Vertical Frontier

Awe-struck, sun-baked tribute to stubborn climbers, pairing jaw-dropping granite footage with grizzled old-timers spinning yarns about risk and obsession.

Directed by

Kristi Denton Cohen

Genres

Documentary, Adventure

Starring

Yvon Chouinard, Royal Robbins, Elizabeth Burkner Robbins

Overview

From John Muir in the 1860s to today's super-athletes, Vertical Frontier tells the rich and captivating saga of these free-spirited climbers whose contributions to the techniques, equipment, and ethics of mountaineering enabled them to be the first to conquer Yosemite's legendary big walls. Illustrated with spectacular footage, both old and new, shot on these granite walls, the story is told by the climbers whose artistry and relentless determination helped launch a sport now enjoyed by millions around the world, including David Brower, Warren Harding, Royal Robbins, Yvon Chouinard, Tom Frost, Jim Bridwell, Lynn Hill, Hans Florine, Dean Potter, and many others. Their epic feats range from the first ascent of El Capitan, which took 45 days over a year and a half, to today's speed climbers who complete the same route in under three hours.

How it feels

Measured and needs your attention.

About

Obsession, ambition, nature, survival

Content

Mild language. No violence, gore or sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Watch the trailer on YouTube (opens in a new tab)