From its first ascent in ‘58 by Warren Harding, Wayne Merry and George Whitmore in 47 days using "siege" tactics, to Lynn Hill’s 1994 23 hour free ascent in a day, to the Huber brother’s current speed ascent time of 2hr 45min in October 2007, the progress has been astronomical.

Photo below: Warren Harding, last pitch of Dawn Wall, El Cap, first ascent, 1970.Glen Denny photo.

The route has remained a drawcard for the world’s best climbers, as well as countless average ones but the video here of Potter is the merging of massive physical skills with psychological powers of self confidence and control that defy imagination.

He’s been called “A human acetylene torch, burning down the walls of the impossible” and in his words …. “Soloing for me is about being completely in the moment, not worrying about the past or future but just being right here, right now. That’s why I do it”.

Photo below: Dean Potter at the base of El Cap, photo Andy Anderson.

This clip (#14) is from the climbing video MASTERS OF STONE 5, released in 2003 and is fantasically shot to really capture the achievement.

No-one can really “enjoy” this clip in the normal sense of the word, it’s more like standing at the base of El Cap for the first time …….. you will be in awe.

Want more: See www.chrismcnamara.com and for maps and images, his other at www.supertopo.com

Here's Chris below topping out on the route, having done it in a day ……… in January.