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Two Men Are Making History By Free-Climbing 3000ft Up The Hardest Route In The World

For the first time ever, two men, 30-year-old Kevin Jorgeson and 36-year-old Tommy Caldwell, will ascend one of the world’s largest and most difficult cliff-climbing routes in the world using only their hands and feet.

They are climbing El Capitan, a 3,000-foot-tall granite monolith in Yosemite National Park in California. This monolith has been climbed many times before, but they are ascending the Dawn Wall route, a sheer face of rock considered by many to be the longest and hardest free climb in the world.

Jorgeson and Caldwell are climbing with ropes, but these are used to protect them from falls, not as climbing aids. The razor-sharp holds on the rock wall tend to cut their fingers, so they spend occasional rest days in their tents, suspending them hundreds of feet up as they let their fingers heal.

More info: Facebook (Tommy) | Facebook (Kevin) | elcapreport.com (h/t: NYT, dailymail)

Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell are climbing a sheer 3,000-foot wall of granite on El Capitan in Yosemite

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-20

They are already almost half-way up, and they are sharing their journey with the world through Twitter and Facebook

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-8

It is considered by many to be the hardest climb in the world

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-16

In some places, they have nothing more than their finger-tips to hold them

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-28

They’ve had to tape and glue their fingers to help them heal from the wall’s razor-thin hand holds

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-6

They will be the first people ever to ascend this legendary route by free-climbing

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-7

They prefer climbing at dusk, when it’s too cold for their palms to sweat

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-19

The ropes these climbers use only serve as safety equipment – they do not help them climb

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-12

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-3

A supporting team has dropped them provisions and they use solar power for their devices

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-21

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-18

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-4

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-1

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-27

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-13

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-29

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-9

They’ve been climbing for 10 days and think they have about a week left. Be sure to follow their historic ascent on Facebook or Twitter!

el-capitan-free-climb-ascent-kevin-jorgeson-tommy-caldwell-11

Photos by Big UP Productions and Tom Evens

538Kviews

There is a beast with heart of cold stone that dashes like lightning, shreds flesh from bone. // Bewitched by this beast, I fell to my knees. My mouth babbled madness and mumbled soft pleas. // I stared down the ravenous, gnashing dark maw of a cute cuddly kitten with yarn in its paw

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What do you think ?

POST

TotoGameboy 9 years ago

Where do they poo?

28points

SandraAnderson 9 years ago

You're killin' me with this question :D in midair, I guess :D http://bit.ly/1w2Rywk

4points

Load More Replies...

LindaVolpi 9 years ago

Hopefully, they brought "Poo~Pourri" with them!

2points

MikeZysman 9 years ago

Usually in a poop tube -- A capped PVC pipe about 4" diameter.

1point

TonyElwood 9 years ago

Hahaha... Lookout Belowwwww!!! Sign: "Caution Bears, and Falling Poop" Hahaha

0points

AlexRT 9 years ago

they just poo wherever, whenever they want.. and let it(the poops) free fall... sorry to the slow climbers.. its part of the excitement !

0points

MaKaylaSpring 9 years ago

Several different options http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbingtrash.htm

0points

9 years ago

They just pop a squat over the side.

0points

Derp 9 years ago

Down a rocky chute.

0points

HilaryLardin 9 years ago

See the white bucket in the photos, I'm guessing there

0points

EyalNevo 9 years ago

what do I think? I think they're batshit crazy

8points

JoeWoods 9 years ago

i want that sandwich

6points

RJazz909 9 years ago

OMG NO...PLZ GOD NO!! Those heights are too much for me!!! I'd rather swim with sharks, bleeding than do that!!!!!!!!!!!

4points

AndyPorter 9 years ago

Impressive, but Alex Hunnold climbed it in 3hrs with no rope at all!! check him out on you tube.

3points

BethenyHawkins 9 years ago

Technically Alex Hunnold climbed the Regular North face of the Dome while it says these guys are climbing El Capitan. Both impressive feats!

4points

Load More Replies...

RebeccaGianpicolo 9 years ago

May the Odds be in your favor congrats guys for making it this far can't wait to you make it to the top you guys are an inspiration!!!!

3points

SoniaJacques 9 years ago

I am not sure whether to be amazed or horrified or both. Well you are half way up now guys so I am rooting for you!

2points

BrunoGagnon 9 years ago

It's not dangerous ! It requires commitement but not liffe-worth risks !

0points

Load More Replies...

PeatStephenson 9 years ago

how do they poop???

2points

ghhhJeje 9 years ago

brown stuff comes out of their bum holes

3points

Load More Replies...

PennyPenelopizePalmer 9 years ago

BRILLIANT. What a splendid adventure. Best of good fortune to you guys.

1point

DS 8 years ago

It looks beautiful but also very scary, I'm talking about the tent.

0points

Hamsterlover3000 9 years ago

that's really cool

0points

FarahRubaiyat 9 years ago

who took the photos?

0points

RorySavin 9 years ago

new definition for the term 'danger wank'

0points

Rohan Ch 9 years ago

You guys can do it... :)

0points

Vincent Vega 9 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0J_ckNE6wg

0points

VincentVega 9 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0J_ckNE6wg best video :)

0points

MohamedBouzidi 9 years ago

wish theme to reach the top safe and well done to do that hardiest bet !

0points

Veronica Anderson 9 years ago

How do they shower??????

0points

VeronicaAnderson 9 years ago

how do they shower????

0points

安安文 9 years ago

I want！

0points

Iwe Muiser 9 years ago

I've got wet hands again... What's wrong with these people! :)

0points

ChrisBowen 9 years ago

Astonishing and slightly insane. Sheer respect and admiration, good luck boys hopefully you accomplish your mammoth task...

0points

MichelPignolet 9 years ago

Respect to them !

0points

digitfields 9 years ago

That's Insanaside! Must be exhilarating being connected to this world by only one's fingertips! High fives to these dudes!

0points

digitfields 9 years ago

That's insanaside! Pretty admirable though! Must be exhilarating being connected to this world through your fingertips! High fives!

0points

Mozzie Luo 9 years ago

what they do is amazing

0points

MozzieLuo 9 years ago

wow amazing ！

0points

Kirsten Utzon 9 years ago

Real life is just too boring..

0points

Renok A 9 years ago

I think this is amazing feat and takes a lot of practice.

0points

CintyaCB 9 years ago

Im am afraid of heights I admire them for having the courage to do this and share it with the world! Beautiful pics!!! God bless

0points

FJDeKlerk 9 years ago

They poo in the long drop off-course

0points

Annie Sci 9 years ago

i think they've got 2 pair of huge balls to do that!!

0points

AnnieSci 9 years ago

i think they've got the balls!

0points

JosiahHeng 9 years ago

I'm assuming they do a 3000 ft poop? What's it like when s**t falls from tat kind of height??

0points

Chris Bowen 9 years ago

I imagine the same as it would be from 1ft at some point they both hit the floor and stop!

0points

Load More Replies...

Madhavi Shukla 9 years ago

phewww!lost my breath just lookin at the pics.Unbelievable!

0points

MadhaviShukla 9 years ago

phewwww! lost my breath just lookin at the pics! Unbelievable !

0points

FlorianEndres 9 years ago

What a healty bagel

0points

yseta46 9 years ago

I don't think I'll do this anytime soon. Or later, either.

0points

MarleneEroParker 9 years ago

They defy gravity, so amazing and brave. No fear of heights like me.

0points

VenkataSubrahmanyam 9 years ago

Great people, great adventure

0points

Rajakumarmani 9 years ago

This a craziest and bravest attempt by these men.

0points

TunTunNyee 9 years ago

Impressive but I wouldn't be shocked if they fall and die and become headlines ... These guys' trust fund would go to waste

0points

Jared Theis 9 years ago

Apparently you don't know much about climbing culture or professional climbers the ma and sometimes food and yeah you just made a huge best

0points

Load More Replies...

NatalieDalla-Vicenza 9 years ago

my toes are tingling. ew.

0points

AgataGrajoszek 9 years ago

wow that is something! brave guys :)

0points

Mery Pocius 9 years ago

Why?

0points

9 years ago

Wow. These people amaze, me. I am terrified of heights so I really admire them. Is there a point to all this though?

0points

LindaVolpi 9 years ago

"Fifteen minutes of fame?"

0points

Load More Replies...

PetraBlumkaitis 9 years ago

not to take away from the truly astounding feat they are attempting, but they are not free-climbing, they are lead-climbing.

0points

9 years ago

what did they drink ?

0points

AprilFoulds 9 years ago

best of luck to them. Awesome goal

0points

AnaSpiky 9 years ago

Good luck

0points

TheFoodie 9 years ago

This is insane

0points

dk 9 years ago

awesome..!!

0points

MeghanSpring 9 years ago

Good luck to the top! You guys are doing awesome! The climb looks amazing!!

0points

Dornishwine 9 years ago

Just wow O.O

0points

Anarşik Koma 9 years ago

awesome :)

0points

AnarşikKoma 9 years ago

awesome :)

0points

LukasDurjan 9 years ago

authors probably don't have a clue about what does "free climbing" mean.....thay have a rope...therefore it's not a free climbing.

-1point

zOutside 9 years ago

Free climbing is not the same as free soloing, which is what Alex Honnold does frequently. The author has the correct term

2points

Load More Replies...

JaredTheis 9 years ago

to me like you should figure out what you're talking about before criticizing others whether they be the authors or not

1point

TraceWatkins 9 years ago

That would be free SOLO climbing. There's free & aid climbing. Look em up.

1point

summitjunkie 9 years ago

You are thinking of free soloing, which is when no ropes or gear are used for protection. They are free climbing this route.

0points

summitjunkie 9 years ago

Free climbing means you are using gear for protection only, not to ascend. They are only using their hands and feet to make upward progress.

0points

JalenParson 9 years ago

I was thinking the same thing. Top rope, Lead and free are in all of the pictures

-1point

NellJerome 9 years ago

How about Alex Honnold? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR1jwwagtaQ&feature=share

-1point

AdriAnneLarsen 9 years ago

BOOOORING!!!! This has been done before by Alex Honnold. And he did it alone, in less than a day. Find something that's actually impressive.

-2points

summitjunkie 9 years ago

No, it hasn't. Alex Honnold has done many impressive climbs but freeing the dawn wall has not been done by Honnold or anyone else.

0points

Load More Replies...

PetraBlumkaitis 9 years ago

not to take away from the truly astounding feat they are attempting, but they are not free climbing, they are lead climbing.

-2points

Jared Theis 9 years ago

I'm pretty sure those definitions go hand in hand there's a difference between free climbing and free solo

0points

Load More Replies...

NoelBryant 9 years ago

Stupid is as stupid does!!!

-2points

AndyPorter 9 years ago

Impressive, but Alex Hunnold climbed it in 3hrs with no rope at all!!

-3points

Ianhill 9 years ago

The other side genius!

2points

Load More Replies...

gregoiremoutardier 9 years ago

Not really free-climbing and not really the hardest route ever. However, f*cking cool.

-3points

summitjunkie 9 years ago

Yes, it is free climbing. They are using gear and ropes for protection only, not to ascend. You are probably thinking of free soloing.

0points

Load More Replies...

POST

TotoGameboy 9 years ago

Where do they poo?

28points

SandraAnderson 9 years ago

You're killin' me with this question :D in midair, I guess :D http://bit.ly/1w2Rywk

4points

Load More Replies...

LindaVolpi 9 years ago

Hopefully, they brought "Poo~Pourri" with them!

2points

MikeZysman 9 years ago

Usually in a poop tube -- A capped PVC pipe about 4" diameter.

1point

TonyElwood 9 years ago

Hahaha... Lookout Belowwwww!!! Sign: "Caution Bears, and Falling Poop" Hahaha

0points

AlexRT 9 years ago

they just poo wherever, whenever they want.. and let it(the poops) free fall... sorry to the slow climbers.. its part of the excitement !

0points

MaKaylaSpring 9 years ago

Several different options http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/climbingtrash.htm

0points

9 years ago

They just pop a squat over the side.

0points

Derp 9 years ago

Down a rocky chute.

0points

HilaryLardin 9 years ago

See the white bucket in the photos, I'm guessing there

0points

EyalNevo 9 years ago

what do I think? I think they're batshit crazy

8points

JoeWoods 9 years ago

i want that sandwich

6points

RJazz909 9 years ago

OMG NO...PLZ GOD NO!! Those heights are too much for me!!! I'd rather swim with sharks, bleeding than do that!!!!!!!!!!!

4points

AndyPorter 9 years ago

Impressive, but Alex Hunnold climbed it in 3hrs with no rope at all!! check him out on you tube.

3points

BethenyHawkins 9 years ago

Technically Alex Hunnold climbed the Regular North face of the Dome while it says these guys are climbing El Capitan. Both impressive feats!

4points

Load More Replies...

RebeccaGianpicolo 9 years ago

May the Odds be in your favor congrats guys for making it this far can't wait to you make it to the top you guys are an inspiration!!!!

3points

SoniaJacques 9 years ago

I am not sure whether to be amazed or horrified or both. Well you are half way up now guys so I am rooting for you!

2points

BrunoGagnon 9 years ago

It's not dangerous ! It requires commitement but not liffe-worth risks !

0points

Load More Replies...

PeatStephenson 9 years ago

how do they poop???

2points

ghhhJeje 9 years ago

brown stuff comes out of their bum holes

3points

Load More Replies...

PennyPenelopizePalmer 9 years ago

BRILLIANT. What a splendid adventure. Best of good fortune to you guys.

1point

DS 8 years ago

It looks beautiful but also very scary, I'm talking about the tent.

0points

Hamsterlover3000 9 years ago

that's really cool

0points

FarahRubaiyat 9 years ago

who took the photos?

0points

RorySavin 9 years ago

new definition for the term 'danger wank'

0points

Rohan Ch 9 years ago

You guys can do it... :)

0points

Vincent Vega 9 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0J_ckNE6wg

0points

VincentVega 9 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0J_ckNE6wg best video :)

0points

MohamedBouzidi 9 years ago

wish theme to reach the top safe and well done to do that hardiest bet !

0points

Veronica Anderson 9 years ago

How do they shower??????

0points

VeronicaAnderson 9 years ago

how do they shower????

0points

安安文 9 years ago

I want！

0points

Iwe Muiser 9 years ago

I've got wet hands again... What's wrong with these people! :)

0points

ChrisBowen 9 years ago

Astonishing and slightly insane. Sheer respect and admiration, good luck boys hopefully you accomplish your mammoth task...

0points

MichelPignolet 9 years ago

Respect to them !

0points

digitfields 9 years ago

That's Insanaside! Must be exhilarating being connected to this world by only one's fingertips! High fives to these dudes!

0points

digitfields 9 years ago

That's insanaside! Pretty admirable though! Must be exhilarating being connected to this world through your fingertips! High fives!

0points

Mozzie Luo 9 years ago

what they do is amazing

0points

MozzieLuo 9 years ago

wow amazing ！

0points

Kirsten Utzon 9 years ago

Real life is just too boring..

0points

Renok A 9 years ago

I think this is amazing feat and takes a lot of practice.

0points

CintyaCB 9 years ago

Im am afraid of heights I admire them for having the courage to do this and share it with the world! Beautiful pics!!! God bless

0points

FJDeKlerk 9 years ago

They poo in the long drop off-course

0points

Annie Sci 9 years ago

i think they've got 2 pair of huge balls to do that!!

0points

AnnieSci 9 years ago

i think they've got the balls!

0points

JosiahHeng 9 years ago

I'm assuming they do a 3000 ft poop? What's it like when s**t falls from tat kind of height??

0points

Chris Bowen 9 years ago

I imagine the same as it would be from 1ft at some point they both hit the floor and stop!

0points

Load More Replies...

Madhavi Shukla 9 years ago

phewww!lost my breath just lookin at the pics.Unbelievable!

0points

MadhaviShukla 9 years ago

phewwww! lost my breath just lookin at the pics! Unbelievable !

0points

FlorianEndres 9 years ago

What a healty bagel

0points

yseta46 9 years ago

I don't think I'll do this anytime soon. Or later, either.

0points

MarleneEroParker 9 years ago

They defy gravity, so amazing and brave. No fear of heights like me.

0points

VenkataSubrahmanyam 9 years ago

Great people, great adventure

0points

Rajakumarmani 9 years ago

This a craziest and bravest attempt by these men.

0points

TunTunNyee 9 years ago

Impressive but I wouldn't be shocked if they fall and die and become headlines ... These guys' trust fund would go to waste

0points

Jared Theis 9 years ago

Apparently you don't know much about climbing culture or professional climbers the ma and sometimes food and yeah you just made a huge best

0points

Load More Replies...

NatalieDalla-Vicenza 9 years ago

my toes are tingling. ew.

0points

AgataGrajoszek 9 years ago

wow that is something! brave guys :)

0points

Mery Pocius 9 years ago

Why?

0points

9 years ago

Wow. These people amaze, me. I am terrified of heights so I really admire them. Is there a point to all this though?

0points

LindaVolpi 9 years ago

"Fifteen minutes of fame?"

0points

Load More Replies...

PetraBlumkaitis 9 years ago

not to take away from the truly astounding feat they are attempting, but they are not free-climbing, they are lead-climbing.

0points

9 years ago

what did they drink ?

0points

AprilFoulds 9 years ago

best of luck to them. Awesome goal

0points

AnaSpiky 9 years ago

Good luck

0points

TheFoodie 9 years ago

This is insane

0points

dk 9 years ago

awesome..!!

0points

MeghanSpring 9 years ago

Good luck to the top! You guys are doing awesome! The climb looks amazing!!

0points

Dornishwine 9 years ago

Just wow O.O

0points

Anarşik Koma 9 years ago

awesome :)

0points

AnarşikKoma 9 years ago

awesome :)

0points

LukasDurjan 9 years ago

authors probably don't have a clue about what does "free climbing" mean.....thay have a rope...therefore it's not a free climbing.

-1point

zOutside 9 years ago

Free climbing is not the same as free soloing, which is what Alex Honnold does frequently. The author has the correct term

2points

Load More Replies...

JaredTheis 9 years ago

to me like you should figure out what you're talking about before criticizing others whether they be the authors or not

1point

TraceWatkins 9 years ago

That would be free SOLO climbing. There's free & aid climbing. Look em up.

1point

summitjunkie 9 years ago

You are thinking of free soloing, which is when no ropes or gear are used for protection. They are free climbing this route.

0points

summitjunkie 9 years ago

Free climbing means you are using gear for protection only, not to ascend. They are only using their hands and feet to make upward progress.

0points

JalenParson 9 years ago

I was thinking the same thing. Top rope, Lead and free are in all of the pictures

-1point

NellJerome 9 years ago

How about Alex Honnold? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR1jwwagtaQ&feature=share

-1point

AdriAnneLarsen 9 years ago

BOOOORING!!!! This has been done before by Alex Honnold. And he did it alone, in less than a day. Find something that's actually impressive.

-2points

summitjunkie 9 years ago

No, it hasn't. Alex Honnold has done many impressive climbs but freeing the dawn wall has not been done by Honnold or anyone else.

0points

Load More Replies...

PetraBlumkaitis 9 years ago

not to take away from the truly astounding feat they are attempting, but they are not free climbing, they are lead climbing.

-2points

Jared Theis 9 years ago

I'm pretty sure those definitions go hand in hand there's a difference between free climbing and free solo

0points

Load More Replies...

NoelBryant 9 years ago

Stupid is as stupid does!!!

-2points

AndyPorter 9 years ago

Impressive, but Alex Hunnold climbed it in 3hrs with no rope at all!!

-3points

Ianhill 9 years ago

The other side genius!

2points

Load More Replies...

gregoiremoutardier 9 years ago

Not really free-climbing and not really the hardest route ever. However, f*cking cool.

-3points

summitjunkie 9 years ago

Yes, it is free climbing. They are using gear and ropes for protection only, not to ascend. You are probably thinking of free soloing.

0points

Load More Replies...

Two Men Are Making History By Free-Climbing 3000ft Up The Hardest Route In The World

Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell are climbing a sheer 3,000-foot wall of granite on El Capitan in Yosemite

They are already almost half-way up, and they are sharing their journey with the world through Twitter and Facebook

It is considered by many to be the hardest climb in the world

In some places, they have nothing more than their finger-tips to hold them

They’ve had to tape and glue their fingers to help them heal from the wall’s razor-thin hand holds

They will be the first people ever to ascend this legendary route by free-climbing

They prefer climbing at dusk, when it’s too cold for their palms to sweat

The ropes these climbers use only serve as safety equipment – they do not help them climb

A supporting team has dropped them provisions and they use solar power for their devices

They’ve been climbing for 10 days and think they have about a week left. Be sure to follow their historic ascent on Facebook or Twitter!

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