...I don't have a preference. It's called The Direct Line, but it was known as the Platinum Wall before it was ever established, for the simple explanation that I was up there a long, long time. So, in the sense we don't get to choose our nicknames, mine being Platinum...
The longest free route on El Capitan. 75% independent of other routes, incorporates some climbing from Turning Point, Grape Race, Triple Direct (E9), and preMuir (E8). Worked on by Rob Miller, Elliot Faber and other partners between 2010 and 2017. Successful ascent by Miller and Roby Rudolf in October 2017.
[1] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201214580/El-Capitan-The-Direct-Line
[3] https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1933225463464467&set=a.446589598794735
7 successful ascents recorded.
| Climber | Style | Ascent Date | Suggested Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Miller | Lead | worked | Oct 2017 | ||
| First ascent. | ||||
| Roby Rudolf | Lead | worked | Oct 2017 | ||
| First ascent. | ||||
| Tobias Wolf | Lead | worked | Oct 2018 | ||
| Second ascent. With Thomas Hering. | ||||
|
Ground-up, 10 days on the wall. References |
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| Thomas Hering | Lead | worked | Oct 2018 | ||
| Second ascent. With Tobias Wolf. | ||||
| Tommy Caldwell | Lead | worked | Nov 2025 | ||
| Third ascent. With Alex Honnold. | ||||
| Alex Honnold | Lead | worked | Nov 2025 | ||
| Third ascent. With Tommy Caldwell. | ||||
|
6 days on the route. Passed DiGiulian and Faber on their ascent. References |
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| Sasha DiGiulian | Lead | worked | Between 3rd Nov 2025 and 26th Nov 2025 | ||
| Fourth ascent. With Elliot Faber. First female ascent. | ||||
|
23 days on the route, including 9 days waiting out a storm in a portaledge. Fixed ropes on much of the route. Faber had to abandon the climb due to a family emergency 3 pitches from the top. References |
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