Dihedral Wall | A3 Aid Climb on El Capitan

United States / California / Mariposa County

Aid version of Dihedral Wall (E9).

The third route to be climbed on the main face of El Capitan and the first from non-locals. A siege ascent requiring 42 days of climbing over eight months with fixed ropes almost the entire length of the route.

Ed Cooper:

There was on El Capitan one line left, the direct south west face, logically left unclimbed to the last.

References

[1] Steve Roper ed. (2002). Ordeal by Piton. USA: Stanford University Library p111-117

Contributors
55 contributions since 13th October 2025.
8 contributions since 20th March 2026.

Pics + Vids

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Ascents

4 successful ascent s recorded.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
First ascent.

Denny joined Cooper and Baldwin half way through the siege.

References

[1] Roper, S ed. (2002). Ordeal by Piton. USA: Stanford University Library p111

Ed Cooper Aid | ground up Between 31st Mar 1962 and 26th Nov 1962
First ascent.
First ascent.

While prussiking a fixed line Jim suffered a serious accident when his prussiks slipped. He managed to stop his fall after 100 feet by grabbing the rope but seriously burnt his hands in the process, requiring a month off climbing to recover.

References

[1] Erik Sloan. Yosemite Bigwalls Select: The Ultimate Guide. N.p.: Yosemite Bigwalls, 2021.

Beverly Johnson Rope Solo | ground up Oct 1978
First female ascent.