The Shaft | 8a+ Sport route on El Capitan


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

Free version of Muir Wall with some variations in line

Contributors
duncancritchley
37 contributions since 10th November 2025.

Pics + Vids

No pics or vids yet.


Ascents

3 recorded ascents, including 2 unsuccessful ascents.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Scott Cosgrove Lead | did not finish 1994
With Kurt Smith.
Kurt Smith Lead | did not finish 1994
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

Tommy Caldwell Lead | worked 2001
First ascent.