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
51 contributions since 10th November 2025.

Pics + Vids

No pics or vids yet.


Ascents

1 successful ascent and 2 unsuccessful attempts recorded.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade

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

References

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