2012 Map of El Capitan

About this map

Yosemite Valley is dominated by dramatic granite formations and essential mountain crossings in this early 21st-century survey. The iconic El Capitan Bridge spans the Merced River, serving as a central point for exploring the El Capitan Moraine and nearby El Capitan Picnic Area. Notable geological features such as the Leaning Tower, Cathedral Rocks, and the Cathedral Spires flank the southern valley walls, while the engineering of the Wawona Tunnel provides a critical passage for travelers entering from the south. The map details the transition from the high-traffic valley floor to the quieter residential area of Yosemite West and the high-elevation recreation at Badger Pass Ski Area. Local landmarks like the Henness Ridge Lookout and the Arch Rock Entrance mark the periphery of this mountain landscape, while water features like Bridalveil Fall and Ribbon Fall define the vertical relief of the terrain.