To-tock-ah-noo-lah
Although Half Dome may be the most iconic image of Yosemite, El Capitan reigns supreme as the most iconic adventure in Yosemite.
While there are more technically difficult rock climbs in the world, this granite mountain at the western end of Yosemite Valley is considered the crown jewel of the sport in terms of big wall climbing. First climbed in 1958 by a team that took 47 days over an 18-month period using expansion bolts, rope, pitons to reach the summit, the number of routes and methods to summit have increased dramatically since. In June 2017, the unthinkable was achieved when Alex Honnold became the first person to free solo (climb alone without the benefit of ropes, harnesses, or any other protective equipment) El Cap in a mere 3 hours and 56 minutes.
In the Native American Miwok language, To-tock-ah-noo-lah means 'the chief'. The Mariposa Battalion of the California State Militia appropriated the sentiment with the Spanish term, 'El Capitan', in 1851 while reconnoitering the valley to fight the Yosemites and Chowchillas in the Mariposa War. I shot this image from the Bridalveil Fall Trail, in late June, because I liked the framing of the rocks and trees.
To-tock-ah-noo-lah
Although Half Dome may be the most iconic image of Yosemite, El Capitan reigns supreme as the most iconic adventure in Yosemite.
While there are more technically difficult rock climbs in the world, this granite mountain at the western end of Yosemite Valley is considered the crown jewel of the sport in terms of big wall climbing. First climbed in 1958 by a team that took 47 days over an 18-month period using expansion bolts, rope, pitons to reach the summit, the number of routes and methods to summit have increased dramatically since. In June 2017, the unthinkable was achieved when Alex Honnold became the first person to free solo (climb alone without the benefit of ropes, harnesses, or any other protective equipment) El Cap in a mere 3 hours and 56 minutes.
In the Native American Miwok language, To-tock-ah-noo-lah means 'the chief'. The Mariposa Battalion of the California State Militia appropriated the sentiment with the Spanish term, 'El Capitan', in 1851 while reconnoitering the valley to fight the Yosemites and Chowchillas in the Mariposa War. I shot this image from the Bridalveil Fall Trail, in late June, because I liked the framing of the rocks and trees.