New Dawn | A2+ Big Wall on El Capitan


Aid version of Passage to Freedom (E9). See also The Dawn Wall and Wall of Early Morning Light.

Climbed shortly after the Wall of Early Morning Light as an alternative way to gain the upper dihedrals on that route. Many pitches are free climbed by Passage to Freedom. Some of the upper pitches are free climbed by The Dawn Wall.

Contributors
duncancritchley
39 contributions since 9th December 2025.

Pics + Vids

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Ascents

2 recorded ascents, including 1 unsuccessful ascent.

Climber Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Yvon Chouinard Aid | did not finish 1970
With Chuck Pratt and Chris Jones.

Climbed to above El Cap. tower before retreating as the next pitches appeared to need considerable bolting.

References

[1] McNamara, C and Van Leuven, C (2011). Yosemite Big Walls (3rd Ed.). USA: SuperTopo

Charlie Porter Aid | ground up Jun 1972
First ascent.

Rope-soloed by Porter over 11 days after dropping a haul bag with his bivi gear and some food not far up the route. Most of the lower half of route, before it traverses into The Wall of Early Morning Light, had previously been climbed by Chouinard, Pratt, Jones and Hennek.