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Staring 3,000 feet up the face of ssss1

Nevada Fall from the ssss1

4 Base of El Capitan

Trailhead Location: El Capitan Meadow, west end of Yosemite Valley

Trail Use: Hiking

Distance & Configuration: 0.8-mile out-and-back

Elevation Range: 3,970 feet at the start, with 280 feet of ascent/descent

Facilities: No amenities are at the trailhead. The closest toilets are at Bridalveil Falls, and toilets and water are available at Yosemite Lodge.

Highlights: Surreal views of a 3,000-foot granite face

Middle Cathedral Rock from El Capitan Meadow

DESCRIPTION

The unmarked use trail to the base of El Capitan gives you an unusual panorama of the imposing granite face—straight up and up and up. From the base you lack the perspective gained from standing in a nearby meadow, making it difficult to estimate the wall’s height. Combine this walk with a visit to El Capitan Meadow to admire the mountain from a bit farther back.

THE ROUTE

The unmarked, but obvious, trail begins at the far eastern end of El Capitan Meadow, about 300 feet after the two roads entering the meadow merge. Walking along the right-hand edge of an open black oak and ponderosa pine woodland, you reach a large opening through which the Valley Loop Trail passes (0.15 mile from start). Walk north to the back of the opening—in the direction of El Capitan. Here you will find a use trail that zigzags quite steeply up to the monolith’s base. The many climbers heading for the rock have created a well-worn route, allowing you to avoid burrowing into the dense manzanitas and huckleberry oaks that cover the slope. As you exit the scrub at the base of the rock, take a look at where you are—the start of the trail here is a little hidden on the return (0.4 mile).