Yosemite Climbing Museum — Attraction in Oakhurst

Although limited in size, the Yosemite Climbing Museum is outstanding in recounting the history of Yosemite rock climbing and Yosemite's influence on rock climbing today. The museum chronicles the history of Yosemite through photos and artifacts from the first ascent of Lower Cathedral Spire in 1939 through the first Golden Age up to the free climbing revolution of the 70s and 80s.The photographs are awe inspiring and the collection of artifacts is priceless. Non-climbers will come away better informed while climbers will be enthralled. Among the artifacts are the notebook Allen Stock recorded the planning and execution of Lower Cathedral Spire, some of John Salathe's original hand forged hard steel pitons that made climbing big walls possible, and early prototypes of camming devices created by Jim Bridwell. The Yosemite Climbing Museum is a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in rock climbing and a must see Mecca for climbers. Highly...

What a gift! A must see! How else can I encourage you to visit? Walk inside a humble building and you are greeted and guided by the most knowledgeable, exciting and passionate lady ever! We had no idea the history and progression of development inside the climbing world. Even if you don’t climb amazing mountains inside Yosemite you’ll feel the excitement our beautiful guide imbued. The actual visionary for this museum, Ken Yager, stopped by and this became the cherry on top of our experience. Ken collected almost a century of climbing equipment and photos. He was a Yosemite climber (and still does daily) with the “Rat Pack” of mountain climbers. The real deal! The stories they both told- we could’ve stayed all day! Best place to stop before entering the park 30 mins away. Gives a whole new meaning to having guts and glory. Thank you so much. PS go watch the climbers on El...

Upon pulling up to the small building, honestly I had low expectations. Boy was I wrong. What a treat this treasure chest of climbing artifacts, belonging to the most famous climbers in the history of Yosemite, turned out to be. Fascinating and dramatic photos. Great hands on displays of protection systems placed in granite enabled me to show my wife how climbers attach their rope to the rocks as they ascend. Friends, chocks, even old timey chock stones available to play with. Cleaned up on some bargains in the gift shop. Saving the best for last, Nansi brought the place alive with her warmly offered, colorful descriptions of the unique museum contents. Totally worthwhile...