Muir Wall | A4 Big Wall on El Capitan


Aid version of The Shaft (8a+).

6th big wall route on El Capitan and the first to be established in one push from the ground by a 2 man team. Named after John Muir, Scottish-American naturalist, environmental activist and co-founder of the Sierra Club.

Two free versions, preMuir and The Shaft, both have some variations from the original aid line.

First clean ascent: Steve Grossman (1990)

References

[1] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12196604600/Muir-WallEl-Capitan

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Muir

[3] https://www.mountainproject.com/route/105924815/muir-wall

Contributors
duncancritchley
55 contributions since 9th October 2025.

Pics + Vids

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Ascents

3 recorded ascents.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Yvon Chouinard Aid | ground up Jun 1965
First ascent.
TM Herbert Aid | ground up Jun 1965
First ascent.
Royal Robbins Rope Solo | ground up Apr 1968
Second ascent.

First solo of an El Capitan route, over ten days.

References

[1] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12196931900/Alone-on-the-John-Muir-Wall-El-Capitan