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El-Capitan-YosemiteEl-Capitan-Yosemite means 'The Chief'. Being the chief piece of granite rock in existence today. This vertical rock was carved by an ice glacier 100 million years ago. Yosemite Valley was covered in 4,000 feet of ice and as the ice melted, Yosemite was born.
When you enter the park from the north, El-Capitan is the first large rock on the left, that comes into view. This sheer piece of granite rises 3,593 feet above the valley floor. It is is 7,569 feet above sea level. The top of the rock slumps over and is called The Nose. This rock was once considered impossible to climb. Now it is a standard climb in the park. There are two ways to get to the top. The first way is to be an experienced rock climber and climb the vertical face of the mountain. Climbing The Nose is the most difficult part of the climb. It takes 3-5 days for rock climbers to get to the top. Although one speed climber made it to the top in 2 hours, 24 minutes and 45 seconds back on October 8th, 2007! Be sure to bring your binoculars with you because it is always fun to watch the rock climbers! The second way to get the top is by a hiking trail. You begin this climb in the valley on a trail next to the beginning trail of Yosemite Falls. This is not an easy hike! This challenging hike is steep and not for anyone out of shape!
Years ago we use to watch people parachute off of the top of this El-Capitan-Yosemite! This is called base jumping (I called it crazy!). Base jumping started in 1966. In 1980 the park made jumpers get a permit to jump. A few broken bones, a few fatalities, jumpers disregarding the rules of the park and damaging the enviroment and it all came to a halt. In 1999, base jumping was banned by park officials.
Yosemite is home to the endangered peregrine falcon birds. They make their nest on the North wall (the east face). When you look at this rock, look for a dark shape of North America. It is here where you will find the nests of the peregrine falcons. Also look for a 80 foot ponderosa pine growing out of this mountain! Rock climbers can often be found around this tree. Here is an interesting fact: Rock climbing is so popular in Yosemite that there is a Yosemite rock climbing school in the valley. Their slogan is: "Go Climb A Rock" (You will see this slogan on t-shirts and mugs in the gift stores!) Learn About The Geology Of Yosemite National Park!
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