How long to climb el capitan 12d. I don't know how many people have freed that particular route (called "Freerider"), but SuperTopo says it's one of the easier routes on El Cap to free climb [0] (though it's still not any "easy" route by any stretch). Honnold walks us through how Mar 8, 2002 · Warren J. Feb 23, 2023 · El Capitan Hiking FAQs Here are our answers to some of your most pressing questions about hiking El Capitan so you can spend less time researching your adventures and more time living them. Alex Honnold held the solo speed climbing record on The Nose (5. Nov 22, 2021 · How many times did Alex Honnold climb El Capitan? Honnold first climbed the route in 2006, and time after time he returned. Yosemite National Park El Capitan Overview El Capitan is one of the most famous landmarks in Yosemite National Park, located in California. The first free route on El Capitan was the West Face in 1979 by Ray Jardine and Bill Price. Chai Vasarhelyi (" ") and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Nov 22, 2021 · How long did it take to climb El Capitan the first time? The first ascent was in 1958 after 47 days of effort by Wayne Merry, Warren Harding and George Whitmore, with over various partner. How long does it take you to climb El Cap? El Capitan, also known as El Cap, is a 3,000-foot granite edifice that attracts thousands of climbers to Yosemite every year. In Summer 2020 free climber Alex Honnold married Trail Highlights El Capitan El Capitan is a granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. The friends scrawled their names on pieces of paper intended Jun 19, 2023 · El Capitan is one of the world’s most famous mountains, with walls that rise above the valley bottom up to 1,000 metres. 6) to expert (5. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you determine how long it Jan 1, 2023 · The El Capitan hike is one of the best in Yosemite and few people take it on (making it even better). It rises over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley. Not only was the route one of the last remaining lines on El Capitan to received a free ascent, but with two formidable pitches of 9a/5. 14) grades. El Capitan’s iconic granite walls dominate the west end of Yosemite Valley. 'the Captain') is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. Nov 22, 2021 · How long did El Capitan climb take? El Capitan, known as El Cap, is a 3,000-foot-high granite edifice that draws thousands of climbers to Yosemite each year. Jim Bridwell, John Long, and Billy Westbay made the first one-day ascent of the Nose in 1975. Ascents have been made in as less as 2 hours and as long as 200 days, but the average party takes 4-6 days to make their way up, hauling 100 lbs of gear, food, and water for each member. His free-solo took three hours and 56 minutes. 5 miles wide and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Im currently not a climber and out of shape. Understanding the duration of the hike is crucial for planning a successful trip. In 2015, Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson made the first free ascent up the 3,000-foot Dawn Wall in Yosemite National Park. It’s brutal, but the views are worth it! Though El Capitan has dozens of marked climbing paths, each route is exceptionally challenging and should only be attempted by master climbers. So, how long did it take for Alex Honnold to climb El Capitan? On June 3, 2017, Honnold made history by becoming the first person to free solo climb El Capitan in under four hours. Climbers usually climb for four to six days, taking a variety of routes to get to the top. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Nov 22, 2021 · How long did it take Alex Honnold to climb El Capitan free solo? On June 3, 2017, he made the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, completing the 2,900-foot (884m) Freerider route (5. 14, there’s one that allows climbers to ascend 500 metres to the top of the east end at only 5. You can hike it in a day; however, it is more usually done as a backpacking route due to the challenging terrain. While it is possible to hike up El Capitan as a day hike, the trail tends to be a popular backpacking route for campers. Feb 22, 2019 · The immense rock face of Yosemite’s El Capitan has long beguiled rock climbers. Initially Nov 22, 2021 · How long did it take Tommy Caldwell to climb El Capitan? On 6 June 6 2018 American climbers Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell became the first to climb The Nose on El Capitan in Yosemite in under two hours. Nov 17, 2021 · How long did it take to climb El Capitan free solo? On June 3, 2017, he made the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, completing the 2,900-foot (884m) Freerider route (5. Harding, a pioneer rock climber who made the first ascent of Yosemite’s towering El Capitan in 1958, a breakthrough that ushered in “big wall” climbing in America, has died. This gripping portrayal of Honnold’s dedication, fear, and triumph offers viewers a unique glimpse into the mindset of a free soloist and the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite National Park. Preparation is key for climbing 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. 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. He climbed in a mixed free and aid (or “fraid”) style, and his mark soundly beat Serious Question: I set a goal to climb El Capitan in two years. Jun 2, 2021 · How long did it take to climb El Capitan free solo? On June 3, 2017, he made the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, completing the 2,900-foot Freerider route (5. 13b. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. 5 times as tall as the Empire State Building, or more than 3 times as high as the top of the Eiffel Tower. 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. 1988: Todd Skinner and Paul Piana free Salathé Wall 5. Yosemite climber Alex Honnold just smashed a solo speed record on El Capitan How Alex Honnold made ‘the ultimate climb’—without a rope His stunning scramble up the 3,000-foot granite wall known as El Capitan, in less than 4 hours, came after meticulous planning and Nov 22, 2021 · How long did Alex Honnold take to climb El Capitan? It all led to the day he scaled the grand old El Capitan without any safety equipment, without a thread of climbing rope. May 9, 2023 · How Long Does It Take to Climb El Capitan? The duration required to climb El Capitan varies depending on several factors, including the climber’s skill level, route chosen, and weather conditions. Mar 18, 2025 · You may have heard the amazing feat of Alex Honnold, the first ever person to scale El Capitan without gear. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Sunday March 3 at 9/8c Nov 22, 2021 · How long does it take the average climber to climb El Capitan? El Capitan, known as El Cap, is a 3,000-foot-high granite edifice that draws thousands of climbers to Yosemite each year. Many people wonder, how long did Alex Honnold take to climb El Capitan? The answer to that question is a remarkable 3 hours and 56 minutes. Climbers must ensure they have the right gear Nov 22, 2021 · It’s unclear how many people in total have free-climbed El Capitan in under 24 hours, but the American Alpine Club, a climbing organization, estimates that only 15 to 25 climbers have pulled it off. Here's what I wish I knew beforehand. On June 6, 2018, in California’s Yosemite National Park, Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell accomplished the seemingly impossible—climbing the 3,000-foot Nose route of El Capitan in 1 hour 58 How hard is it to climb El Cap? While El Capitan houses some of the most challenging big wall climbs in the world, it offers a wide variety of route difficulty, ranging from beginner (5. The view of El Capitan is a beacon for visitors, a muse for photographers, and climbing El Capitan is one of the world’s ultimate challenges for El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; lit. 13+). Oct 29, 2022 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. James Lucas dives into the story (and backstory) of Honnold's path to Freerider. 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. Hiking up to the summit is a far more approachable task. Dec 13, 2024 · I spent 40 days on Freerider (my first El Capitan route) before freeing it in a 16-hour push. How long did it take Tommy Caldwell to climb El Capitan? Jan 24, 2024 · How Long Does It Take The Average Climber To Climb El Capitan? El Capitan, known as El Cap, is a 3,000-foot-high granite edifice that draws thousands of climbers to Yosemite each year. Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson's heroic 19-day battle for the first free ascent of The Dawn Wall represented a monumental milestone in the climbing history books. 1979: The West Face 5. The only time you would need a permit to hike to the Jun 15, 2006 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. At more than 3,000 feet (900+ m) above the valley floor, it is 2. May 25, 2024 · Explore the ultimate guide to climbing El Capitan with essential tips and insights into El Capitan routes. Then, on May 11a climber from Lake Tahoe named Brant Hysell tagged the Dec 26, 2024 · El Capitan is a breathtaking granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. Those planning to hike up to and descend from the summit should expect a long, strenuous, and rewarding 10 to 15-hour journey. Oct 23, 2019 · How long did Alex Honnold climb El Capitan? Now, Alex Honnold has done the unthinkable; on June 3, he completed the first-ever free solo of El Capitan, climbing the wall via Freerider (VI, 5. A spectacular view from the top rewarded their 20 mile hike to basecamp and climb of the 13,075′ peak. ”. Climbing El Capitan by any of its big-wall routes is considered a lifetime achievement by many. The most popular way is the Yosemite Falls Trail. Nov 22, 2021 · How long did it take Alex Honnold to climb El Capitan free solo? On June 3, 2017, he made the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, completing the 2,900-foot (884m) Freerider route (5. Nov 22, 2021 · El Capitan is certainly stands out for its big wall climbing, and all of Yosemite is a big wall paradise. Jan 24, 2024 · How High Did Alex Honnold Climb? On June 3, 2017, he made the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, completing the 2,900-foot (884m) Freerider route (5. Aug 15, 2019 · Mark Wellman (left) topping out El Capitan with partner Mike Corbett (right). At the 2019 oscars , documenting the climb, by filmmaker E. 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. This El Capitan, known as El Cap, is a 3,000-foot-high granite edifice that draws thousands of climbers to Yosemite each year. 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. Harrington now among them, have done it in less than a day. He completed the ascent in a mind-blowing 3 hours and 56 minutes, defying gravity and pushing the limits of what is humanly possible in the world of climbing. 1 day ago · Also, to get to the edge of El Capitan it is a decent of +/- 650 ft and the climb back up to the peak after a lunch was something to rethink. 10b. 12d VI) in 3 hours and 56 minutes. 3 days ago · This significant ascent, the first continuous ascent of El Capitan, proved that an enormous wall could be climbed without siege tactics, and it paved the way for the bold big wall ascents of the 60s. Jul 21, 2014 · One climb that will appear on the list of just about any climber with blood flowing through their veins is The Nose on El Cap, which perhaps - when all things are considered, such as location, quality, steepness and difficulty - is the greatest rock route on the planet. But his execution of the “Freerider” route on the El Capital in Yosemite Valley without any ropes or bracing also helped “No Big Deal” Honnold achieve overnight fame outside the free climbing and mountain climbing community in the summer of 2017. On Wednesday, climbers Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell managed a feat in under two hours that most climbers take Nov 22, 2021 · How long did free solo climb take? On June 3, 2017, he made the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, completing the 2,900-foot (884m) Freerider route (5. In this article I outline a path to completing a big wall on El Capitan 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. Nov 22, 2021 · How hard is it to climb El Capitan? El Capitan is certainly stands out for its big wall climbing, and all of Yosemite is a big wall paradise. Nov 22, 2021 · How long did it take Alex Honnold to free climb El Capitan? It all led to the day he scaled the grand old El Capitan without any safety equipment, without a thread of climbing rope. The Nose (El Capitan) Billy Westbay, Jim Bridwell, and John Long after the first one-day ascent of the Nose in 1975 The Nose is a big wall climbing route up El Capitan. For more fascinating facts about El Capitan in Yosemite, join us for a day hike tour or a guided backpacking adventure! Ask a Climber rangers and interns share information about climbing techniques, geology, natural history and other topics, answer visitor questions, and provide real-time commentary as climbers work their way up El Capitan. The length of this hike is just shy of 19 total miles. 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. Aug 1, 2023 · El Capitan, a prominent rock formation located in Yosemite National Park, California, is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. That climb up El Capitan didn’t only bring innovation in gear, but author John Long says it also brought a new way of thinking about big-wall climbing. The East Buttress is considered the easiest free route up El Capitan, although it climbs one of the shorter walls, it still Jul 1, 2022 · Selected El Cap Free Climbing History 1975: Jim Bridwell, John Long, Kevin Worrall, Mike Graham, John Bachar and Ron Kauk free the first 10 pitches of the Salathé Wall and name their “route” Freeblast 5. But El Capitan was something unreachable. Nov 22, 2021 · How long does it take to climb El Capitan? El Capitan, known as El Cap, is a 3,000-foot-high granite edifice that draws thousands of climbers to Yosemite each year. Aug 26, 2022 · Free solo climber Alex Honnold has long since been a major player in the climbing scene. Nov 17, 2021 · Can you hike to top of El Capitan? The El Capitan Trail is a 15 mile hike in Yosemite National Park that drops you off at the top of El Capitan, offering stunning views of Taft Point, Dewey Point, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and North Dome. Nov 22, 2021 · It’s unclear how many people in total have free-climbed El Capitan in under 24 hours, but the American Alpine Club, a climbing organization, estimates that only 15 to 25 climbers have pulled it off. Let’s navigate the world’s most daring free solo climber, where gravity is a challenge and fear is just another cliff to conquer. You certainly wouldn’t want to climb it without ropes – unless you were May 2, 2016 · What questions do you have about climbing El Capitan? As big wall adventurers take advantage of long spring days to scale Yosemite's famous 3,000-foot granite cliff, we're sharing some of the top questions from the park's Ask a Climber program, which kicks off its 2016 season this month. Once considered impossible to climb, [1] El Capitan is now the standard for big wall climbing. 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. Oh, and feel free to share photos! So, how long does it take to hike El Capitan in Yosemite National Park? The hiking route to the summit of El Capitan is around 19 miles long and takes ten to fifteen hours to hike. Charles, Andy and Max underneath The Nose on Yosemite's giant El Capitan Expert climbers Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold have claimed some of the most astounding records on Yosemite National Park’s biggest walls. How long does it take to train to climb El Cap? A typical 5 day El Cap route can take a total of 10 days. How long did it take the first climbers to climb El Capitan? The first ascent was in 1958 after 47 days of effort by Wayne Merry, Warren Harding and George Whitmore, with over various partner. Nov 22, 2021 · Has anyone free solo climbed El Capitan? Only three people — all men — have made the free climb on that route in a day. To free climb El Cap’s big-wall routes is a proud feat, undertaking difficulties of at least 5. And last year, Honnold became the first to do a free solo ascent of El Capitan. Get all you need to know for an epic ascent. Climbers typically take around four to six days to reach the top, using a variety of routes. Known for its grand vertical rock face, it is a magnet for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Climbers typically take around four Mar 22, 2024 · Honnold's free solo of El Cap didn't occur in a bubble. 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. Alex Honnold’s preparation for a climb without ropes In 2014, Alex free solo climbed El Sendero Luminoso (7b+, 500 m) in Mexico, in 2 hours, Heaven (7c), and Cosmic Debris (8a) in Yosemite (presented here are the climbing grades, which give an idea of the severity). This monumental achievement took incredible skill, mental fortitude, and physical strength. Alex Honnold, the renowned rock climber, made headlines around the world when he successfully free solo climbed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Oct 12, 2023 · The fastest man on The Nose of El Capitan just lost his title. Nov 22, 2021 · How long did it take to climb El Capitan the first time? The first ascent was in 1958 after 47 days of effort by Wayne Merry, Warren Harding and George Whitmore, with over various partner. Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin produced this National Geographic documentary. While El Capitan houses some of the most challenging big wall climbs in the world, it offers a wide variety of route difficulty, ranging from beginner (5. Here's your guide to hiking the El Capitan Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas, a 9-mile trek that hugs the base of the iconic peak. While there are dozens of hard climbs up to 5. Popular for its climbing routes, it draws experienced climbers and tourists alike. How much did Alex Honnold make from free solo? Nov 22, 2021 · How long does it take to walk up El Capitan? Those planning to hike up to and descend from the summit should expect a long, strenuous, and rewarding 10 to 15-hour journey. Learn about fastest ascents and essential factors. Mar 5, 2019 · Free Solo - Freerider - El Capitanlast updated 5 Mar 2019 On June 3, 2017 Alex Honnold free solos (climbs without ropes for protection) , a 3,200 foot granite face in Yosemite. Nov 22, 2021 · How long did it take Tommy Caldwell to climb El Capitan? On 6 June 6 2018 American climbers Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell became the first to climb The Nose on El Capitan in Yosemite in under two hours. This is our comprehensive guide to hiking up El Cap: how hard it is, what to expect, how to plan it and everything you need to know to stand at the top of this icon. 9 C2) until a man from Bloomington, Indiana snatched it from him on Tuesday. Apr 10, 2022 · The 2018 documentary, Free Solo, follows Alex Honnold as he attempts to successfully solo climb El Capitan in Yosemite in 2017. Jun 17, 2025 · Discover average climb times, weather impacts, and training needed for El Capitan. The feat, described as “one of the great athletic feats of any kind, ever”, was documented by climber and photographer Jimmy How many years of big wall training would it take to free climb? If someone strictly trained bouldering could they hypothetically complete the climb in a few weeks sleeping on the wall? What bouldering grade would be equivalent to the hardest pitch and the average pitch? I’m just trying to get a sense of how hard the climb was in terms I understand. Nov 22, 2021 · How long does it take the average climber to climb El Capitan? El Capitan, known as El Cap, is a 3,000-foot-high granite edifice that draws thousands of climbers to Yosemite each year. Alex Honnold climbed the entire 2,900 ft (884 m) granite monolith in 3 hours and 56 minutes without ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment. According to National Geographic, “He ascended the peak in 3 hours, 56 minutes, taking the final moderate pitch at a near run. 5 days ago · From the summit of most routes, hike east, staying 100 feet from the edge of El Capitan until you reach a long and distinct 30-40-foot-wide drainage just below the Zodiac finish. With its awe-inspiring vertical granite walls, El Capitan offers a thrilling and challenging hiking experience. The views from the edge of El Capitan were average, perhaps even a little disappointing (relative to Yosemite standards) - we did a side trip to Yosemite Falls this trip but did not do Eagle Point which Feb 15, 2024 · More recently, in October 2019, the two completed another big wall free climb on Yosemite’s El Capitan, called Passage to Freedom (5. 14d climbing, it is also considered the hardest big wall ascent in the world. Just how crazy is this? Apr 23, 2024 · If you have dreams of climbing the Big Stone, read this. Do you need a permit to hike El Capitan? Unlike some other popular hikes in Yosemite, such as Half Dome, you do not need a permit to hike El Capitan. 11c is freed by Ray Jardine and Bill Price. 11c. Jun 7, 2018 · The El Capitan monolith in California's Yosemite National Park, seen in June 2015. Watch Alex Honnold’s journey toward his rope-free climb of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan in Free Solo, the Oscar-winning film by E. Only a few elite climbers, Ms. He went up Freerider, a 5. Down below, tourists, friends, and loved ones park along Northside Drive and picnic in El Capitan Meadow while watching the climbers' progress through binoculars. Gain valuable insights into route selection, gear essentials, safety measures, and insider tips from seasoned climbers. Dec 17, 2024 · Most ascents of El Capitan entail roughly 30 pitches of climbing, usually completed over several days, much of it aided. The hike is difficult but rewarding, offering views that can hardly be matched anywhere else. Jul 17, 2024 · A 41-year-old mountaineer and cancer survivor shares his tips for climbing Yosemite's most iconic big wall route, The Nose on 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. Photographer Tom Evans reported 28-year-old Nick Ehman dispatched the 900m route in 4 hours, 39 minutes. 1 hour, 58 minutes and 7 seconds to be exact, an impressive and terrifying time, which finally broke the symbolic 2-hour barrier. The first 'free solo' climb of El Capitan was achieved by Alex Honnold (USA) in Yosemite National Park, California, USA, on 3 June 2017. . 12d route, with a few variations in 3 hours, 56 minutes. Nov 22, 2021 · How long is El Capitan free solo? On June 3, 2017, he made the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, completing the 2,900-foot (884m) Freerider route (5. 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. May 19, 2025 · Ready to take on one of Yosemite’s toughest trails? Hiking El Capitan gets you to the top - no ropes needed. This time, she ascended with the assistance of her boyfriend Adrian Ballinger, a renowned Mount Everest guide, and Alex Honnold, famous for his unprecedented free solo climb of El Capitan. 4 days ago · The critically acclaimed documentary Free Solo, following Alex Honnold’s ropeless ascent of El Capitan, has a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes (100 minutes). 13a). Attracting intrepid adventurers from all over the globe, El Capitan is a popular free solo, rock climbing, hiking, base jumping, and destination. This iconic landmark is about 1. Nov 22, 2021 · How long does it take to climb El Capitan solo? El Capitan, known as El Cap, is a 3,000-foot-high granite edifice that draws thousands of climbers to Yosemite each year. He’s climbed the freerider route on the El Capitan at least 15 times in recent years (always secured). The granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous location for big wall climbing, including the disciplines of aid climbing, free climbing, and more recently for Alright, r/climbing, who here has climbed El Capitan? What was your experience like? Preparation? Are there sport routes all the way up? How difficult was it, and what was the hardest part of the climb? I've never done any big wall multi-pitch stuff, but am interested as a long-term goal. Nov 22, 2021 · How many times has Alex climbed El Capitan? Honnold first climbed the route in 2006, and time after time he returned. Who was the first person to climb El Capitan for free? Alex Nov 16, 2018 · Real glasses, not plastic," Whitmore says. Perhaps the most famous feature in the park, El Capitan looms 914 m over Yosemite Valley. ecdkhw ratfobty oxcpp nffrp xdgni erapvxb ozeulm auj bbcccjx ugqa ieaq ebb cvxyjd imywv yyzwim