El Cap: The First Ascents to the First Free Solo | John Long, Yosemite Rock Climbing Legend | Ep. 017

El Capitan is the most famous face in rock climbing, and it isn't even close. Fifty years ago, three climbers defied the odds, scaling El Capitan in a single day—a feat that redefined what’s possible in rock climbing.

In this special episode, starting at the Yosemite Climbing Museum and ending under the shadow of El Capitan, we sit down with John Long -- one of the legendary trio behind that historic 1975 ascent--to relive the adventure and reflect on El Cap's singular legacy. We climb into:

• The bold plan to conquer El Cap in a day, hatched by Jim Bridwell with John Long and Billy Westbay

• How Warren Harding’s grueling 1958 ascent set the stage for El Cap’s epic history

• The rush of climbing 3,000 feet in 15 hours, fueled by honking horns and camp camaraderie

• The evolution of El Cap feats, from Lynn Hill’s free ascent to Alex Honnold’s jaw-dropping free solo

• John’s raw reflections on 50 years of climbing, loss, and staring down “the big stone”

Links Mentioned

• Stonemasters Pt. 1
• Stonemasters Pt. 2

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Our Partners

• Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout.
• Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.

Credits

• Featuring John Long
• Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak
• Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson
• Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks
• Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill 
• Production Assistance by John Stock 
• “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA