The Shaft | E8/8a+ Multi-pitch on El Capitan

United States / California / Mariposa County

33 pitches. Free version of Muir Wall (A4). See also preMuir.

Free version of Muir Wall with some variations in line including final pitches of The Shield.

Contributors
duncancritchley
62 contributions since 10th November 2025.

Pics + Vids

No pics or vids yet.


Ascents

3 successful ascents and 2 unsuccessful attempts recorded.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
With Kurt Smith.

Nearly free ascent. A power drill was illegally used for the bolting.

References

[1] https://www.climbing.com/news/remembering-a-legend-scott-cosgrove/

With Scott Cosgrove.

An epic ground-up attempt that ended 10m of climbing short of success. "We ended up spending about three months working the route, from the bottom up, the next summer, following in the footsteps of TM Herbert and Yvon Chouinard, who did the route in 1965 with no fixed ropes or support. We wanted to find the same kind of adventure and honor the first ascent in the same style". (Kurt Smith)

References

[1] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201214301/Scott-Cosgrove-1964-2016

First ascent.
Thomas Hering Lead | ground up May 2014
With Tobias Wolf.
With Thomas Hering.