El capitan routes by difficulty. Jorg Verhoeven leads Pitch 6 (5.

El capitan routes by difficulty. It requires a command of many different climbing styles and a level of efficiency and fitness to push it all day long. What is the hardest route ever climbed? Nov 13, 2021 · Hiking El Capitan, the largest single granite rock on earth, was one of the biggest highlights of our trip to Yosemite National Park. 14a). That route, Silence, is only 45 meters (just under 150 feet) long, but the most technically difficult route in the world. May 19, 2025 · Ready to take on one of Yosemite’s toughest trails? Hiking El Capitan gets you to the top - no ropes needed. But the Nose also is a complex climb, requiring a large repertoire of techniques that may be unfamiliar to newcomers. 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. 1 day ago · The route has little mandatory free climbing, but it is more enjoyable and goes faster if you can free 5. No matter what route you are climbing, you need basic free climbing and aid climbing skills before even setting foot in the Valley. 15d). Climbing the Nose route on El Capitan in a single day is one of the great prizes in Yosemite climbing. Seeing how small the holds are and precarious the moves like the karate kick and thumb switch in the boulder problem are, I figure these no way that all of these moves are 100%. It looks therefore that the average level of the routes on HD is higher than that on El Cap. As one of the more popular routes in the Valley Mar 22, 2024 · Honnold's free solo of El Cap didn't occur in a bubble. 13 free climbing on the insanely steep Salathe Headwall. 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. g. Though not as high or as long as what Alex Honnold free soloed on El Capitan in 2017, “Panem et Circenses” has a higher level of technical difficulty, consisting of very shallow finger holes and small grips on a smooth, overhanging crag. “It’s over 3,000 feet of sheer granite; looking at it, it doesn’t seem right Yosemite Big Walls covers the 64 best big wall routes on El Capitan, Half Dome, and Washington Column most of which were personally climbed and documented by authors Chris McNamara and Chris Van Leuven. Feb 26, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Dec 10, 2022 · Alex Honnold is one of the most accomplished climbers ever. 14a or 5. May 21, 2023 · Is there anything within that grade on El Capitan? if not, anything just as cool on a big wall in yosemite? In a word, no. The Nose is the most popular route on El Cap, so prepare to wait in line for two days at the base. El Capitan from Yosemite Valley is considered a hard route with an elevation gain of 4,839 ft, taking approximately 9–10 hr to complete. 12d route, with a few variations in 3 hours, 56 minutes. (You can't proudly say you have free climbed El Cap if you do the West Face or East Buttress because these routes are so far to the sides on much smaller sections of the wall). The Huber brothers, who first freed it in 2015, evaluated the difficulty of the free ascent 5. Most parties spend the first day hiking loads to the base and fixing to Sickle Ledge. 7) on Half Dome is maybe more like VS but maybe more attainable? I'm sure someone who knows the Valley better might know of some easier things, but possibly nothing as Sep 10, 2023 · “The Nose” and “The Dawn Wall” are two of the most famous climbing routes on El Capitan, each known for its extreme difficulty and allure to experienced climbers. Aug 30, 2019 · The off width pitch would mean that a bouldering grade is just not applicable. Moderate free climbing and C2 aid) Tangerine Trip/Virginia (Nothing at all difficult on either of these two routes, pretty much plug and go. [2] 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. Which route is easiest El Capitan? At 5. El Capitan is primarily a climbing destination, requiring technical skills and experience. There are many El Capitan base routes to hone your aid skills and get you familiar with Yosemite granite. This massive granite monolith stands about 3,000 feet tall and is revered by climbers and hikers alike. No you cannot climb this in any case as you as a boulder you do not know how to belay a leader, rappel, route find Nov 22, 2021 · How many have free climbed El Capitan? 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. 15c), and Silence 9c (5. This pack of SuperTopos will prepare you for climbing El Capitan's The Nose or any big wall. Spending multiple days on a rock wall requires quite a bit of gear (see below), but some fit and experienced teams Nov 22, 2021 · El Capitan is certainly stands out for its big wall climbing, and all of Yosemite is a big wall paradise. 9 C2 - Yosemite Valley, California USA. That's pretty aggressive coming from no climbing background. The climbing grade of El Capitan can vary depending on the route chosen and the climber’s skill level. He went up Freerider, a 5. Apr 1, 2025 · The granite walls of Yosemite National Park have drawn climbers for generations, from the earliest ascents of Half Dome to the modern-day sub two hour ascents of El Capitan’s Nose. This route is climbing at its finest. I would advise against climbing the Monster during the hottest part of the day). James Lucas dives into the story (and backstory) of Honnold's path to Freerider. 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. The easiest route on El Cap is about E1. Below are five first free-solo ascents by Honnold that will go down in the history books. Would you follow in their footsteps in attempting these fearsome climbs? May 2, 2016 · Top Nine “Ask a Climber” Questions 9. Almost 1000m high and with two pitches graded 5. Preparation is key for climbing El Capitan. Popular routes for hiking El Capitan: The East Buttress, The Nose, and The West Face are well-known routes for hiking El Capitan, each with its own challenges and estimated duration. There are two common variations that make up the crux of the route, The Boulder Problem at around 7c+ sport or 7B/+ boulder or The Teflon Corner at around 7c sport. Download the PDF El Capitan topo map. Here's what I wish I knew beforehand. It rises over 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley. 14d climbing, it is also considered the hardest big wall ascent in the world. Dec 13, 2024 · I spent 40 days on Freerider (my first El Capitan route) before freeing it in a 16-hour push. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The first 10 pitches of this route are often independently completed as a separate route and is known as Freeblast 5. It is recognized in the historic climbing text Fifty Classic Climbs of North America and considered a classic around the world. The Free Originally climbed as an easier variation of Salathé Wall, avoiding the hard crack pitches on the headwall, Freerider is now one of the most popular free routes on El Capitan. Aug 14, 2023 · The routes here are the ultimate ascents you can attempt on Earth, as chosen by the world's best climbers. At "intermediate", we find 25 El Cap routes, but only 3 HD routes. For many, climbing in Yosemite represents the pinnacle of rock climbing, offering world-class routes that range from beginner-friendly slabs to the most difficult big-wall test pieces in existence. Apr 14, 2025 · The difficulty levels of El Capitan and Half Dome are quite different. The Freerider variation was pioneered by Alex Huber and then established free in-a Apr 14, 2025 · El Cap climbs by difficulty - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. A reasonable comparison would be Roger Bannister breaking the 4 minute mile, or Tommy Caldwell and Keven Jorgeson's Jul 10, 2025 · Longer, more sustained, and much less crowded than The Shield, Magic Mushroom has what it takes to be a mega classic: fun climbing, deluxe bivy ledges, and the most direct route through The Shield Headwall. Months of work, all on a single gigapixel image. Nov 22, 2021 · What grade is the easiest route on El Capitan? At 5. Feb 22, 2019 · A wall of near vertical stone that dominates Yosemite National Park, it has long bewitched the climbing community. Rob Miller and Roby Rudolf spent 14 days on the wall to complete the 39-pitch 5. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. 11. Popular for its climbing routes, it draws experienced climbers and tourists alike. Oct 8, 2024 · Curious about hiking El Capitan? Discover the answers and explore other epic hiking adventures in this comprehensive guide. Dawn Wall, El Capitan, Yosemite, U. 14) grades. — The tip of El Capitan, 3,000 feet above its base, glowed in late-day sunlight while a full moon rose at the other end of the Yosemite Valley on Saturday. Sep 23, 2008 · The Free Rider is the Astroman of the new millennium. May 13, 2022 · El Capitan, or El Cap for short, is one of the most iconic and stunning features of Yosemite National Park, located in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. “El Cap is unfathomably huge,” Caldwell says. 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). It’s brutal, but the views are worth it! Jun 15, 2006 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Apr 1, 2023 · On El Capitan, big wall routes can involve both free climbing and aid climbing, though free climbing some routes, like The Nose, greatly increases their difficulty. 15d. Freerider: On June 3, 2017, Honnold became the first climber to free solo El Capitan in Yosemite. The route follows complex crack systems up the southwest face of El Capitan. This 16 mile route took us past Yosemite Falls and through some beautiful forested Yosemite backcountry. Get all you need to know for an epic ascent. The East Buttress of El Cap is a classic adventure up the right hand shoulder of El Cap. 48 votes, 52 comments. The style of climbing and the pitch grading on Freerider Not already a member? Sign up for free and join our growing global community of rock climbers. Mar 14, 2016 · Climbing El Capitan via any route is a logistical challenge that requires careful planning and many choices have to be made in developing a strategy, such as what equipment to take, how far to climb each day and timing climbing for optimal conditions (e. The El Capitan Trail is often overlooked as a one-day hike due to its length and difficulty, but offers jaw dropping views over Yosemite Valley and Half Dome. Often referred to as the "best rock climb in the world" it is obvious why this route is one of the most sought after big walls in the valley and the Not already a member? Sign up for free and join our growing global community of rock climbers. It does not Jan 16, 2015 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 4 days ago · The Muir Wall is one of El Cap's greatest natural lines, second only to the Salathé. Want to learn how to climb big walls yourself? Tackle the most legendary landmark in Yosemite National Park along the El Capitan Trail. Aug 1, 2023 · Hiking El Capitan requires considering various factors: The duration of the hike can be affected by trail difficulty, fitness level, weather conditions, and the choice between backpacking or a day hike. Many pitches I drew every route, every feature, every named pitch on El Cap. Today, National Geographic broke the story that Alex Honnold, the best free soloist in the world, climbed El Capitan via Freerider (5. May 30, 2022 · Freerider El Capitan is a 3,000-foot granite monolith in Yosemite National Park, making it one of the most iconic climbing destinations in the world. Nov 22, 2021 · What route did Alex Honnold climb on El Cap? On June 3, Alex Honnold made history by free-soloing up Yosemite’s El Capitan, taking the Freerider route along the southwest face, following a system of cracks to the summit more than a half-mile above the valley floor. Of note, the route also serves as a convenient introduction to the East Slabs descent route which is very nearby upon topping out. Snake Dike (5. It is the first free solo ascent of El Cap, and arguably one of the crowning achievements of climbing up to this point. Once considered impossible to climb, [1] El Capitan is now the standard for big wall climbing. Through a wide selection of climbs, Chris McNamara takes you on a step-by-step guide from your first aid climb to the summit of El Capitan. El Capitan is undoubtedly one of the most iconic rock formations in the United States. At the 2019 oscars , documenting the climb, by filmmaker E. 12d called Freerider that was established in the 1990s by the Huber brothers. This hike primary trail can be used both directions and has a hard overall physical rating. Similarly, is El Capitan the hardest climb in the world? So far the hardest climb in the world is 5. Jun 19, 2023 · The East Buttress is considered the easiest free route up El Capitan, although it climbs one of the shorter walls, it still gives you an amazing opportunity to experience the face and to descend the legendary East Ledges. 9 miles from Fish Camp, California (CA) in Yosemite National Park. Standing at a height of 3,593 feet (1,095 meters), El Cap is one of the tallest monoliths in the world and a true wonder of nature. El Capitan is a 9 km blue singletrack alpine trail located near Yosemite California. Essentially it is the Salathe wall with a few variations used (pioneered by Alex Huber) to avoid the numerous 5. This multi-day climb involves ascending approximately 2,900 feet of vertical granite. SuperTopo offers the world's best big wall climbing, rock climbing, and mountaineering route information for Yosemite National Park and other destinations in both online downloadable format and in printed books Jul 29, 2023 · The routes on El Capitan provide a physical challenge and an unforgettable experience anchored in climbing history. An Möglichkeiten soll es mal wieder nicht scheitern. : r/climbing Go to climbing r/climbing r/climbing 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. Dec 26, 2024 · El Capitan is a breathtaking granite monolith in Yosemite National Park. In Pro Climber Robbie Phillips answers popular adventure climbing questions about El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Located on the north side of Yosemite Valley, the summit offers spectacular views of the Valley, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Falls. You don't get the feeling you're actually on El Cap, though you are afforded with great views of the tremendous southeast face. Nov 23, 2022 · El Capitan is known worldwide for hosting the Dawn Wall, which is considered the hardest climb in the world. This poster’s left side includes first ascent information and a historic Tom Frost photograph of El Capitan. May 25, 2024 · Explore the ultimate guide to climbing El Capitan with essential tips and insights into El Capitan routes. 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. 14a) for the first time while working his way up El Capitan’s Dihedral Wall (VI 5. 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. More difficult climbs, such as the Sea of Dreams and the Pacific Ocean Wall, demand extra time. Nov 22, 2021 · How experienced do you have to be to climb El Capitan? 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. Jul 11, 2025 · SuperTopo rock climbing route info on: El Capitan - West Face - Yosemite Valley, California USA. Apr 12, 2018 · El Capitan Yosemite has a lot of what you’ll need to prepare for your first climb up El Capitan, including short practice aid and free routes. Below are five quick tips to keep in mind if you’re thinking about heading to Yosemite this year to try your first route up El Capitan For most climbers, The Nose of El Capitan is such an outrageous challenge that climbing it is the crowning achievement of a climbing career. Jan 4, 2015 · YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. 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. The route features 32 pitches, and it is extremely smooth, which means there are no reliable places to even place one’s foot. Note: for modern ratings refer to the modern version of El Capitan’s right side, The Southeast Select. In 2007, Honnold climbed Freerider in one FREERIDER (12d/13a, 32 pitches) You've seen it in “Free Solo,” Honnold climbed it before breakfast, how hard can it be? Freerider on El Capitan follows much of the classic route The Salathe, but with a four-pitch variation that avoids the sustained 5. It is one of the most challenging big-wall climbs in the world, with an abundance of routes of varying difficulty. Gain valuable insights into route selection, gear essentials, safety measures, and insider tips from seasoned climbers. If that's the real goal, then I'd set aside freeing El Cap for now, and set an interim milestone to be able to safely lead a multipitch 5. Dec 10, 2019 · El Capitan - East Buttress mit Hindernissen Auch die leichteste Route am legendären El Cap kann zu einem großem Abenteuer werden ;) Zum Abschluss im Valley wollen wir noch ne größere Tour klettern. This iconic landmark is about 1. 4 miles (31. The Nose of El Capitan is perhaps the most decorated and sought-after rock climb in the world. A. This route is substantially more involved than the Nose or Salathé but technically easier than the Shield or Zodiac. Before you go, you’ll want a good resume of basic aid climbing skills and the ability to climb up to 5. Called simply El Cap or The Captain, this immense The Nose, El Capitan, Yosemite, U. Some of the popular climbing routes include The Nose, Salathé Wall, and the Dihedral Wall. , Possibly the most famous climb in the world, The Nose is the route. This guide will give you an in-depth look at the height of El Capitan, as well as its geological history The thought of climbing El Capitan conjures fear, doubt and excitement. The difficulty of a multipitch free climb should not be assessed in just the difficulty of the climbing but also in the difficulty to place protection, the length and the level of sustained difficulty. But how hard is it to climb Freerider El Capitan? In this article, we'll look at the challenge of climbing Freerider El Capitan, the difficulty of the . Jorg Verhoeven leads Pitch 6 (5. Chai Vasarhelyi (" ") and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Climbing El Capitan presents various routes with varying levels of difficulty, which attracts climbers of all skill levels. Climbers must ensure they have the right gear 4 days ago · Free Rider is currently the easiest and most popular way to say proudly "I have free climbed El Capitan". The El Capitan Trail is located 17. Aug 31, 2022 · El Capitan is an iconic rock formation in Yosemite National Park, California, and a popular destination for rock climbers. Oct 29, 2022 · Triple Direct (Longish but again, nothing difficult about it. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles. What was your experience like? Preparation? Are there sport routes all the way up? How difficult was it, and what was the… Oct 24, 2017 · At "intermediate", we find 25 El Cap routes, but only 3 HD routes. Feb 21, 2008 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. A little harder than The Shield, it is about the same difficulty as Mescalito. It is a classic multi-pitch route, and many climbers dream of one day standing on the summit. 9 C2, the Nose is considered to be the easiest full-length route on El Capitan, which makes it extremely popular and draws relatively inexperienced big-wall climbers. Hanshelleren Cave, in Flatanger, has some of the world’s hardest climbing routes including Change 9b+ (5. The route is a good step up in difficulty from the East Buttress of Middle Cathedral. Discover the highlights. 13 crux pitches first freed by Paul Piana and Todd Skinner in the mid 80's. ) Zodiac (this route more difficult that TT and Virginia simply because it gets done so, so much. 7 trad route (no falls, safe anchor, no epics, no injuries) in a classic outdoor area in 12 months. It marked the era of big wall climbing in Yosemite and is a true work of art; audacity and tenacity enabled the first ascentionists over a period of 47 days to invent and believe in this completely direct line up El Capitan. Get route beta and reviews from other climbers regarding: El Capitan - The Nose 5. 10. Compare elevation, range, calories and other trail metrics. The Nose is a big wall climbing route up El Capitan. Scenic Beauty: Beyond its geological and recreational significance, El Capitan’s majestic presence enhances the scenic beauty of Yosemite National Park. The Route For reasons not hard to comprehend, El Capitan – an incomprehensibly massive granite cliff in Yosemite Valley – is threaded with hundreds of world class routes. Its sheer vertical face is a testament to nature’s beauty and power, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the park El Capitan - Take a 360 virtual tour from the base of massive El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, and see the rock climbing routes for which this granite monolith is famous. Oct 3, 2018 · Alex Honnold climbs El Capitan without a rope or safety equipment, becoming the first person to free solo the route. 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. 12d), without ropes. Yosemite El Capitan Overview Yosemite’s El Capitan is one of the most iconic rock formations in Yosemite National Park, located in California, USA. Realistically, what kind of chance was Alex taking free soloing el cap? Feb 27, 2007 · El Capitan is home to numerous classic routes but "The Nose" is the mega classic of them all. , On 14 January 2015, after 19 days on the wall and years of efforts, American climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson completed the historic first free ascent of Dawn Wall on El Capitan, Yosemite, USA. Jan 30, 2024 · The Shield The Shield is an iconic rock climbing route on the magnificent El Capitan in Yosemite Valley. Nov 18, 2016 · It is considered one of the hardest free routes on El Cap because of the sustained difficulty. He climbed the 30-pitch 5. Professional climber Tommy Caldwell completed the first free ascents of a number of different routes up El Capitan and knows it better than most. The East Buttress of El Capitan has the potential to spawn all these emotions with far less commitment than a Grade VI nail-up. The ratings reflect the routes original difficulty in order to document the overall progression of route development. 7 A3, 15 pitches. In our Road to The Nose guidebook, big wall master Chris McNamara takes you through a graduated series of 14 climbs of increasing difficulty to help you build skills, speed, endurance and comfort with big Dec 21, 2022 · 1 - El Capitan Difficulty: Brutal Distance: 19. It boasts large clean corners from the ground to summit with moderate yet sustained climbing. Oct 30, 2017 · The Direct Line is the newest route up El Capitan in Yosemite and it was climbed all free. It ascends the most prominent line of the most esteemed wall in the most iconic climbing destination in existence. 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. 2 km) Elevation: 5,219 feet (1,519 metres) Time needed: 9-12 hours Location: Yosemite Valley Trailhead: Camp 4 Why we love this hike: It’s long and challenging but achievable for most hikers and you get to the top of the most famous spot in Yosemite! You weren’t expecting that one El Cap is probably the most recognized chunk of rock in the world to rock climbers. This epic adventure offers breathtaking views of the Yosemite Valley. Charles, Andy and Max underneath The Nose on Yosemite's giant El Capitan In Free Solo, Honnold mentions at one point how maybe his free solo of el cap is one of those risky climbs that you squeak out once in your life. 14d (9a), this is probably the hardest big wall in the world. 6) to expert (5. Factors Jan 1, 2023 · The El Capitan hike is one of the best in Yosemite and few people take it on (making it even better). 13+. 5 miles wide and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The 15-m route was climbed without ropes by 52-year-old Alfredo Webber (Italy) in March 2021. Usually, free climbing attempts on El Capitan tend to follow old climbing routes. It is renowned for its sustained difficulty and commitment, making it a coveted challenge for experienced climbers. Take for example the famous route Zodiac, on El Capitan: 5. S. Towering nearly 3000' this route offers 31 pitches of superb climbing right up the middle of the wall. Dec 23, 2023 · The time it takes to complete a route on El Capitan can vary significantly depending on factors such as route difficulty, experience level, and proper planning. Freerider sits off to the left side of The Nose, El Cap’s premier buttress, and tops out at 3,300 feet/30 pitches above the valley floor. ytnb yzca zixa wxnx juiq vtvo smev ikzapy nqvihb nda