El capitan climber Yosemite veteran and owner of the El Cap Report, Tom Evans, has updated his website with some new information. Dec 17, 2024 · Most ascents of El Capitan entail roughly 30 pitches of climbing, usually completed over several days, much of it aided. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Jason Wells (left) and Tim Klein (right) during an ascent of the Nose in May, 2017. Jun 3, 2017 · Alex Honnold, a celebrated 31-year-old rock climber, on Saturday became the first person to scale Yosemite's El Capitan, a nearly 3,000-foot granite wall, without using ropes or other safety gear Adam Ondra, a world champion Czech climber, just achieved the second free ascent of Yosemite’s hardest big-wall free climb, the Dawn Wall—in record time. Free Solo is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin [4] that profiles rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to perform the first-ever free solo climb of a route on El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park in California, in June 2017. [5][6] The film premiered at the 45th Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2018, and also screened at the 2018 Jun 9, 2020 · Speed climbing The Nose of El Capitan is one of the sport's biggest trophies. Honnold walks us through how Apr 23, 2009 · ElCap Report Farewell Tour 10/17/23 The Last ElCap Report. Initially Oct 12, 2018 · World-renowned athlete Alex Honnold, star of the new National Geographic film "Free Solo," talks with NPCA about his historic rope-free climb, his passion for Yosemite, his leave-no-trace ethic and his connection with the natural world. Essentially it is the Salathe wall with a few variations used (pioneered by Alex Huber) to avoid the numerous 5. Honnold spent years preparing for the climb, meticulously planning every foothold and handhold. El Capitan is Spanish for The Captain or The Chief and is fitting given its domineering How this climber made a solo journey up Yosemite's El Capitan with no gear How "Free Solo" Filmed The First El Capitan Climb With No Ropes | Vanity Fair The only human to free solo Yosemite’s 3000 foot rock monolith, El Capitan. May 31, 2024 · The solo speed record on the Salathé Wall, a climbing route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, had stood for 10 years. His extremely rare skill and unmatched mental focus have helped make him climbing’s transcendent, breakout star, inspiring millions around the world. 9 C2 3000’). She’s sitting in a four-by-six-foot tent 2,600 feet in the air, waiting out the weather in a portaledge on Yosemite’s El Capitan. No rope, climbing alone. This massive granite formation stands about 3,000 feet tall, making it a favorite among climbers and nature enthusiasts alike. Jan 30, 2024 · El Capitan, located in Yosemite National Park, is renowned for its breathtaking rock climbing routes that have attracted climbers from all over the world. More difficult climbs, such as the Sea of Dreams and the Pacific Ocean Wall, demand extra time. By Tom Evans Yo. Jul 6, 2025 · Harrowing moment as a climber breaks away large rock flake on El Capitan. The most famous El Capitan can be found in Yosemite National Park. Then, on May 11a climber from Lake Tahoe named Brant Hysell tagged the Overview El Capitan is perhaps the most sublime feature in all of Yosemite Valley, and second only to Half Dome among Yosemite's most recognized features. The Salathé Wall is one of the original big wall climbing routes up El Capitan, a 3,000-foot (900 m) high granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. Jun 3, 2018 · Update: For new details about the accident, see Eye Witness Recounts Tragic Accident on El Cap’s Freeblast. Oct 2, 2025 · LOS ANGELES (AP) — A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. This towering granite formation attracts climbers, hikers, and nature lovers from all around the world. 5 miles wide and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Jun 3, 2025 · Eight years ago today, on June 3, 2017, Honnold became the first climber to free-solo El Capitan in Yosemite via the 30-pitch Freerider. Feb 23, 2023 · While climbers flock from around the world for a chance to climb El Cap’s staggering granite faces every year, many more hikers look up at the monolith from the Valley floor wondering if they, too, can ever reach El Cap’s summit. In a hair-raising talk, he tells the story of how he summited Yosemite's El Capitan, completing one of the most dangerous free solo climbs ever. Dec 6, 2024 · Babsi Zangerl blasted up the 3,300-foot Free Rider (5. At this point, you’re probably asking yourself: Can El Cap be hiked? A little more than a year ago, the Northern California athlete and his friend Tommy Caldwell became the first to free-climb the Dawn Wall, a near-vertical 3,000-foot (914-metre) rock face on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in California. May 19, 2025 · Ready to take on one of Yosemite’s toughest trails? Hiking El Capitan gets you to the top - no ropes needed. For more fascinating facts about El Capitan in Yosemite, join us for a day hike tour or a guided backpacking adventure! The Dawn Wall: Directed by Josh Lowell, Peter Mortimer. With Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe. Towering majestically over Yosemite Valley, this incredible granite monolith rises to a staggering height of more than 3,000 feet, which is over 900 meters. Alex free solo climbed the 3,000-foot vertical wall, the first person in the world to do so. A spectacular view from the top rewarded their 20 mile hike to basecamp and climb of the 13,075′ peak. 13 and A2. So much rock, so little time Dec 26, 2024 · El Capitan is a breathtaking granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. [1] He made the first ascents of some of the hardest sport climbing routes in the U. To free climb El Cap’s big-wall routes is a proud feat, undertaking difficulties of at least 5. 13 crux pitches first freed by Paul Piana and Todd Skinner in the mid 80's. Preparation is key for climbing El Capitan. I want Oct 5, 2023 · Tragedy struck Yosemite on September 28th when a seasoned Korean climbing guide lost his life while descending from the iconic El Capitan. McNeely was also a slackliner and pioneered many highlines throughout the US. Climbers must ensure they have the right gear Tommy Caldwell (born August 11, 1978) is an American rock climber who has set records in sport climbing, traditional climbing, and in big-wall climbing. Beyond his 2017 history-making ascent of El Cap, dramatically El Capitan Overview El Capitan is a term known for various magnificent locations in California, each unique in its own way. 00 per person for adults 16 years of age and older, and is good for 7 days. This iconic landmark is about 1. Learn more about rock climber Alex Honnold of Free Solo fame. Learn about Yosemite’s rich rock climbing history, from Warren Harding’s groundbreaking first ascent to Alex Honnold’s recent awe-inspiring free 3 days ago · Scaling El Capitan had required 45 days of climbing over 18 months and had consumed 125 bolts. Dec 17, 2024 · On a vertical rockface like El Capitan, the soaring slab of granite in California’s Yosemite National Park, perfection is an elusive, almost impossible goal for professional climbers. Alex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. , including Kryptonite at 5. More people will walk on the moon than will do what Alex Honnold has done. See his list of accomplishments, read about his free solo El Capitan climb, and see his favorite gear. Jun 3, 2018 · The two men were reportedly experienced climbers. Jun 5, 2017 · On Saturday, the professional climber Alex Honnold became the first to climb the nearly 3,000-foot El Capitan, Yosemite’s iconic granite wall, without ropes, called free soloing. To put its grandeur into perspective, El Capitan is roughly 2. The friends scrawled their names on pieces of paper intended Jun 7, 2020 · Alex Honnold became the first person to free solo climb the 3,000-foot El Capitan in Yosemite, USA, Ascending El Capitan without the use of ropes or any other kind of climbing equipment is nothing less than a Herculean feat. Enock, a paraplegic climber with Spina Bifida, takes us on his journey to climb El Capitan in Yosemite, CA. Learn about climbing Half Dome, El Capitan climbing and Yosemite Mountaineering School. In 2015, Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson made the first free ascent up the 3,000-foot Dawn Wall in Yosemite National Park. Best known for his unprecedented free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park—climbing 3,000 feet of sheer granite without ropes or protective equipment—Honnold has redefined the boundaries of what many thought humanly possible in the vertical realm. Oct 30, 2022 · An 8-year-old boy has made history, becoming the youngest to climb and summit El Capitan, the revered rock formation in California's Yosemite National Park that's widely regarded as one of the most difficult rock formations to climb. . He's an extreme climber, where survival depends solely on physical and mental strength. Greg Murphy On the morning of June 2 at 8 a. Incredible warm weather, is the most common variable of this Fall season. Nov 29, 2017 · This summer, Alex Honnold became the first person to climb Yosemite’s legendary El Capitan without a rope, ascending 3,000 feet with nothing to catch him if he fell. A rising climbing star from Alaska named Balin Miller has died at age 23 after a horrific fall at Yosemite’s El Capitan Jun 7, 2017 · Alex Honnold has done the unthinkable; on June 3, he completed the first-ever free solo of El Capitan, climbing the wall via Freerider. How many days do climbers spend on El Capitan? Typical teams climb popular routes, such as the Nose, the Salathé and the Zodiac, in 3-5 days. Oct 4, 2023 · On September 28, an experienced Korean climbing guide reportedly passed away in Yosemite, after rappelling off the end of his rope while descending from Sickle Ledge on the iconic El Cap route, The Nose (VI 5. It’s brutal, but the views are worth it! Jun 15, 2006 · El Cap is probably the most recognized chunk of rock in the world to rock climbers. But why is the feat so special? Ammon McNeely (June 3, 1970 – February 18, 2023) was an American rock climber who specialized in big wall climbing and aid climbing, and who set many speed climbing records and made the first "one-day ascent" for many climbing routes on El Capitan in Yosemite. Here's what the lead organizer has to say. However, El Capitan is not just one location; it also refers to El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara Jan 27, 2024 · Who is Alex Honnold? Alex is a 38-year-old rock climber who rose to fame in 2018 after climbing the world’s most famous rock face, El Capitan, without any ropes — a style of climbing known as free soloing. Discover the challenges of climbing El Capitan in Yosemite. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. Alex Honnold climbs to the top of El Capitan without ropes. His free-solo took three hours and 56 minutes. The process of preparing and executing that dream was made into the Oscar-winning National Geographic documentary, Free Solo, by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. 10 in Yosemite National Park. Climbers come from across the globe to challenge themselves on the 3000 foot walls of El Capitan. Popular for its climbing routes, it draws experienced climbers and tourists alike. May 25, 2024 · Climbing El Capitan stole the national spotlight with Alex Honnold’s death-defying free-solo climb on “El Cap”. Dec 13, 2018 · Free solo climber Alex Honnold prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: scaling Yosemite's 3,200-foot El Capitan without a rope. El Capitan Yosemite Overview El Capitan is one of the most iconic and breathtaking landmarks located within Yosemite National Park in California. Subscribe: http Honnold— the first and only climber to free solo El Capitan —holds multiple speed climbing records, and Florine has set the speed record on the Nose eight times. Jan 15, 2015 · Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell made history January 14 by free climbing the Dawn Wall route of El Capitan. Maybe you’ve heard of Alex Honnold’s bleeding-edge ascent of El Capitan without any ropes for protection in the Oscar-winning film “Free Solo,” , Freesolo. Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the directors of the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo,” discuss how they captured rock climber Alex Honnold’s f Sep 28, 2017 · The El Capitan monolith in the Yosemite National Park in California on June 4, 2015. The incident is under investigation. Maybe you’ve seen it. Join forces with a local expert rock climber to uncover the art and challenges of scaling the 3,000ft face of El Capitan. It's basically a big old hunk of granite. The Salathé Wall was named by Yvon Chouinard in honor of John Salathé, a pioneer of rock climbing in Yosemite. It is the portrait of a straight-speaking, dedicated rock climber with incredible Mar 18, 2025 · El Capitan’s cliff has been the ultimate challenge for climbers for decades, but to attempt it without any safety equipment is to accept a level of risk that borders on the unimaginable. The granite rock face is about 3,000 feet (914 metres) from base to summit along its tallest face, and is a popular objective for rock climbers. Oct 3, 2025 · Balin Miller, famed solo climber, died after rappelling off the end of his rope on El Capitan. 13a), becoming the first person to flash El Capitan. And last year, Honnold became the first to do a free solo ascent of El Capitan. The granite monolith towers 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and is recognized globally as one of the ultimate destinations for rock climbing. However, as stated above this will be the last ElCap Report. The formation is made from a Feb 26, 2024 · El Capitan's towering granite walls draw rock climbers, photographers and visitors looking for a dose of awe in Yosemite National Park. Known for its grand vertical rock face, it is a magnet for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Oct 3, 2025 · Balin Miller was a rising climber from Alaska with a following on TikTok. Dec 9, 2024 · Honnold, star of the Oscar-winning 2018 climbing film Free Solo has spent the last few weeks attempting to free climb El Capitan’s famed route The Nose, the 2,900-foot vertical climb that is Nov 3, 2025 · Alex Honnold is an American professional big-wall rock climber known for his daring free solo (climbing without the aid of ropes) ascents of some of the world’s tallest cliffs. Aug 18, 2025 · On May 20, seven trans climbers and allies few a trans pride flag from Heart Ledges on El Cap. NPS is investigating. Honnold redefined the sport in 2017 by free soloing El Capitan, a monumental feat. Nov 22, 2021 · How many climbers have free soloed El Capitan? A few dozen men have “free-climbed” El Capitan, but only three – Tommy Caldwell, Honnold and the late Brad Gobright – have gone up the route Harrington achieved, known as Golden Gate. Oct 3, 2025 · Alaskan climber Balin Miller, 23, died in a tragic fall from El Capitan at Yosemite National Park during a livestreamed climbing accident on Wednesday. The triumph shook both the climbing and non-climbing worlds and would change big wall climbing forever. We offer cabin, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park that will put you just minutes from exploring the breathtaking sights El Capitan offers. It rises over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley. In an unbelievable story of perseverance, free climber Tommy Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson attempt to scale the impossible 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan. Jun 10, 2018 · The death-defying adventure of scaling a huge granite precipice like El Capitan involves an intricate process in which lengths of nylon rope are tied to the climbers and knotted on bolts, or Aug 15, 2022 · Climbers on the Great Roof pitch on The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite. It is a premier destination for rock climbing and photography, showcasing some of the best views in the park. Jay Mather It was early evening in August of 1982 when Mark Wellman and Peter Enzinger reached the summit of Seven Gables in the John Muir Wilderness. The World’s Greatest Free-Solo Climber Isn’t Interested in Adrenaline Alex Honnold completed the first-ever ascent of El Capitan without ropes or support, but he's just in it for the sport. Nov 21, 2025 · Emily Harrington’s story of resilience, pain, and success on El Capitan comes to the big screen The documentary ‘Girl Climber’ was released on IMAX in August and on streaming in September and will feature at the Mendi Film Festival in Bilbao next month Oct 17, 2023 · A 28-year-old rock climber beat Alex Honnold’s 2010 record ascent of El Capitan’s Nose route on Oct. If you're planning a rock climbing or hiking adventure to El Capitan, be sure to reserve your Yosemite accommodations with Scenic Wonders. Nov 9, 2020 · Emily Harrington is the first woman to free-climb the Golden Gate route up El Capitan, a 3,000-foot-high monolith in Yosemite National Park, in under 24 hours. Nov 1, 2022 · Mike Murphy via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 3. Caldwell made the first free ascents of several major routes on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. From Jim Bridwell's first time to Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold's under 2-hour stunner, this is how times have fallen. MARK RALSTON—AFP/Getty Images Oct 2, 2023 · Reports of a climber falling to his death on El Capitan have been circulating over the past few days. In 2017, when Alex Honnold made his stunning free-solo ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan, he was taking an unimaginable risk: nearly three thousand feet of climbing without any ropes or safety May 1, 2025 · Flash climbing refers to a climber successfully sending a route on their first attempt without falling, usually with knowledge of, but no prior experience of the climb. Yosemite guru Tom Evans, author of the popular blog “El Cap Report,” broke the news of the accident on September 29. Yosemite has been the site for almost every major development in the sport of rock climbing. Interesting routes and fast times have distinguished the climbing thus far. Jun 25, 2025 · The climbers raced up 8,000 feet of granite, with difficulties up to 5. Expert climbers Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold have claimed some of the most astounding records on Yosemite National Park’s biggest walls. El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park is considered one of the world's most challenging climbs. His other interests included BASE jumping and wingsuiting. The route follows complex crack systems up the southwest face of El Capitan. , while speed climbing on the lower pitches of the Salathé Wall on El Capitan—a section called Freeblast— two highly experienced climbers, Tim Klein Immerse yourself in the experience of free solo climbing Yosemite’s famous El Capitan alongside Alex Honnold in this breathtaking 360 video. Modern big wall climbing began in the late 1950's and was developed into a fine art on its faces in the 1960's as climbers from all over the world have come to challenge its demanding routes. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our available rentals or to Yosemite rock climbing is an essential experience. Oct 3, 2025 · Climber Dies in Fall After Scaling Yosemite’s El Capitan The death of Balin Miller, 23, shocked his family and onlookers who were watching his ascent of the famed rock face. And by big, we mean really, really big. With John Branch, Mike Caldwell, Terry Caldwell, Tommy Caldwell. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing Yosemite National Park El Capitan Overview El Capitan is one of the most famous landmarks in Yosemite National Park, located in California. May 23, 2025 · Five years ago, Emily Harrington made history as the first woman to free climb El Capitan's Golden Gate route in less than 24 hours — a remarkable feat that not only broke records but also May 2, 2016 · Top Nine “Ask a Climber” Questions 9. Crushers and Burners are lighting up the Big Stone. Nov 17, 2025 · But right now, DiGiulian is suffering in a different way. Oct 3, 2025 · Alaskan climber Balin Miller, 23, died after falling from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, his mother confirmed. Mar 22, 2024 · Honnold's free solo of El Cap didn't occur in a bubble. Spending multiple days on a rock wall requires quite a bit of gear (see below), but some fit and experienced teams Imagine being by yourself in the dead center of a 3,000-foot vertical cliff -- without a rope to catch you if you fall. 6 days ago · The Man Who Climbed El Capitan With No Rope Alex Honnold’s Death-Defying Yosemite Masterpiece Free Solo Legend: The Climber Who Rewrote Human Limits How Did Alex Honnold Free-Solo a 3,000-Foot El Capitan Climbing in Yosemite El Capitan is known as the mecca of modern rock climbing and was thrust into the limelight recently through a few jaw-dropping films. 0 The father of an 8-year-old boy says his son is now the youngest person to climb California’s iconic El Capitan rock formation. Aug 15, 2019 · Mark Wellman (left) topping out El Capitan with partner Mike Corbett (right). The route is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and is considered a classic around the Sep 23, 2008 · The Free Rider is the Astroman of the new millennium. Sam Baker, a second grader from Colorado, ascended to the top on Sep 27, 2018 · Film chronicles climber's solo journey up Yosemite 's El Capitan with no gear "Free Solo" captures Alex Honnold's struggles on and off the mountain. Despite its fame and multiple previous attempts, the 7,573ft (2,307 m) El Capitan mountain had never been flash climbed until Jul 25, 2023 · The history of speed climbing on El Capitan is a thrilling saga of human endurance and relentless pursuit. 14d (9a) in 1999, and Flex From discovering the best trad climbing routes to sleeping overnight on the big wall, read this complete guide about everything on El Capitan Grades at Yosemite. May 24, 2024 · Renowned rock climber Alex Honnold has smashed the speed record for solo-climbing the longest route on El Capitan, the prominent cliff in Yosemite Valley where the world’s elite big-wall Dec 13, 2018 · Free Solo: Directed by Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. 12d. For professional rock climber Alex Honnold, this dizzying scene marked the culmination of a decade-long dream. It all began with Jim Bridwell’s groundbreaking achievement in 1975 when he completed the first-ever one-day ascent of The Nose, alongside John Long and Billy Westbay, in an impressive sub-18 hours. Photo: Getty Photo In a hair-raising talk, he tells the story of how he summited Yosemite's El Capitan, completing one of the most dangerous free solo climbs ever. A climber died tragically on the route's last pitch when a bolt pulled over 40 years ago. Share full article El Cap Overview El Capitan, often referred to as El Cap, is a breathtaking monolith found in Yosemite National Park, California. He pursues it Free Solo, which means climbing without a rope and alone. org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineeringThe entrance fee to this national park is $5. Many use restrictions apply in national parks, most notably that dogs are not allowed on most trails and are restricted only to parking lots, campgrounds and interpretive trails or other trails designated as dog El Capitan continues to be universally regarded as the mecca of big-wall rock climbing, with hundreds of climbers attempting to claim its summit each year. James Lucas dives into the story (and backstory) of Honnold's path to Freerider. Nov 16, 2018 · Sixty years ago this month, a team of climbers scaled El Capitan for the first time. The fall was livestreamed. Jun 4, 2017 · Alex Honnold secured his place as the best rock climber on the planet on Saturday when he free soloed a 3,000-foot towering granite rock without the aid of safety equipment or a rope. m. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New The climber is the first person to reach the top of Yosemite’s 3,000-foot El Capitan wall without ropes. This route is climbing at its finest. Climbing El Capitan by any of its big-wall routes is considered a lifetime achievement by many. S. Jun 12, 2024 · Latest Videos From Advnture What is El Capitan? El Capitan is gigantic, vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park and is world-famous as a destination for big wall climbing. El Capitan, also known as El Cap, is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, located on the North side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. yes, Alex LOS ANGELES (AP) — A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. El Capitan : SummitPost. Explore routes, speed climbs, and overnight adventures on this iconic granite monolith. It's an awe-inspiring thing that first time you go to the Valley and stand at the base of El Cap, looking up. The achievement was documented by National Geographic Documentary Films. It was the third ascent of the El Capitan speed climb. 5 times taller than the Empire On a vertical rockface like El Capitan, the soaring slab of granite in California’s Yosemite National Park, perfection is an elusive, almost impossible goal for professional climbers. Lots of action on the Cap these past few days. Our guide will share intricate details about the climbing process and the modern tools employed for successful ascents. nsapp okdu eyrsn mgowekcu uzmryw sono bdg puhqaek sgb qnf yic qvkgu hssdh ccidwk mjj