Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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31.87722°N / 104.85806°W |
GPX File:
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Download GPX » View Route on Map |
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Route Type:
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Trad Climbing |
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Time Required:
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Most of a day |
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Rock Difficulty:
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5.0 (YDS) |
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Number of Pitches:
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1 |
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Grade:
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V |
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Overview
The East Gully Route is an off-trail bushwhacking and climbing route that links the El Capitan Trail with the summit of El Capitan. It is class 2/3 for the majority of the route, with the exception of the crux, which requires techincal climbing up a 50' cliff band. If you'd prefer to summit El Capitan without any technical climbing, see the Guadalupe Traverse Route. Do not attempt this route unless you have technical climbing experience and equipment, as well as experience scrambling, bushwhacking, and routefinding on difficult terrain.
Route Description
Follow the El Capitan Trail for 3 miles from Pine Springs. Cross the wash at the base of the El Capitan east gully and follow the gully to the cliff band at approximately 7600'. Follow your preferred route up the cliffs, then bushwhack to the west ridge and follow it to the summit. Use extreme caution near the edge of the ridge! It's a shear drop of over 1000' to desert floor below.
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Essential Gear
Bring your choice of climbing equipment for the crux section, trekking poles, a headlamp, and plenty of food/water/electrolytes. Snake gaiters are also advisable.