Swan Slab

Swan Slab is a very popular climbing area in the heart of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. Directly across the street from Yosemite Lodge and only a short walk from either the Lower Yosemite Falls Trailhead or Camp 4, Swan Slab offers a range of trad and top rope climbs from easy 5th class through 5.11. Easy access ensures crowds whenever the climbing whether is good, and many casual park visitors walking on the popular footpath will stop to watch Yosemite climbing in action, even if it's not El Cap. The crag is also frequented by local guide services teaching beginner rock climbing classes.

Swan Slab classics include Bay Tree Crack (5.6), Claude's Delight (5.7), Grant's Crack (5.9), Lena's Lieback (5.9), and Goat For It (5.10a). Guidebooks including Yosemite Topropes by Rob Floyd and Yosemite Free Climbs by Falcon Guides cover the area well.

Many climbers basing themselves at Camp 4 will warm up on the Swan Slab classics before heading for Yosemite's big rocks. But if you're just passing through and can find an open route, Swan Slab is a fast, easy way to get a taste of valley climbing.