Update From The Dawn Wall: Climbers Above Hardest Pitches, Success Still Not Assured

The efforts of rock climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson on the Dawn Wall in Yosemite continue to garner lots of attention within the climbing community, as well as beyond. The two men launched their bid to climb what many consider the toughest route in the world back on December 27, and more than two weeks later, they're still making their way up El Capitan's most daunting face. Over the weekend, the duo made headway, and although they are now past the most difficult pitches, they still have some challenges ahead.

For those that don't know, the Dawn Wall is so named because it faces east and is the first section of El Cap to receive light in the morning. The 3000-foot (900 meter) granite face was first climbed by Warren Harding and Dean Caldwell (no relation to Tommy) back in 1970. But that ascent was made with the use of ropes and protection to get to the top. Even with aid, the duo still struggled to compete the route, even refusing a rescue at one point. What Tommy and Kevin are attempting to do is on a completely different level however, as they are free climbing the wall. That means they're only using ropes and protection to arrest their fall, but are making the ascent completely under their own power, using nothing more than than their physical strength and considerable climbing skills.

Most experts indicate that the 15th and 16th pitches are the two toughest on the entire route, which consists of 30 pitches over all. Last week, Caldwell was able to get past both of those challenges, and seemed poised to scamper up the rest of the route, reaching the top as early as this past weekend. Meanwhile, Kevin struggled for seven days on the 15th pitch, falling 11 times over that period. As the skin on his fingers wore thin, it started to look like he might not be able to get past those daunting sections. Over the weekend however, he managed to finish the 15th pitch at last, and his momentum even carried up the 16th with little trouble as well. His partner watched on with interest, offering encouragement, and cheering the success of his friend.

Now, the two men are reunited on the Dawn Wall, and will continue upwards together. They have passed what most consider the most difficult part of the climb, and are now getting ready to push towards the top. They still have some considerable obstacles to overcome, but considering their talent, nothing that remains on the route should be insurmountable. That said, until they finish the last pitch, success it still not assured.

This is the biggest climb in the world, and many observers have been transfixed by the events that are unfolding in Yosemite. Even non-climbers are watching with anticipation to see if Tommy and Kevin can complete the route. In a few days time, we should know more.

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Video: Push Day on the Dawn Wall

Do you wonder what it is like for Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, the two men who are currently attempting to climb the Dawn Wall in Yosemite? If so, than take a look at this video. It was shot on Day 8 of their climb (they're currently on Day 14), and it gives you a good look at just how massive and difficult this 3000 foot (900 meter) rock face truly is. The Dawn Wall has been called the most difficult rock climb in the world, and these two men have been planning the project for five years, and have attempted it a couple of times in the past. With a  little luck, they'll wrap it up this weekend, successfully reaching the top of El Capitan at long last.

The Push Day 08 from Rock & Ice on Vimeo.

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Video: Tommy Caldwell and the Dawn Wall

If you've been keeping up with what has been going on in the world of big wall climbing this week, you're probably already aware that Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson are attempting to free climb what many have called the hardest route in the world. The two men are now 13 days into the ascent of The Dawn Wall in Yosemite, which is a 3000-foot rock face on El Capitan. This is their third attempt on this project, and they are making better progress than ever before. It is now possible that they could complete the route this coming weekend.

The video below is a bonus clip from the film Valley Uprising, which takes a look at climbing culture in Yosemite. It features Caldwell talking about the importance of the Dawn Wall, and its place in the annals of rock climbing history. It seems a fitting clip to watch as we all wait for Tommy and Kevin to make history. If they are successful, it will be the first complete free climb of the route. Good luck boys!

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Video: Tommy Caldwell Climbs the Four Hardest Routest at The Monastery in a Single Day!

Tommy Caldwell is one of the best climbers working the rock today. He proves that once again in this video, in which he takes on four of the hardest climbs at The Monastery in Colorado in a single day. Each of these routes is incredibly challenging in their own right, but doing all of them in one day only adds to the difficulty. Caldwell uses the experience to help prepare him for his ultimate project – climbing the Dawn Wall on El Capitan, a project he has been working on for five years.

Tommy Caldwell Climbs The Four Hardest Routes at the Monastery, In a Day!!! from BlueWater Ropes on Vimeo.

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