rest of El Capitan, is a storied rock face that has tried and tested some of the biggest names in climbing. In short, its damn hard to find a better large rocks to throw yourself at. Two Valley climbers recently ran a lap and released some footage. The route is called Steck-Salathé and is still considered to be a test piece for Yosemite chimney/off-width climbing. 8". In January 2023, the permit program became permanent, and now all climbers staying overnight on big walls are required to have a permit. [2] Red Rocks has a lot of long moderate multipitch which is probably similar to what your looking for. Its current aid climbing rating is VI 5. try a search for "5. What can be more intriguing than May 17, 2025 · The Pacific Ocean Wall is an intimidating climb with a very moderate first pitch. I got stuck at 5. While El Capitan climbing offers a wide range of big wall climbing routes, there is plenty to do for non-climbers as well. This 208 page full-color printed guidebook includes unprecedented route detail such as climbing strategy, retreat information, descent topos, pitch lengths, and gear recommendations for each pitch. Yosemite's Best Big Wall Climbing Routes Thirty years after the Golden Age, Yosemite Valley remains a mecca to big wall climbers. trad climbs because I wasn’t confident onsighting 5. Big wall climbing Big wall climbers on the route Zodiac (5. 13d). It is an outlet for the energies of the world’s most passionate and adventurous people. A little more instruction on safety and security is no bad thing on these long, involved multi-pitch routes. Dinner Ledge is one of the classic Yosemite bivy ledges (just watch out for the 1 day ago · Mescalito is steep, sustained and exceptional. 13d VI (free), 16- pitches) on El Capitan, in Yosemite Part of a series on Climbing Lists Climbers Piolet d'Or winners IFSC victories Equipment Knots Historical events Grade milestones Eight-thousanders Terminology Types of rock climbing Yosemite National Park is a haven for big wall climbers, providing epic lines on polished granite. 9. It includes comprehensive approach/descent info, as well as tools to help you choose the best routes. That said, it's not that difficult to get to the top of Yosemite's El Capitan, the top prize of the world's rock climbers. This selected aid climbing guide gives full details of the best 140 or so big wall routes in Yosemite, and provides important tips for climbing them efficiently. 10 routes, climbs that will give you a sense of what it is like to move over thousands of feet of rock in a day. Called simply El Cap or The Captain, this immense May 27, 2025 · In 2021, Yosemite NPS began a two-year big wall permit system pilot program in hopes it would help climbing rangers understand patterns on the wall and minimize negative impacts on the landscape through education. 9 A1 or 5. The Salathé Wall, El Capitan, Yosemite, U. Aug 11, 2025 · The Muir Wall is one of El Cap's greatest natural lines, second only to the Salathé. 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 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 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 Apr 20, 2025 · You can search the SuperTopo database of climbing routes by route name (e. An aid route that is 1000’ long might be considered a big wall bc aid takes forever and you might take two days to get up. It was the longest and most difficult route in Oct 20, 2017 · Below is Chris McNamara's choice for Ultimate Yosemite Big Wall Rack. The classic progression is South Face of Washington Column, Half-Dome, the Nose. Aug 7, 2025 · We know it's tempting, but your big wall climbing journey shouldn't start with El Cap. 2 days ago · It’s certainly not a “big wall” El Cap climb. 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. 7 A2+ VI (aid), 5. Parties that take longer should prepare themselves for horrendous hauling and mediocre bivy ledges. The camping at the base of the wall is beautiful alpine Yosemite (permit required). A comprehensive guide to Yosemite's big wall routes, both free and aid, with details of over 350 different climbs. Appendix One is about getting started with aid climbing, and Appendix Two lists some recommended Yosemite wall routes. [1] It is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and Oct 7, 2014 · During Robbins and Harding’s fight for Yosemite big wall supremacy, other Yosemite climbers raised free climbing standards and shortened ascent times. -"A reservation will be required to drive into or through Yosemite National Park from May 20 through September 30, 2022, for those driving into the park between 6 am and 4 pm. Published in 2020, it offers a wealth of scientific and objective information without any exclamation points or subjective language. Climbing is relatively moderate, of about the same difficulty as Mescalito. 10. How to Big Wall Climb is the first step-by-step aid climbing guide that takes you from your first step in an aider to the summit of El Capitan. In a sense, it is a paragon for the evolution of rock climbing as a sport; every stage, every era of climbing history gets some degree of representation on this, the most hallowed of Yosemite’s big walls. The route is continuously steep and exposed until the last few pitches. gov Apr 1, 2025 · While Yosemite is famous for its big-wall climbs and demanding crack systems, it also offers an array of beginner and intermediate routes. May 8, 2025 · The Valley boasts a high density of premier climbing routes, offering everything from accessible single-pitch climbs to some of the planet’s longest and most renowned big wall climbs. Gone are the rurp seams that Porter encountered on the FA but the overhanging headwall and spectacular position remain and make this a memorable ascent. In late July/early August, she also put up a new route on the Camp 4 Wall, which I previously reported on in “ Attacking Bees and a 50-Footer: Taylor Martin’s New Yosemite Route. It attracts those who want something a little off the beaten track but not too difficult. The route is in the sun from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. We shuttled our stuff over near the Fall’s trail, and then simul-climbed Via Aqua to the top of the Wall. History was made in 1993 when Lynn Hill became the first person to climb The Oct 15, 2024 · A selective guidebook describing over 350 big wall routes in Yosemite Valley, covering Ribbon Fall, El Capitan, Camp 4 Wall, Yosemite Falls Wall, Rhombus Wall, Arches Wall, Washington Column, Mt. In 2021, the park began a pilot Wilderness Climbing Permit Program for overnight climbing on Big Walls. This guidebook describes itself as the complete guide for big wall routes in Yosemite, and includes lots of useful information regarding the logistics of climbing big walls. Cross the bridge at the base of the fall and continue east along the trail for 100 yards. Try this instead. The route was first climbed, in extremely hot weather with minimal water, from June 30 - July 4, 1950, by Allen Steck and John Salathé, up the 1,600-foot (490 m) north face of Sentinel Rock in Yosemite Valley. It is as difficult technically as the Zodiac but more demanding because of the longer length and many Oct 15, 2024 · Frequently Asked Questions Who needs a wilderness climbing permit? All climbers staying overnight on big wall climbs in Yosemite must have a wilderness climbing permit. How do I get a wilderness climbing permit? Permits are available by self-registration (24 hours per day/7 days per week) near El Capitan Bridge at a The Salathé Wall is one of the original big wall climbing routes up El Capitan, a 3,000-foot (900 m) high granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. 8 routes, just search for "5. Yosemite is the most beautiful place in the world to climb, you have to familiarize yourself with aid if you are serious about climbing the park. g. Pitches such as Hook or Book and Don't Skate Mate maintain the Sea as a heads-up experience. Jul 4, 2025 · What's New in Yosemite Big Walls 3rd Edition - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. 12 for the free climbing variation. Nearly all routes were climbed and documented by authors Chri El Capitan is Yosemite's majestic icon known for its sheer cliff face and stunning views. Normally the route is climbed by ascending the first 10 pitches to the Mammoth Terraces to then Feb 29, 2024 · Yosemite is home to some of the most incredible climbing in the world. The stellar 5. Yosemite inspires the souls of climbers and non-climbers to reach for something beyond themselves and to travel to a place, physical and mental, where they have never been before. The route is incredibly sustained with a majority of the pitches being A3+ or harder. The Muir Wall is one of El Cap's greatest natural lines, second only to the Salathé. Tommy Caldwell fired a one-day free ascent in October 2007. If you are doing a day climb, you don’t need a wilderness climbing permit. El Capitan at 3,300’ (1,000m) is the largest continuous wall in the United States, and its towering face dominates the north side of Yosemite Valley. Only one route up this massive, blank face has gone Apr 26, 2024 · Yosemite’s big wall climbs occur almost entirely in designated Wilderness—the highest degree of protection available for public land. 3 days ago · Gold Wall is a more remote version of the South Face of Washington Column. Nearly all routes were climbed and documented by authors Chri Crowded climbs can jeopardize safety, and the routes themselves see significant impacts. This is the comprehensive guide to Yosemite’s Bigwall routes, free and aid, with details for over 350 different climbs. But most climbers feel it certainly merits an El Cap designation, though few bragging rights adhere. Our goal was to climb Half Dome in two days without hauling. May 25, 2024 · Explore the ultimate guide to climbing El Capitan with essential tips and insights into El Capitan routes. 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. " (note this may occur through a in-park camping or accomodation permit or wilderness/bigwall permit), a permit is NOT required if entering the park outside of these hours Jun 30, 2025 · In 1993 Todd Skinner spent 61 days working on the face, establishing, then, the hardest big wall route in the world at 5. 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. Yosemite Valley is the most famous rock climbing area in America, which is dominated by the granite big walls of El Capitan, Half Dome and Sentinel. We picked an easy one after Lurking Aug 12, 2025 · The most direct line on the New Dawn Wall, the Reticent travels through some exquisite terrain. All but the 40-foot first pitch is bolted. The Great Escape is a five-pitch sport climb at the Chapel Wall Center with generally spacious belays offering excellent views of Yosemite Falls. 8 routes in Yosemite, search for "5. 9 C2 3,000 feet). 5 days ago · The route follows obvious systems linked by tenuous seams and dowels. The history of 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. 2 days ago · Steep, clean and outrageously exposed, the Shield Headwall may be the most spectacular place on El Capitan. '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. The crack swallows a variety of solid cam and nut placements. Enjoy the El Capitan picnic area or trails and get carried away in Yosemite Valley. 1 day ago · This route's neighbors, New Dawn and Mescalito, are more natural and of higher overall quality. It was first climbed in 1957 by a team consisting of Royal Robbins, Mike Sherrick, and Jerry Gallwas. 5 days Great route. You'll climb some of Yosemite's best 5. Provided by Touchpoints Yosemite Big Walls also includes historical information garnered from interviews with first ascentionists that bring these spectacular big wall climbs to life. Almost all of the topos have been updated for 2020. Today the route is seeing more and more free climbing action both by people who want to free the whole route and those who want to free the 80 percent of the climb that is 5. Aug 11, 2025 · Find other routes like Salathe Wall Highly regarded 5. May 26, 2017 · Big walling in Yosemite comes in two main disciplines; aid climbing and free climbing and the most popular routes require a bit of both to be successful. If you’re a free climber, the Free Rider (VI 5. A. 3 miles east of Camp 4, walk north on the paved trail toward the fall. The biggest lesson I Jan 28, 2022 · The majority of big wall routes (think 10+ pitches) in places like Yosemite and Zion National Parks are climbed using a combination of free and aid climbing techniques. 9"), destination name ("red rocks"), or formation ("el capitan"). Aug 5, 2025 · Rack: 12 QD’s Pro: one each 2”-3”, one large stopper (rack is for first pitch only). With 504 pages, this comprehensive resource is the ultimate reference for climbers looking to conquer Yosemite National Park’s renowned big wall routes. Zion Climbing Info Zion Canyon has the most big walls in the United States and is arguably the country's most beautiful big wall and multi-pitch free climbing destination. There are many big wall routes on El Capitan with The Nose being one of the best known climbs The Muir Wall is one of El Cap's greatest natural lines, second only to the Salathé. 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 With stable weather, simple approaches and plenty of easy routes, Yosemite Valley (California) is an excellent training ground to start your big wall career. If you don't fancy jumping straight in at the deep end, a good way to start big walling is to do mini big walls. May 26, 2020 · Sep 1996 Wheel of Torture, Yosemite Falls Wall w/ Jason Smith. 8 - Yosemite Valley, California USA. skbxxy llm buqzjjn uinsevjj cjo cacjy amkw dykxgp sbdr qyqa