Yosemite Rock Climbing

Yosemite is a world-class destination for rock-climbers. It’s impossible to miss the huge granite walls when you drive into the park. Given the exceptional natural beauty of the surrounding meadows, lakes, and forest, it’s hard to imagine a better place to learn the fundamentals of rock climbing!

El Capitan, Half Dome and Tuolumne Meadows are the major points of interest with countless other walls, and peaks up to 13,000 feet. Snake Dike on Half Dome is a dramatic moderate climb. You pass two waterfalls and an alpine lake on the trail to the foot of Half Dome, from which you climb 800′ along the southwest face of the rock. This full-day excursion includes a six-mile hike to the base, eight pitches of climbing and a 9-mile descent to the valley floor. It is one of the more popular climbers’ routes in the park.

In the Valley, experts have recommended Swan Slab (behind the Yosemite Lodge next to the main road), Sunnyside Bench and The Church Bowl Area.

A good book on rope climbing in Yosemite is “Yosemite Top Ropes”, available at the Mountaineering store or online. One of the best sources for topos and betas is supertopo.com.

The Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service offers beginner through advanced classes in Yosemite Valley spring through fall, and in Tuolumne Meadows in summer. They are an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) accredited guide service and a Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) member ski school.

Clinics fill up fast and cost $200 for one person; generous group discounts are available for two or more. Seven hour climbing classes provide a full day of fun. Fees range from $217 to $235. Guided Climbs and Private Classes start at $221 for one person for 6 hours.

If you would like to make a reservation or have questions call the Mountaineering School at (209) 372-8344 or send us an email: yms@dncinc.com.