Two climbers tackling the "Freeblast Route" on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park fell to their deaths Saturday morning.
Rangers received multiple 911 calls about 8:15 a.m. reporting the incident. An investigation into the incident was ongoing Saturday afternoon, and no further information on the matter was available.
The Freeblast Route is on the lower section of the mountain on a section known as the Salathé Wall "named by Yvon Chouinard in honor of John Salathé, a pioneer of rock climbing in Yosemite," according to Wikipedia. "The first ten pitches of the route are commonly known as "Free Blast" since they can be quickly climbed free at a 5.11 rating or less."
Just about two weeks ago the park recorded another fatality when a hiker slipped from the Half Dome cables and fell to his death during a thunderstorm.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
Regarding the death at Half Dome...
This the 2nd time that I know of that someone was killed on the cables while it was raining since the initiation of the daily permits. I'm surprised there have not been more of them. I predicted this when the permit system came in about 8 years ago. When I went to do those cables 14 years ago, I had planned to go up on a Wednesday but looked at the weather forecast and saw a threat of rain/thunder storm and put it off 1 day.
Permits have to be obtained weeks if not months in advance. A couple of dozen or so are available 1st come 1st served in the morning. I believe the total number of permits is about 160 off the top of my head. The problem comes when a person has a limited time in Yosemite and came from a long distance and sets out for the 8 mile 4800 ft hike up to the cables and gets there and has to make a decision if it is safe to go on up. Then they factor in that they may well not get another permit during their stay. If they are a novice, they may not realize that coming down is more dangerous than going up and that the polished rock is like an ice rink when wet.
There is a ranger there to take the permits but last I heard, that ranger does not have the authority to shut down the cables. The ranger can only advise a hiker that they will be in added peril if they go up the cables in rain and/or possible lightning. I suppose the reason they don't close the cables is that the Park Service my be at legal risk if something unexpected weather wise happened after letting someone go up without being stopped by a range