Being let out on Leaning Tower © Maria Ly, co-founder of Skimble
Thousands of visitors come to Yosemite National Park for one thing and one thing only: rock climbing. This is the mecca for climbers all around the world. Advanced climbers enjoy the challenges of multi-day ascents of Half Dome or 3,000-foot El Capitán (El Cap), but there’s a little something here for people of all abilities. Experienced climbers new to Yosemite should either head to Camp 4 to mingle among Yosemite’s rock climbing communities or pick up a more climbing-centric guide book from one of the park’s bookstores. Beginners can find plenty of good places for scrambling. Much of the high country is covered with granite boulders and Bridalveil Falls Trail has a nice collection of boulders to enjoy.
You can also join one of Yosemite Mountaineering School’s (209.372.8344, www.yosemitepark.com) climbing lessons or guided climbs. Lessons are held as long as there are at least three participants. Their basic “Go Climb a Rock” course costs $148/person. Crack Climbing and Anchoring classes are for novices at a cost of $154/person. They offer advanced courses as well. Guided climbs range from 6-hours ($169+/person) to a 6-day El Cap climb ($4,466/person).