Place

El Capitan Picnic Area

A brown and white roadside sign shows an icon of a picnic table with an arrow pointing right.

Quick Facts

Grill, Picnic Table, Recycling, Restroom, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Delight in the thrill of spotting climbers on El Capitan while you sit back and enjoy your picnic beneath this gigantic granite monolith.

Picnic tables and grills are conveniently located at this scenic spot beneath the massive cliff face that is El Capitan.

Hours:
This picnic area is available from dawn to dusk.

Getting Here:
Located on Northside Drive, near El Capitan, a few miles west of Yosemite Valley Lodge, at El Capitan shuttle stop E3.

Rules & Regulations:
Picnic areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis (reservations are not available).

Hazards & Warnings:
For your safety and that of wildlife:
Keep your distance from animals, even if they approach you.
Never feed wild animals.
Dispose of trash in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters.
While enjoying your picnic, keep your food, trash, and other scented items within arm's reach.
If a bear approaches, yell as loudly as possible to scare the bear away.

Accessibility:
The El Capitan Picnic Area features accessible picnic tables with extended tops, accessible vault toilet, and grills. Designated accessible parking spaces are available. The El Capitan shuttle stop E3 is nearby.

Yosemite National Park

Last updated: April 5, 2024