El Capitan Picnic Area: Yosemite's Monolithic Meal Spot
Picnic beneath a giant: Enjoy stunning views of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park at this accessible and scenic picnic spot.
Enjoy a relaxing picnic beneath the towering granite face of El Capitan, one of Yosemite's most iconic landmarks. This easily accessible area offers stunning views, picnic facilities, and a chance to spot rock climbers on the challenging cliff face.
A brief summary to El Capitan Picnic Area
- Northside Dr, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, California, 95389, US
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a good picnic spot and parking.
- Bring your own food, as restaurant choices are limited in the immediate area.
- Bring binoculars to spot climbers on El Capitan's challenging routes.
- Be bear aware! Store all food in bear-resistant containers and never feed the wildlife.
Getting There
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Shuttle
Take the free Yosemite Valley Shuttle (Green Route) to El Capitan Shuttle Stop E3. The Valleywide Shuttle serves all stops in Yosemite Valley, including lodges, food services, campgrounds, and trailheads. Shuttles arrive every 12 to 22 minutes. This service is free.
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Walking
From Yosemite Valley Lodge, head west on Northside Drive for approximately 3 miles. The El Capitan Picnic Area will be on your right, with parking available. Be aware of traffic.
Discover more about El Capitan Picnic Area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
El Capitan Picnic Area
0.0 km
Picnic beneath a giant: Enjoy stunning views of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park at this accessible and scenic picnic spot.
Four Mile Trailhead
1.8 km
Hike Yosemite's Four Mile Trail for breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome. A challenging climb to Glacier Point!
Cathedral Rocks
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Experience the grandeur of Yosemite's Cathedral Rocks, a stunning natural landmark offering breathtaking views and challenging climbs.
Hanging Valley Viewpoint
2.6 km
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Yosemite Valley Lodge
2.6 km
Experience Yosemite Valley from this ideally located lodge, offering comfortable rooms, convenient amenities, and easy access to park attractions.
Yosemite Cemetery
3.6 km
Discover the stories of Yosemite's pioneers in this peaceful and historic cemetery nestled in the heart of Yosemite Valley.
Yosemite Wilderness Center
3.8 km
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Housekeeping Camp
3.9 km
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Glacier Point
4.1 km
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Washburn Point
4.3 km
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Curry Village
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The Ahwahnee
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Artist Point Trail
5.1 km
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Tunnel view
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Nature Center at Happy Isles
5.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Horsetail Fall
0.7 km
Discover the breathtaking Horsetail Fall in California, a stunning waterfall that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and fiery winter spectacle.
El Capitan Trail
1.3 km
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El Capitan Meadow
1.4 km
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The Base of the Nose
1.5 km
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Yosemite Valley Loop Trail
1.5 km
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Sentinel Beach Picnic Area
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El Capitán
1.6 km
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Swinging Bridge Picnic Area
2.1 km
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Yosemite Falls Trailhead
2.3 km
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Upper Yosemite Falls
2.3 km
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Bridalveil Fall
2.6 km
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Columbia Rock
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Bridalveil Creek
2.8 km
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Yosemite Valley Chapel
2.9 km
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Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead
3.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Yosemite Lodge Food Court
2.6 km
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The Mountain Room
2.6 km
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Village Grill
3.8 km
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The Loft at Degnan's
3.8 km
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Curry Village Dining Pavilion
4.5 km
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Curry Village Pizza Deck
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Seven Tents Pavilion
4.5 km
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Taqueria @ Meadow Grill
4.5 km
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The Ahwahnee Dining Room
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The Ahwahnee Bar
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The Skiers Grill
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The River Restaurant & Lounge
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White Wolf Lodge Dining Room
16.0 km
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Wawona Hotel Dining Room
21.4 km
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The Restaurant at Rush Creek Lodge
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Base Camp Eatery
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Starbucks Yosemite
2.6 km
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Yosemite Valley Lodge Gift Shop
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Yosemite Valley Lodge Bike Stand
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Yosemite Village Parking
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Yosemite Visitor Center
3.7 km
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Village Store
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Degnan's Deli
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Housekeeping Camp Store
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Glacier Point Gift Shop & Snack Stand
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Curry Village Coffee Corner
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Curry Village Gift and Grocery
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Mountain Shop at Curry Village
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Bar 1899
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Dry Creek Bar
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Tusks Bar
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Steeps Bar
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Basin Bar
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Grizzly Bar
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Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe
56.5 km
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Clocktower Cellar
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Mammoth Brewing Company
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Salsa's
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Liberty Sports Bar and Grill
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Black Velvet Coffee Roaster | Espresso & Wine Bar
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The Shed | Wine & Charcuterie
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Distant Brewing
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