El Capitan
El Capitan is a vertical rock formation located in Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park that has become a popular destination for rock climbers, even though it was once considered impossible to climb.
The name El Capitan translates to “The Captain” or “The Chief.”
What is El Capitan made out of?
It is comprised mostly of granite dating back 100 million years, as are most of the rock features in Yosemite Valley. A different kind of igneous rock called Taft Granite is found on top of the rock. A third, darker, type of igneous rock called diorite veins through some of the rock formations in the area.
What shaped El Capitan?
Glaciation helped to shape El Capitan and many of the rock formations in Yosemite Valley.
Are El Capitan and Half Dome the same?
El Capitan and Half Dome are two different, distinct granite rock formations located in California’s Yosemite Valley. El Capitan stands in the northwest area of the valley and Half Dome is in the east.
Country: United States
El Capitan is in Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California.
Mountain Range: Sierra Nevada
Height: 7,573 feet / 2,308 meters
First Ascent: November 12, 1957 by Warren Harding, George Whitmore, and Wayne Merry.
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