Yosemite Climbing Association Museum & Gallery

Stop by the new Yosemite Climbing Association Gallery and Museum to be regaled with stories of boldness and bravery high up on Yosemite’s famous cliffs. Explore climbing gear from the first-ascents of El Capitan and other Yosemite big walls. Learn how the pioneers of Yosemite’s vertical terrain invented some of the legendary gear to make those ascents possible. Admire classic climbing images from photographers like Tom Frost, Glen Denny, and Dean Fidelman.

Have you seen the recent film, “Free Solo”, of Alex Honnold’s unbelievable ascent of El Capitan without ropes? It’s only one of the more recent accomplishments in a string of visionary undertakings by climbers in Yosemite. Yosemite has long been a testing ground and climbing Mecca for generations of climbers from around the globe. As a result, its walls echo with stories of adventure. There are tales of rivalry and loyalty, tragedies and miracles, mischievous rascals and stalwart citizens. Adventure, resourcefulness, and a good measure of luck – they’re all here. And finally, here is a place exclusively dedicated to sharing those stories and preserving the memories of the daring and quirky characters that populate Yosemite’s climbing history and culture.

The Yosemite Climbing Association Gallery and Museum is a passion project that has taken a long time in coming. Founder, Ken Yager has been working for decades to create a place to celebrate and share the Yosemite climbing culture. Steeped in history, his collection of climbing memorabilia is only surpassed by his collection of climbing stories. Through the Yosemite Climbing Association, he built partnerships with the National Park Service through massive volunteer efforts like the Yosemite Facelift – an annual national park trash clean up and climber storytelling festival. Now, all his work has finally born fruit – a permanent climbing exhibit in the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, plus a museum, gallery, and climber hangout located just off Highway 140 in Mariposa. Swing by and say hello.