Little John, Left carves out a compact yet exacting trad experience on El Capitan’s southwest base, tucked along Yosemite Valley’s northern flank. This unassuming 70-foot pitch offers climbers a direct line up a tight left-facing corner where a slender finger-to-hand crack demands precise jamming and focused technique. The approach begins with a light scramble to reach the climb’s low-key yet physical start — a sharp introduction to Yosemite’s granite personality. As you move upward, the crack narrows just enough to test even larger hands, challenging climbers to find comfort in constricted placements and nuanced body positioning. A small ledge midway provides a moment of respite, framed by the raw verticality of the corner, before the climb finishes at bolted anchors. Protection is straightforward but critical — a single rack up to 4 inches covers the necessary gear, with an emphasis on well-placed cams in the finger-width crack and the few wider sections. Although brief, the route carries a solid 5.8 rating, with the crux centered on establishing solid jams in the narrower sections that dictate the pace and rhythm of the ascent. The granite here does not yield easily but rewards commitment and focus, embodying Yosemite’s character without overstating its presence. This climb suits adventurous trad climbers who appreciate short, punchy routes with technical hand jams and clean gear challenges. Its location at El Capitan’s southwest base means the climb receives ample morning sun, warming the rock and amplifying the valley’s crisp high-country air. Climbers will find the descent straightforward via downclimb or rap from the bolted anchors, making it an efficient addition to a day of exploring nearby routes. Little John, Left is a precise test of basic trad skills with a Yosemite edge—direct, tactile, and rewarding for those ready to engage its tight cracks and classic granite setting.