The first natural stone monument you encounter as you enter Yosemite Valley [1] is El Capitan (Northside Rd. west of El Capitan Bridge), comprised of Cretaceous granite that’s actually named for this formation.
This 3,000-foot craggy rock face is accessible in two ways: You can take a long hike west from the Upper Yosemite Fall [2] and up the back side of the formation, or you can grab your climbing gear [3] and scale the face.
El Cap boasts a reputation as one of the world’s seminal big-face climbs.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/yosemite-national-park/sights/yosemite-valley
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/yosemite-national-park/sights/yosemite-valley/yosemite-falls
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/yosemite-and-the-eastern-sierra/yosemite-national-park/recreation/rock-climbing