Yosemite Bans Flag Hanging on El Capitan
Displaying flags on El Capitan and other Yosemite rock faces has historically served as a means of protest
Yosemite National Park has banned large flags and banners from being hung anywhere in the park, including on El Capitan. You can read the updated rules in a 74-page pdf called “Superintendent’s Compendium of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority” here.
On page 47, it reads: Within the designated Wilderness and Potential Wilderness Addition portions of the park it is prohibited for any person or group to hang or otherwise affix to any natural or cultural feature, or display so as to cover any natural or cultural feature, any banner, flag, or sign larger than fifteen square feet (e.g., 5 feet x 3 feet), or a series or combination of banners, flags, or signs that total more than fifteen square feet in aggregate, unless authorized by permit.
This restriction is necessary to preserve the values of wilderness character in accordance with the Wilderness Act, provide for an unimpaired visitor experience, protect natural and cultural resources in designated Wilderness and Potential Wilderness Addition portions of the park. This restriction is also necessary to maintain public safety, as it prohibits draping items that could endanger and interfere with permitted or allowable unpermitted climbing activity.
El Capitan has had several flags fixed to it over the past few months, including the one below.
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