El Capitan

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Famous for it's sheer granite wall that provides climbers with a multi-day ascent, El Capitan dominates the western part of Yosemite Valley. The name refers to Chief Tenaya who led the Native Americans living in the valley. The army apparently thought that as long as they named a mountain, a lake, and a stream after him they could kick him and his people out.

Click on images below for enlarged view.

Canon EOS 1Ds2, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS @ 75mm, ISO 100

Tunnel View Sunrise

The first rays of the sun light up the nose of El Capitan. Half Dome and Bridal Veil Falls complete this view of the valley.

Canon EOS 1Ds2, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS @ 145mm, ISO 100

El Capitan and Horsetail Falls

This view shows El Capitan at sunset with Horsetail Falls on the right. The source of the falls, the melting snow, is also shown.

Canon EOS 1Ds2, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L @ 52mm, ISO 100

El Capitan

Interesting trees and bright blue sky frame El Capitan. Try to imagine spending 2-3 nights sleeping on a portable ledge hanging from the face of the rock.

Canon EOS 1Ds2, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L IS @ 27mm, ISO 100

Valley View Sunset

Here, El Capitan presides over the end of the day as seen from Valley View. There is enough light to see Bridal Veil Falls as well. The bright red glow only showed up for 90 seconds or so just before the sun set. Prior to that the skies were gray and dark. A fitting way to end this photographic tour of Yosemite.