What is the huge rockfall in Yosemite?

Massive Rockfall At Yosemite's Iconic El Capitan Caught On Camera. The 3,000-foot granite monolith is a popular destination for rock climbers. A massive chunk of rocks slid down the face of El Capitan, one of the landmark granite peaks of Yosemite National Park, in a scene caught on video by visitors earlier this week.



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El Capitan, rising over 3,000 feet above the floor of Yosemite Valley, is a favorite for experienced rock climbers.

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Several of these falls have killed people in the valley. The park receives between three and four million visitors per year. Some of the rockfalls and rockslides have occurred in parts of the park that are heavily used by visitors.

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Rockfall is actually common in the 7-mile-long Yosemite Valley, with about 80 rock falls recorded annually. The last rockfall-related death in Yosemite was 18 years ago, on June 13, 1999, when 21-year-old Peter Terbush was struck and killed instantly.

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The Park is a world-class destination as Yosemite boasts huge granite slabs up to 3000' (33-34 pitches including traverses). Given the exceptional natural beauty of the surrounding meadows, lakes, and forest, it's hard to imagine a better place to learn the fundamentals of rock climbing!

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Along with Glacier Point, Tunnel View is widely considered to be the most popular viewpoint in all of Yosemite. From its vantage point, travelers get an eyeful of the majestic Yosemite Valley, complete with views of famous park sights, such as Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.

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Half Dome is THE iconic landmark of Yosemite that all first-timers need to see. There are many ways to experience it with views from many points towards the eastern end of Yosemite Valley, such as Sentinel Bridge (with accompanying reflections provided by the Merced River), and the Ahwahnee Meadow and Stoneman Meadows.

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