Rock-climbing is etched deeply into Yosemite’s human story. The park’s cliffs were the birthplace of big-wall climbing; today, climbers from around the world spend hours or days on the walls, scaling routes on iconic features, such as El Capitan and Cathedral Rocks.

Despite climbing’s long history and popularity in the park, Yosemite offers limited opportunities to learn about the sport. Seasonal donor-supported programs, such as Ask a Climber, provide an initial introduction, but the park lacks year-round, centrally located resources for the climbing-curious.

In addition to funding a feasibility study for creating climbing-focused exhibits in the park, this grant supported initial design work for the new exhibits, which will be housed in the Valley Visitor Center and will offer an engaging educational experience anchored in the past, present and future of climbing in Yosemite.

Your support helped lay the groundwork for a new educational resource, with value for anyone interested in climbing.

Completed in partnership with Yosemite National Park, American Alpine Club and Yosemite Climbing Association.

Ken Yager

Yosemite Climbing Association

Project Notes

Providing accurate information and perspective from actual climbers is a unique opportunity. Many tourists have said that tracking climbers up El Cap has been the best part of their visit.