Rock Climbing

The granite canyon walls of Yosemite Valley are world renowned for rock climbing. El Capitan, with its 3,593-foot vertical face, is the most famous, but there are many other options here for all skill levels.

Tours and Outfitters

Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service. The one-day basic lesson offered by this outfit includes some bouldering and rappelling and three or four 60-foot climbs. Climbers must be at least 10 years old and in reasonably good physical condition. Intermediate and advanced classes include instruction in first aid; anchor building; and multipitch, summer-snow, and big-wall climbing. There's a Nordic program in the winter. Yosemite Mountain Shop, Curry Village, Yosemite National Park, California, 95389. 209/372–8444; www.travelyosemite.com. From $172. Apr.–Nov..