If you’re an adventure seeker looking to conquer the heights of Yosemite National Park, you may be wondering which climbing routes are worth your time and effort. Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring the top climbing routes that Yosemite has to offer, giving you a taste of the exhilarating challenges and breathtaking views that await you on these famous granite walls. So, gear up and get ready to embark on an unforgettable climbing experience in one of the world’s most iconic outdoor destinations.
Top Climbing Routes in Yosemite
If you’re an avid climber looking for your next adventure, Yosemite National Park is the ultimate playground for you. With its majestic granite walls and stunning natural beauty, Yosemite offers a plethora of world-class climbing routes that will push your skills and leave you in awe. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there are routes for every level of expertise. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top climbing routes in Yosemite that should definitely be on your bucket list!
El Capitan
No discussion about climbing routes in Yosemite would be complete without mentioning El Capitan. Standing at an impressive 3,000 feet, El Capitan is an icon among climbers around the world. The sheer granite face of El Capitan offers some of the most challenging and rewarding routes in Yosemite. Here are a few notable routes on El Capitan:
The Nose
Considered the most classic climb on El Capitan, The Nose is a must-do for any serious climber. This route follows a prominent line up the center of the wall, requiring a mix of crack and face climbing techniques. The Nose is known for its sustained difficulties and exposed pitches, making it a truly memorable climb.
The Salathé Wall
For those seeking a longer and more adventurous challenge, The Salathé Wall is the route to choose. This iconic climb takes a line up the southwest face of El Capitan and offers a mix of crack climbing, aid climbing, and wide chimneys. The Salathé Wall is known for its breathtaking views and captivating exposure, making it a true test of endurance and skill.
Lurking Fear
If you’re looking for a slightly easier route on El Capitan that still provides a significant challenge, Lurking Fear is a great option. This route takes a line up the right side of the wall and offers a mix of crack climbing, face climbing, and aid climbing. Lurking Fear grants climbers incredible views of the Yosemite Valley as they make their way to the top.
Zodiac
With its intricate face climbing and technical crack systems, Zodiac is a popular choice for climbers seeking a unique and challenging experience on El Capitan. This route takes a line up the south face of the wall and requires climbers to navigate various features, including flakes, corners, and slab sections. Zodiac is known for its sustained difficulty and requires solid route finding skills.
Dawn Wall
Considered one of the most difficult and iconic climbs in the world, the Dawn Wall is the ultimate test of skill, determination, and perseverance. This route gained international attention when Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson completed the first free ascent in 2015. The Dawn Wall follows the steepest and smoothest section of El Capitan and requires climbers to navigate small, shallow holds with precise footwork. This route is reserved for the elite climbers who are up for the ultimate challenge.
Half Dome
Another prominent feature in Yosemite National Park is Half Dome. Known for its distinctive shape and commanding presence, Half Dome offers climbers a variety of routes that showcase its unique features. Here are a few notable routes on Half Dome:
Regular Northwest Face
The Regular Northwest Face route on Half Dome is a classic and highly popular choice among climbers. This route provides a moderate climb with a mix of crack climbing and face climbing. The sustained difficulty and impressive views make it a memorable experience for climbers of all levels.
Snake Dike
If you’re looking for a more moderate and adventurous route on Half Dome, Snake Dike is the way to go. This climb takes a line up the southwest face of the dome, featuring a prominent dike system. Snake Dike requires climbers to navigate the dike system with delicate footwork and solid technique. The exposure and stunning views make this route a favorite among climbers seeking a unique experience.
The Nose
While The Nose is already a classic route on El Capitan, it’s worth mentioning that it also extends onto Half Dome. Climbing The Nose on Half Dome provides a unique and challenging experience as it combines the iconic features of both granite walls. This extended route is an incredible undertaking that will test your skills and endurance.
Sentinel Rock
Sentinel Rock is yet another impressive granite formation that offers exciting climbing routes in Yosemite. With its picturesque setting and diverse range of climbs, Sentinel Rock attracts climbers from all over the world. Here are a few notable routes on Sentinel Rock:
Steck-Salathé
The Steck-Salathé route on Sentinel Rock is a classic Yosemite testpiece and a must-do for experienced climbers. This route offers a mix of crack climbing, chimney climbing, and face climbing. The Steck-Salathé rewards climbers with incredible exposure and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Chouinard-Herbert
For those seeking a more varied and challenging experience, the Chouinard-Herbert route on Sentinel Rock is a fantastic choice. This route combines crack climbing, face climbing, and aid climbing, providing a well-rounded adventure. The Chouinard-Herbert offers unique features and exciting pitches that will test your skills and keep you engaged throughout.
The Prow
If you’re looking for a shorter yet action-packed climb, The Prow on Sentinel Rock is a great option. This route takes a line up the steep prow feature on the southwest face, requiring climbers to navigate a mix of crack systems, face features, and exposed slabs. The Prow offers a thrilling experience that will leave you wanting more.
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America and presents climbers with superb routes on its granite features. These routes provide an excellent combination of climbing and scenic beauty. Here are some noteworthy routes on Yosemite Falls:
Yosemite Point Buttress
The Yosemite Point Buttress route on Yosemite Falls is a classic climb that offers incredible views and sustained difficulty. This route takes a line up the prominent buttress to the right of the waterfall, combining crack climbing and face climbing. Yosemite Point Buttress rewards climbers with stunning vistas of the Yosemite Valley as they ascend.
Lost Arrow Spire
For a truly unique and thrilling climbing experience, Lost Arrow Spire should not be missed. This climb takes a line up the iconic spire that overlooks Yosemite Falls. The route requires climbers to traverse a thin arrow-like formation and involves a mix of aid climbing and free climbing. Lost Arrow Spire offers unparalleled exposure and stunning views of Yosemite Valley and Yosemite Falls.
Sunset Strip
If you’re looking for a moderate and enjoyable climb near Yosemite Falls, Sunset Strip is a fantastic choice. This route follows a line up the slabs to the left of the falls, offering beautiful views and a mix of crack climbing and face climbing. Sunset Strip is perfect for climbers seeking a more relaxed and scenic experience.
Cathedral Peak
Cathedral Peak is a striking granite formation located in the Tuolumne Meadows area of Yosemite National Park. Known for its pronounced spire and stunning alpine setting, Cathedral Peak offers climbers a range of routes that showcase its unique features. Here are a few notable routes on Cathedral Peak:
SE Buttress
The SE Buttress route on Cathedral Peak is a classic and highly sought-after climb. This route takes a line up the prominent buttress on the southeast side of the peak, offering a mix of crack climbing, slab climbing, and exposed traverses. The SE Buttress rewards climbers with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding alpine scenery.
Matthes Crest
For those seeking a longer and more exposed climb, Matthes Crest is an unforgettable adventure. This route follows the prominent ridge that extends from Cathedral Peak, requiring climbers to navigate a mix of steep slabs, knife-edge traverses, and thrilling moves. Matthes Crest offers a true alpine experience that showcases the unique features of Cathedral Peak and its surroundings.
Eichorn Pinnacle
If you’re looking for a shorter and more technical climb on Cathedral Peak, Eichorn Pinnacle is a stellar choice. This route takes a line up the northwest face of the pinnacle and offers a mix of crack climbing, face climbing, and exposed aretes. The Eichorn Pinnacle provides climbers with fantastic views and exciting moves on its compact granite surface.
Royal Arches
Royal Arches is a breathtaking granite formation located on the northern side of Yosemite Valley. With its graceful arches and stunning natural beauty, Royal Arches captivates climbers and offers a variety of routes. Here are a few notable routes on Royal Arches:
Royal Arches Route
The Royal Arches Route is a classic climb that takes a line up the center of the arches. This route offers superb crack climbing, face climbing, and exposed traverses. The Royal Arches Route rewards climbers with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding cliffs as they make their way to the top.
Serenity Crack
For a challenging and technical climb on Royal Arches, Serenity Crack is a top choice. This route follows a striking parallel crack system on the left side of the arches, requiring climbers to navigate sustained crack climbing and delicate face moves. Serenity Crack offers a stunning and aesthetic line that will test your skills and keep you engaged.
Sons of Yesterday
If you’re seeking a multi-pitch climb that combines crack climbing and face climbing, Sons of Yesterday is a fantastic option on Royal Arches. This route offers varied pitches and exciting features, including the iconic pitch known as the “Thank God Ledge.” Sons of Yesterday provides climbers with an immersive experience and the chance to conquer one of Yosemite’s classic climbs.
Washington Column
Washington Column is a majestic granite monolith located in the southern part of Yosemite Valley. Known for its dramatic appearance and challenging climbs, Washington Column offers an array of routes that will push your skills to the limit. Here are a few notable routes on Washington Column:
South Face
The South Face route on Washington Column is a testpiece for climbers seeking a challenging and sustained climb. This route offers a mix of crack climbing, face climbing, and delicate traverses. The South Face rewards climbers with breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome as they tackle its demanding pitches.
Astroman
Considered one of the best and hardest free climbs in Yosemite, Astroman is a true classic on Washington Column. This route follows a striking line up the west face of the column, requiring climbers to master technical crack climbing and delicate face moves. Astroman offers impressive exposure and unforgettable challenges that will push your limits.
Outer Limits
For those looking for a more moderate yet exciting climb on Washington Column, Outer Limits is an excellent choice. This route takes a line up the east face of the column and offers sustained crack climbing, face climbing, and unique roof sections. Outer Limits rewards climbers with stunning views and engaging moves that make for a memorable ascent.
Liberty Cap
Liberty Cap is a distinctive granite dome located in the southern part of Yosemite Valley. With its prominent shape and unique features, Liberty Cap offers climbers a variety of routes to explore. Here are a few notable routes on Liberty Cap:
Northwest Face
The Northwest Face route on Liberty Cap is a classic climb that provides a mix of crack climbing, face climbing, and exposed traverses. This route rewards climbers with incredible views of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley as they make their way to the top. The Northwest Face offers sustained difficulty and engaging climbing throughout.
The Stoner’s Highway
For those seeking a longer and more challenging adventure, The Stoner’s Highway on Liberty Cap is an excellent choice. This route spans multiple pitches and takes a line up the southeast face of the dome, featuring sustained crack climbing, delicate face moves, and exciting chimney sections. The Stoner’s Highway provides climbers with a true test of skill and endurance.
Glacier Point Apron
The Glacier Point Apron is a massive granite slab located at the south rim of Yosemite Valley. With its easy accessibility and moderate climbs, the Glacier Point Apron is an ideal destination for climbers of all levels. Here are a few notable routes on the Glacier Point Apron:
The Grack – Center
The Grack – Center route on the Glacier Point Apron is a classic and highly recommended climb for beginners or climbers looking for a more relaxed experience. This route offers enjoyable crack climbing and easy face moves on solid rock. The Grack – Center rewards climbers with beautiful views of Yosemite Valley as they ascend the slab.
Psychedelic Wall
For those seeking a more exciting and moderate climb, Psychedelic Wall is a fantastic option on the Glacier Point Apron. This route offers sustained crack climbing, face climbing, and exposed traverses. Psychedelic Wall provides climbers with challenging moves and unique features that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
After Six
If you’re looking for a classic and popular multi-pitch climb on the Glacier Point Apron, After Six is a perfect choice. This route offers sustained crack climbing, delicate face moves, and engaging traverses. After Six rewards climbers with remarkable views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome as they conquer its challenging pitches.
With these top climbing routes in Yosemite, you now have a comprehensive list to start planning your next adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting your climbing journey, Yosemite National Park offers world-class routes that will challenge and inspire you. So pack your gear, gather your climbing partners, and get ready to experience the breathtaking beauty and exhilarating climbs that Yosemite has to offer. Happy climbing!
