For many climbers, getting to the top of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park is a monumental feat. The smooth surface of granite is one of the most challenging climbs in the area, and many consider it one of the most challenging in the world. It is 7573 feet high and requires both experience and skill to summit.
A rockslide in 2017 proved fatal for one person at El Capitan. The actual event was captured on video in what can only be described as truly terrifying footage. The climber with the camera, who had climbed the peak 57 times before this, was above the rockslide and able to get it on video. Clouds of dust and rock plummeted to the ground below. Unfortunately, this was on one of El Capitan’s most popular climbing routes. Even having climbed the rock face over 50 times prior, seeing the rockslide was still scary for the climber.
Andrew Foster, a British climber visiting Yosemite and taking on El Capitan, was killed in one of two major rockslides that week. The rockslide was 130 feet. Just the next day, another person was injured by an even larger rockslide that measured just under 400 feet tall. He was not climbing but was struck by a rock while in his car.
Incidents like this one are rare but do happen, especially when temperatures cause heating and cooling of the rock. The news reported that geologists believed that these temperature changes were behind the rockslides, at least in part.
El Capitan is one of the most iconic sights in Yosemite, along with the nearby Half Dome and Bridal Veil Falls.
©Nyokki/Shutterstock.com
Where is El Capitan?
El Capitan is a rock formation in Yosemite National Park. It is located at the west end of the Yosemite Valley. You can climb to the top, hike on an equally challenging trail to get to the top, or enjoy the views from the picnic area at the base.
Yosemite is located in California, not far from the Nevada border. It is east of San Francisco and Sacramento is the closest major city. Many people go to Yosemite to see wildlife, hike, camp, and, of course, climb.
El Capitan is considered a very challenging climb for a few reasons. Because it is granite, the face is very smooth. This can be difficult to climb and requires a lot of work. It is also extremely high. Climbers need to take multiple days to safely climb to the top. This means carrying all of the required climbing gear, such as ropes and hooks. Climbers also have to bring food, water, and a place to sleep. All of this weight adds to the challenge of getting to the top of El Capitan.
Some very bold climbers try to free solo to the top of El Capitan. This means that they climb without the aid of ropes or other safety equipment. All they use to climb is climbing chalk, climbing shoes, and their own strength. This is extremely dangerous and requires a lot of experience and preparation.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Gleb Tarro/Shutterstock.com
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