Ready to climb a rock? Yosemite offers some of the finest opportunities in the world for climbers of all levels, from first steps on Tenaya Lodge's 18-foot wall all the way to ascents of the massive El Capitan. Since the first ascent in 1958, The Nose route on El Cap stands as probably the most famous climb in the world — over 3,000 feet, almost a full kilometer, of technical climbing that is still considered a feather in the cap of even experienced climbers.

First Steps

Tenaya Lodge’s 18-foot climbing wall offers a great way to get your first handhold on the sport and learn basic safety precautions and climbing techniques. Learn more ».

You can progress from there or jump straight in with guided outdoor climbing. Tenaya Lodge partners with Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, available for trips from April through November. All gear is included and SYMG can take you to some cooler and less crowded places in the Sierra National Forest, away from the bustle of the Valley. They have decades of experience in the area and are master climbers and teachers. Learn more »

In addition, the Yosemite Mountaineering School offers beginner classes in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows.They are the only guide service offered to guide rock climbing within Yosemite Valley. Learn more »

Next Steps

Both Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides and Yosemite Mountaineering School offer advanced classes in crack climbing, lead climbing and advanced bigwall climbing. For climbers with significant experience, Yosemite Mountaineering School guides can even guide you up a multi-day ascent of El Capitan itself!