El Capitan and The Dawn Wall Climb Quiz

Study Notes

El Capitan is a 3,000-foot-high cliff in Yosemite National Park, California.
People can hike to the top via a 5.3-mile route with a steep incline (99% average grade).
Another way to reach the top is by climbing the sheer rock face.
Warren Harding made the first ascent in 1958, taking 18 months.
Today, climbers can ascend the Nose route in less than a day.
El Capitan is a challenging climb compared to other rock formations.

The Dawn Wall is a very difficult climbing route on El Capitan.
It is considered one of the most challenging climbing routes worldwide.
Climbers use a "free climbing" style, relying only on their hands, feet, and bodies.
A rope provides safety, not aid, during the climb.
Climbers often use ropes in sections called "pitches".
Jorgeson and Caldwell made the first free climb of the Dawn Wall, using multiple pitches, over 19 days.
The Dawn Wall is a smooth granite rock face.
Climbing is done in sections referred to as "pitches". Climbers have to untie and retie ropes on each pitch.
Daytime climbing is influenced by sunlight and temperatures. To avoid sweat, climbers climb at night, or when the sun is not directly on the rock face.
Their climbing gear and boots help climbers grip the rock better.
The whole plan takes approximately 19 days.
They take breaks to eat, sleep, and recover.
Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson completed the Dawn Wall climb in 2014, taking 19 days.
They faced extreme conditions; dipping to 30 degrees at night and used ropes for safety, and techniques to keep hands and feet dry.