There’s big. . .and then there’s Yosemite’s El Capitan.

This entry in the Yosemite Icon series honors the incredible granite monolith that towers over the north side of Yosemite Valley, the stone beacon that draws both peregrine falcons and the world’s best rock climbers: El Capitan.

Whether rising from the mists or sparkling in the sunshine, El Capitan enchants. It calls to outdoor adventurers, geology buffs, and photographers with its sheer faces and its sheer bulk. Don’t let its hard exterior fool you: This rock has plenty to say. El Capitan tells captivating tales about the wildlife and plants that dwell on and around its 3500-foot-tall cliffs, about ancient magma and glaciers, and about the ongoing human story unfolding at its base—and on its big walls.

Each slim yet elegant title in the Yosemite Icon series gathers stunning photos and insider information to tell the story of one of the park’s celebrated landscape elements. Replete with natural and human history, these books are equally enjoyable both at home and on trails: Pop them in your backpack as on-the-go guides or peruse them from your couch to remember your favorite features between visits.