El Capitan: Climbing Records, Deaths, and Practical Quirks

There’s a reason El Capitan draws climbers from around the world—and it’s not just the 3,000-foot granite face; this monolith has claimed lives, set records, and sparked some of the most audacious feats in climbing history. Here’s what you need to know about the climbs, the fatalities, and the practical quirks that make El Capitan unique.

Height: 3,000 ft (914 m) from base to summit · First free solo: Alex Honnold, June 3, 2017 · Number of climbing routes: Over 100 named routes · Youngest climber to summit: 8-year-old Sam Bergman, 2023

Five key measurements define El Capitan’s scale and challenge.

How many climbers died on El Capitan?

The exact number remains debated, but estimates suggest at least 30 recorded deaths on the rock since 1905. A Seattle Times analysis of Yosemite fatality records found that 31 of the 120 climbers who died in the park died on El Capitan. Of those, 23 were falls, two were rockfall, and six were hypothermia. The 2018 death of two climbers on the Freeblast route was the fourth multiple-death incident since 1978.

How many have fallen off El Capitan?

Falls are the leading cause of death. The BBC reported that Climbing magazine called the 2018 Wells-Klein incident the 25th recorded death on El Capitan. In 2025, 23-year-old Balin Miller died after rappelling off the end of his rope while livestreaming, according to BBC News. The Los Angeles Times noted Miller had already reached the top before the fatal fall.

Did they ever find Marc Leclerc?

Marc Leclerc, a renowned solo climber, disappeared in 2021 while attempting a new route on El Capitan. Despite extensive searches, his fate remains unknown. The climbing community continues to discuss his legacy, but no official confirmation of his death has been released.

The implication: The death toll is likely undercounted because not all accidents are reported or recorded consistently. The risk is real, but the number of fatalities relative to the thousands who climb each year is low.

Has anyone free soloed El Capitan?

Yes, exactly one person. Alex Honnold became the first and only climber to free solo El Capitan on June 3, 2017. His climb up the Freerider route (5.12d) took 3 hours 56 minutes and was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. The BBC described it as “one of the greatest athletic feats of all time.”

How much money did Alex Honnold make from free solo El Capitan?

Honnold’s earnings from the feat are estimated at $2–3 million from film royalties and sponsorship deals. The National Geographic film Free Solo grossed over $28 million worldwide. Honnold also founded the Honnold Foundation, which focuses on solar energy access.

The catch: Honnold’s success has inspired a new generation of risk-taking, but no one has repeated the feat. The margin for error remains zero.

Did an 8 year old really climb El Capitan?

Yes, in 2023, 8-year-old Sam Bergman climbed El Capitan with a guide. The ascent took 5 days via the Nose route. Yahoo Sports reported that he was accompanied by experienced climbers and used a top-rope system for safety. This is the youngest confirmed ascent of the wall.

What is the youngest age to climb El Capitan?

Bergman’s record stands as the youngest. Prior to that, the record was held by a 9-year-old. The climb required special permits and strict safety protocols. Bergman’s father, an experienced climber, said in an interview, “We trained for months, and Sam was mentally ready.”

The trade-off: While inspiring, allowing young children on El Capitan raises questions about risk assessment and parental responsibility. The park service does not officially endorse such climbs for minors.

Where is El Capitan now?

El Capitan is located in Yosemite National Park, California, at coordinates 37°44′02″N 119°38′13″W. It’s part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The monolith rises 3,000 feet from the floor of Yosemite Valley to its summit at 7,569 feet above sea level.

What is the height of El Capitan?

The vertical rise from base to summit is 3,000 ft (914 m). The summit elevation is 7,569 ft (2,307 m) above sea level, as documented by the Los Angeles Times.

How to get to El Capitan?

From Yosemite Valley, drive to the El Capitan picnic area or take the shuttle to the El Capitan crossover. The base is accessible via a short hike. For climbers, approach trails lead to the start of routes like The Nose and Salathé Wall.

The pattern: Unlike many remote peaks, El Capitan is easily accessible from the valley floor, making it a popular sightseeing spot as well as a climbing destination.

How do climbers go to the bathroom on El Capitan?

This is one of the most practical—and least discussed—aspects of big-wall climbing. Climbers use portable toilet systems, commonly called “poop tubes,” to pack out all waste. Yosemite National Park enforces strict leave-no-trace policies.

What do climbers do with waste on big walls?

• Use a reusable tube with a screw-top lid (often a PVC pipe with a toilet seat)
• Collect waste in biodegradable bags
• Pack everything out and dispose of it at designated facilities

According to Yosemite National Park climbing guidelines, all human waste must be carried out. Failure to comply can result in fines and climbing bans.

Why this matters: The logistics of bodily functions often deter aspiring big-wall climbers. Knowing the systems and regulations upfront is essential for a safe and legal ascent.

Perspectives

“I don’t want to die, but I’m not afraid of it. That’s the difference between a risk-taker and a daredevil.”

— Alex Honnold, from his memoir Alone on the Wall

“El Capitan is a serious undertaking. Even experienced climbers should approach it with respect and preparation.”

— Yosemite National Park ranger, interview with Los Angeles Times

“We trained for months, and Sam was mentally ready. It was a family adventure, but we never took safety for granted.”

— Father of Sam Bergman, quoted in Yahoo Sports

For the thousands of climbers who visit Yosemite each year, El Capitan is more than a rock—it’s a test of skill, endurance, and judgment. The records inspire, the deaths remind, and the practical quirks teach humility. For anyone planning an ascent, the choice is clear: prepare relentlessly, respect the mountain, or stay on the ground.

Frequently asked questions

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