Washington Column

A long way to go...

Description 

Washington Column stands at the eastern end of the Valley, on the north side. Supposedly, it was so named because from some point of view, the rock appears to look like George Washington.

The most popular routes on this formation are the South Face (5.7 A1), many climber's first-time big wall, and Astroman (5.11c), the world-famous free route on the east face. In recent years, other routes like Skull Queen (5.8 C2) have gained in popularity.

Getting There 

The Column is found on the east end of the Valley, just east of the Ahwahnee Hotel. It used to be you could park at the Ahwahnee and hoof over to the Column on the bike path, but I've heard recently that you can't park there anymore (permit req'd?). Maybe someone can post up the current beta...

The Classics

Featured Route For Washington Column

Astroman 5.11c  CA : Yosemite National Park : ... : Washington Column

This is what it's all about, pitch after pitch of demanding, ultra high quality climbing on excellent stone w/ a surpassing view. Almost all the pitches would be highly sought after if they were base routes and three or four would be mega classics. If you don't think this climb is great, either you're just being contrary or you need to find another sport.Bibliographic Note 1: SuperTopo.com has an excellent free topo download for this climb that...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Washington Column Slideshow

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"Space Case" 5.10c. A short route at the base of t...	Washington Column and North Dome. Photo By Blitzo.	Little Rattle Snake on the approach to Washington ...
Pitch 5	Dinner Ledge	Kor Roof
Boulering near the base of Washingtons Column	The Column, viewed from the Death Slabs under Half...