Yosemite National Park, one of the outstanding gems of the National Park Service, offers more variety than most other American parks. Inspirational sites contained in its 760,000 acres include some of the largest monoliths in the world, some of the tallest waterfalls, an alpine scenic byway, groves of giant sequoias, access to the backcountry of the High Sierras and one of the most majestic valleys ever seen. Its centerpiece, Yosemite (Yow-SEH-muh-tee) Valley, has thrilled over 100 million visitors since John Muir explored the region in the late 1800s.
   Pictured here is El Capitan, the world's largest granite monolith. Impressing millions of Yosemite National Park visitors every summer, this spectacular rock face is best seen from the far west end of Yosemite Valley or from Wawona Road. After a short climb up Wawona Road, Tunnel View sightseers will find breathtaking views the broad valley. El Capitan and Bridalveil Falls paint a picturesque setting, ensuring all will pause to enjoy the splendid beauty of the Yosemite Valley.
   The rock face of El Capitan rises up 3000 feet from the valley floor and thrills climbers from around the world. Here in this enchanting setting, climbers experience a grand feeling of accomplishment as they are dwarfed by the immensity of El Capitan. Taking days to climb to the top, the slippery route is listed as one of the world's most difficult among the rock-climbing community.

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