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Great vintage poster of Yosemite's world-famous climbing walls, produced by Paul Harmon for the Wilderness Press in 1972.

Across six different maps, the piece tells the story of Yosemite climbing during the boom period of the 1970s. The upper and lower panoramas show the north and south walls, while the middle row of images show Tenaya Canyon, Little Yosemite Valley, a view of the valley from the west, and a map of the topography of the valley. Each of the panoramas shows dozens of climbing routes, including both the most famous of the climbs (e.g., The Nose, Wall of the Early Morning Light (the Dawn Wall), and Aquarius) and lesser-known routes. 

Yosemite Valley, with its towering granite walls and breathtaking landscapes, has long been a Mecca for climbers. The evolution of climbing in Yosemite reflects broader trends in the sport of rock climbing, from its early roots in exploratory ascents to the establishment of Yosemite as the world epicenter of technical rock climbing by the mid-20th century.  

Early Exploration and First Ascents (1860s–1930s)

The climbing history of Yosemite began with early explorers and naturalists who sought to scale its iconic features. One of the first recorded ascents was the summit of Half Dome by George Anderson in 1875. Anderson drilled holes into the granite, creating a rudimentary ladder system to reach the summit.  

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Sierra Club played a significant role in popularizing climbing in Yosemite. Members such as Joseph LeConte and Francis Farquhar undertook ambitious ascents, blending scientific exploration with physical challenges. During this era, the focus was on mountaineering rather than technical climbing. Equipment was primitive, consisting of hemp ropes, hobnailed boots, and wooden ice axes.

The Birth of Technical Rock Climbing (1930s–1940s)

The 1930s marked the transition from mountaineering to technical rock climbing in Yosemite. In 1934, Jules Eichorn, Dick Leonard, and Bestor Robinson made the first technical ascent of Higher Cathedral Spire, heralding a new era of climbing in the valley. These climbers, equipped with pitons and steel carabiners, adopted techniques that emphasized precision and technical skill.

During the 1940s, climbers such as Anton Nelson and Kenneth Adam established more challenging routes, including ascents of Cathedral Peak and Sentinel Rock. This period also saw the influence of European climbing techniques brought by émigrés, who introduced innovations such as artificial aid climbing.

The Golden Age of Yosemite Climbing (1950s–1970s)

The post-war years ushered in Yosemite's "Golden Age," during which the valley became the global epicenter of big wall climbing. The period from the 1950s to the 1970s was characterized by groundbreaking first ascents, technical innovation, and an evolving climbing culture.

In 1957, Warren Harding and his team made the first ascent of the Nose on El Capitan, a monumental 3,000-foot granite wall. Their ascent, which took 45 days spread over 18 months, relied heavily on aid climbing and established El Capitan as the ultimate challenge for climbers worldwide. Harding's audacious approach, involving the use of hundreds of pitons and bolts, sparked debate over ethics and the balance between adventure and conquest.

Harding's rival, Royal Robbins, emerged as a key figure during this era. Robbins championed a more minimalist and ethical approach to climbing, emphasizing clean climbing techniques that minimized damage to the rock. His notable ascents included the Salathé Wall (1961) on El Capitan and the North America Wall (1964), both of which showcased the potential for technical free climbing.

By the late 1960s, climbers such as Jim Bridwell and Yvon Chouinard pushed the boundaries of technical difficulty. Bridwell, in particular, introduced a spirit of improvisation and boldness, pioneering routes such as the Pacific Ocean Wall on El Capitan. Chouinard, meanwhile, revolutionized climbing equipment by designing gear that prioritized environmental preservation, such as removable protection devices that minimized damage to the rock.

The Rise of Free Climbing and New Challenges (1970s–1980s)

The 1970s witnessed the rise of free climbing, where climbers relied solely on their physical strength and technique rather than artificial aids to ascend. Figures such as Ron Kauk and John Bachar led this movement, establishing routes that demanded unparalleled athleticism and precision. Bachar, known for his solo ascents, embodied the extreme risk-taking ethos of the era.

The 1975 ascent of the Nose in a single day by Jim Bridwell, John Long, and Billy Westbay was a turning point in Yosemite climbing. This feat demonstrated a shift toward speed climbing and marked the culmination of decades of innovation in technique and equipment.

By 1980, Yosemite had become synonymous with cutting-edge climbing. The valley's granite walls hosted a new generation of climbers who continued to push the boundaries of what was possible, drawing inspiration from the achievements of their predecessors while forging their own paths. Yosemite climbing had evolved from a niche activity into a global phenomenon, and its legacy as a proving ground for the world's best climbers was firmly established.