How many people have died climbing el capitan. In big wall climbing, if you free climb all of the pitches in individual attempts, in one go (ground up) then you’ve “freed” the route. [1] Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb El Capitan is a roughly 3,000-foot granite wall in Yosemite National Park, making a ropeless ascent an extremely high–risk, elite-level undertaking. 12c, 13 pitches). Nov 30, 2019 · Harrington fell on Nov. Free soloing, which means climbing without ropes or protection, intensifies the inherent risks. Both climbers have died. I must have seen Blake out at Josh, or up at Tahquitz. Jun 3, 2018 · Two elite climbers fell to their deaths on Saturday while ascending El Capitan, one of the best-known rock formations in Yosemite National Park in California. All but five fatalities occurred since Warren Harding’s team pioneered The Nose in 1958. 13a VI), in 3 hours and 56 minutes. Mason A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan. Oct 2, 2025 · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. The Matterhorn[note 3] is a mountain of the European Alps, straddling the main watershed and border between Switzerland and Italy. May 21, 2013 · A rock climber plunged to his death near the top of El Capitan after a large granite flake broke off the wall and severed his climbing rope, Yosemite National Park officials said Monday. Oct 3, 2025 · A Most Dangerous Climb… There have been at least 30 recorded climbing fatalities on El Capitan, with the most recent death occurring on October 1, 2025, when 23-year-old Balin Miller fell while rappelling. Aug 21, 2023 · They go for the thrills. Sep 4, 2018 · If deaths on the trail leading to Half Dome are included, the number of fatalities jumps to 60. Oct 3, 2025 · Climber Balin Miller dies in fall from Yosemite's El Capitan A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan. It still takes most people days to climb El Cap. This list includes climbing and mountaineering disasters that resulted in multiple deaths (2+) in North America. 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 Oct 3, 2025 · Climber Balin Miller has died on El Capitan while 500 people watched in a live stream. Jun 2, 2021 · How many climbers have died on El Capitan? Climb fatalities Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. The fall was livestreamed. Provided by Touchpoints Aug 15, 2022 · The Times reported that Michael Blake, 19, of Santa Monica, California, had fallen from the “last rope” of the Nose route on El Capitan. It’s like a little prow feature. It's the third serious climbing or hiking accident in Yosemite in the past month. Jan 15, 2019 · His stunning scramble up the 3,000-foot granite wall known as El Capitan, in less than 4 hours, came after meticulous planning and training. MSN Jan 30, 2023 · An official form of the United States government. Courtesy Brandon Adams In the final days of August as temperatures soared in the 90s in Yosemite Valley, sending most climbers to colder climates, resident Brandon Adams ticked off his two-year free project Wayward Son (5. Oct 3, 2025 · WASHINGTON — American climber Balin Miller died Wednesday at the age of 23 while attempting to scale El Capitan, the iconic mountain in Yosemite National Park. Oct 3, 2025 · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. com, 25 people have died on El Capitan, while more than 100 climbing-related accidents happen in Yosemite each year, according to the US National Park Service. Jun 3, 2018 · Two climbers have been killed while trying to scale the granite rock formation known as El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park. Get all you need to know for an epic ascent. Oct 9, 2019 · Yosemite climbing ranger Brandon Adams on El Capitan. Sep 26, 2018 · Professional climber Alex Honnold spent a year and a half preparing to climb - without safety gear - Yosemite's 3000 foot El Capitan in California because one mistake would have meant death. Feb 5, 2026 · Some in climbing are wary of how the most dangerous version — free solo climbing — is typically what garners the most attention. Let’s dive in! Where Is Yosemite National Park? Feb 5, 2026 · Some in climbing are wary of how the most dangerous version — free solo climbing — is typically what garners the most attention. More than four million people visit the park each year. El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; lit. [note 5] Sometimes referred to as the Aug 8, 2024 · The park limits the number of people who can climb Half Dome to 300 per day, a cap aimed, in part, at reducing gridlock on the cables. Jan 24, 2024 · Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. m. ” Oct 3, 2025 · YOSEMITE, CA (AP) — A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, marking the third death in the park this summer. Jun 3, 2018 · Officials say two people have been killed after they fell while climbing El Capitan at Yosemite National Park. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident on Wednesday Nov 30, 2019 · Harrington fell on Nov. The Muir Wall is a 33-pitch line just left of the famed Nose. List of people who died climbing Mount Everest North face of Mount Everest At least 344 people [1] have died attempting to reach—or return from—the summit of Mount Everest which, at 8,848. 󱎖 Have you climbed El Capitan's face 70 times? Summarized by AI from the post below Billy Lakeside Ortiz Lakeside All East County 3y · Public Have you ever climbed to the el cap summit, up the face? I have done it at least 70 times in the last 12 years. Still, El Cap (and especially The Nose) became ever more popular, as ascents increased from one every few years to multiple parties per day. Several free solo climbers have died in climbing accidents. As of February 2021, 377 people have completed a summit of the mountain, while 91 have died trying, a staggering 4:1 ratio. May 29, 2021 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan? Climb fatalities Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. But El Capitan doesn't really do "simple. Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have free soloed 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. Has anyone died trying to climb El Capitan? Brad Gobright, 31, was with How many people have fallen off of El Capitan? Climber fatalities Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. Feb 22, 2019 · Owing to the difficulties Harding’s group faced, not to mention those who have tried it since, El Cap has passed into legend among the rock-climbing community. The natural wonders of Yosemite National Park are so striking that it’s possible to forget that a visit to Two expert climbers fell off El Capitan this weekend and died. 10 A2) on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley, California. Oct 6, 2023 · A climbing instructor reportedly fell to his death on Yosemite's El Captain, which has been the site of several accidents and deaths in recent years. It is a 3000-foot tall cliff, and the Nose is a rock climb in the center. El Capitan: well, if you're serious about that, call me, okay? You know how many people I get begging me to save their loved ones from kidnappers and they don't even got two ennies to scrape together? Feb 6, 2023 · How Many People Have Died Climbing El Capitan In Yosemite National Park There have been a total of 9 climbers have died while climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Balin Miller's mother confirmed that the 23-year-old died in a climbing accident Wednesday. Apr 1, 2025 · El Capitan, a massive granite monolith in Yosemite National Park, presents a formidable challenge for climbers. How many people died on El Capitan each year? Jun 3, 2018 · The two men were reportedly experienced climbers. Despite the inherent risks, some elite climbers still attempt it. As more people join the thread it occurred to me that people who know the victim might as well. A crowd of people had gathered in the valley below following a rumor that rock climbers Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell would attempt a new speed record on the Nose route of El Capitan. Gain valuable insights into route selection, gear essentials, safety measures, and insider tips from seasoned climbers. Aug 16, 2023 · Yet, 121 climbers died in the park since 1905, including 32 on El Capitan. Apr 7, 2020 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. Oct 5, 2023 · In 2018, two climbing partners, who were also best friends, fell to their death on El Capitan while using what a witness and climbing experts described as a risky climbing technique. Jun 4, 2025 · When people ask how many people have died on El Capitan, they usually want a simple number. In all, Farabee said, 31 of the 120 climbers who have died in the park since 1905 have died on the famous granite monolith. Chai Vasarhelyi, as the subject Oct 3, 2025 · Balin Miller, famed solo climber, died after rappelling off the end of his rope on El Capitan. Sep 28, 2023 · This climber died in a manner that is preventable by using knowledge everyone should learn before they ever get on a wall, let alone el cap (to teach people how to climb to boot!). What could have been considered a casual fall Jun 6, 2018 · Experienced climbers, Tim Klein, 42, of Palmdale, CA, and Jason Wells, 45, of Boulder, CO. Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan free solo? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. Oct 29, 2021 · How many climbers have fallen off El Capitan? According to Climbing. 86 m (29,031 ft 81⁄2 in), is Earth's highest mountain and a particularly desirable peak for mountaineers. Nov 22, 2021 · Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. May 24, 2019 · How many people have died doing free solo climbs? There have been countless deaths around the world after free solo climbing attempts have failed. 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 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. The last death from climbing el cap. Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. The Taipei climb had been delayed due to rain, while the TV presenters highlighted the use of earthquake monitors to keep watch for tremors. Jun 10, 2018 · Five people have died in climbing accidents on El Capitan since 2013. Nov 22, 2021 · How many climbers have fallen off El Capitan? According to Climbing. Oct 3, 2025 · An Alaskan climbing influencer has died after falling from El Capitan, a famous vertical rock formation in California's Yosemite National Park. . Free solo climbing (or free soloing) is a form of rock climbing in which the climber (or free soloist) climbs on technical terrain without ropes or any form of protective equipment — all they are allowed to use are climbing shoes and climbing chalk (or ice tools and crampons if ice climbing). That is to say nothing of the thousands of pounds worth of technical gear needed to ensure a safe ascent. El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park is considered one of the world's most challenging climbs. 28, according to multiple reports posted online. In the last decade, there have been 7 climbing deaths on the prolific rock face. The following is a list of mountaineering disasters in North America by death toll. Jan 24, 2024 · Five people have died in climbing accidents on El Capitan since 2013 In all, Farabee said, 31 of the 120 climbers who have died in the park since 1905 have died on the famous granite monolith. " The records are a mix of National Park Service (NPS) archives, old climbing journals, and the grim memory of locals. It’s one of the most popular rock-climbing destinations in the world. But is it safe to climb in Yosemite? Today, we’ll look at how many climbers have died here and what you can expect if you plan a road trip to climb the rock faces of Yosemite National Park. NPS is investigating. Causes of death on the granite wall have included falls during climbing, rappelling incidents, and rockslides. He often writes about climbing, motorcycles, long-distance trekking, and international travel. Apr 5, 2023 · El Capitan is one of the quintessential iconic features of Yosemite National Park. Jan 12, 2026 · A Colorful History of Pooping on El Capitan, By the Decades From bomb squads to flying bags of excrement, these are the greatest untold El Cap poop stories from the Yosemite archives. The dangers associated with this activity have unfortunately resulted in fatalities. During that time I documented the Golden Eagles nesting season while on a climbing spree Dec 24, 2022 · The 14 things no one will tell you before the Half Dome hike! We’ll tell you the truth about this incredible hike, how to approach it and what you have to consider before taking on this immense challenge. Has anyone died trying to climb El Capitan? Brad Gobright, 31, was with El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; lit. Basically, once you leave the ground, you have to climb every individual pitch of the wall to have freed it. Who died Free Climbing El Capitan? Sanni McCandless, left, and Alex Honnold had their relationship on display in 2018’s “Free Solo. Aug 2, 2023 · The hiker who died on Monday climbing El Capitan Mountain in Lakeside was a high school teacher making the most of summer break by enjoying nature in the place where he felt most at home Jun 3, 2018 · Two elite climbers fell to their deaths on Saturday while ascending El Capitan, one of the best-known rock formations in Yosemite National Park in California. Sep 28, 2017 · The El Capitan monolith in the Yosemite National Park in California on June 4, 2015. What could have been considered a casual fall 11 Fun Facts on Rock Climbing El Capitan, The Granite Gatekeeper of Yosemite Valley Ahhh El Cap, Yosemite’s fabled granite monolith, the most revered big wall in the world, and the dream-send of rock climbers everywhere. 'the Captain') is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. If you go without a permit, and get caught, there’s a $280 On June 3, 2017, he made the first-ever free solo ascent of El Capitan by completing Alex Huber 's 884m (2,900ft) big-wall crack climbing route, Freerider (5. The sustained route on the northwest face of Lost Brother, visible from the east face of El Capitan Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have died free soloed El Capitan? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. [27] The climb, described as "one of the great athletic feats of any kind, ever," [6] was documented by climber and photographer Jimmy Chin and documentary filmmaker E. Has anyone died trying to climb El Capitan? Brad Gobright, 31, was with Mar 3, 2026 · Owen Clarke is a freelance outdoor sports writer. [note 4] It is a large, near-symmetric pyramidal peak in the extended Monte Rosa area of the Pennine Alps, whose summit is 4,478 metres (14,692 ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe. May 25, 2024 · Explore the ultimate guide to climbing El Capitan with essential tips and insights into El Capitan routes. How many people have free solo 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. 24 while attempting to become one of just a few people – and the first woman – to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan in a single day. Denali, the highest mountain in North America. was in 2004deaths are few and far between Jun 4, 2018 · Best Friends Fall to Their Deaths While Rock Climbing in Yosemite National Park Tim Klein and Jason Wells died Saturday morning after falling from the massive El Capitan formation at northern Jul 2, 2019 · How many have died Free climbing El Capitan? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. A former Yosemite ranger, Charles “Butch” Farabee of Tucson, told the Chronicle at the time that since 1905, 31 climbers had died on El Capitan, including 23 in falls. El Capitan There have been over 30 recorded climbing deaths on El Capitan between 1905 and 2023. , fell while climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park on Saturday. Oct 6, 2023 · A climbing guide died from a fall on Yosemite National Park's El Capitan on Sept. The two did not climb on Saturday but Robinson said there were likely several people “poised with binoculars, just watching” when Wells and Andy Kirkpatrick, a world-famous climber who has climbed El Capitan over 30 times and written several books on climbing, took to his popular Substack newsletter to try to make sense of the accident. How many people have done it? As of the latest widely reported information, only Alex Honnold has completed a true free solo of an El Capitan route, climbing the Freerider line in June 2017. The natural wonders of Yosemite National Park are so striking that it’s possible to forget that a visit to Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. Feb 21, 2019 · In June 2017, the 33-year-old became the first person to climb Californian granite monolith El Capitan without any ropes – a skill known as free soloing. At least 100 people have died on the mountain. Has anyone died free climbing El Capitan? In 2018, two men were killed when they fell from El Capitan while climbing the very demanding Freeblast route on the sheer granite wall, according to park officials. For reasons under investigation by park rangers, the rope had severed and Blake had died. The National Park Service says it happened around 8 a. I am editing this original post to avoid the potential of adding any additional trauma to the family, friends and/or climb team of the Sept 28, 2023 accident victim on El Capitan, Yosemite. The 23-year-old was near the top of Sea of Dreams, a notoriously treacherous route up the 3,000-foot granite Jun 4, 2018 · The cause of the fall is under investigation by the Park Service. Dec 14, 2018 · Stephen Applebaum meets the audacious free climber who last year became the first to scale Yosemite’s towering El Capitan with nothing but chalk and his rubber-soled rock shoes May 21, 2013 · 5/20/13 – A climber died Sunday after he fell climbing the Muir Wall (5. ztdyh ypcy amr uygdf rdgcdky hmqfmcy hpxnuj uxruy ygawk qjq