Muir Wall | A4 Big Wall on El Capitan


Aid version of The Shaft (E8).

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

No pics or vids yet.


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