Meet Tommy Caldwell: Estes Park’s Rockstar Rockclimber

Did you know that Colorado’s most vibrant, welcoming mountainside town of Estes Park is the home of the person National Geographic called the best all-around rock climber on the planet? It shouldn’t shock anyone that a town that’s perched on the edge of some of the wildest terrain in North America would attract some wild hearts! Stunning Estes Park is famously located right at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. Locals routinely spot bears, elk, and other fascinating wildlife roaming about town. In addition, people around here sometimes spot some recognizable faces. One of the well-known personalities to call Estes Park home is Tommy Caldwell.

You may know Caldwell as an accomplished American rock climber. He is often cited for being the person to make the first free ascents of several El Capitan routes within Yosemite National Park. He’s also made waves in the worlds of traditional climbing, big-wall speed climbing, and big-wall free climbing. It probably makes a lot of sense why an adventure lover like Tommy Caldwell would feel right at home in a place full of waterfalls, alpine landscapes, and unparalleled peaks! Caldwell is actually a Colorado native who comes from a family of climbers and mountain guides. Estes Park Team Realty is putting the spotlight on our town’s own resident climbing superstar!

Historic Climbs

Caldwell is credited with making the first ascents of what are considered to be the hardest sport routes in the United States. His list of feats includes Kryptonite (5.14c/d) and Flex Luthor (5.15a). He also joined Kevin Jorgeson in completing the very first free climb of the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in history in 2015. Of course, that wasn’t the first time Caldwell took on El Capitan. He also completed the first free ascent of Dihedral Wall back in 2004. He returned in 2005 with Beth Rodden to make the third and fourth free ascents at The Nose. He was then able to climb The Nose in just 11 hours when he returned mere days later! His long and impressive list of historic climbs also includes Muir Wall, Fitz Traverse, Linea di Eleganza, Salathé, Lurking Fear, Yosemite Triple Crown, West Buttress, Magic Mushroom, the Dawn Wall, New Dawn, and Zodiac.

In Popular Culture

Caldwell has been featured in a number of documentaries throughout his career. A 2009 film called “Progression” documented his ambitions to climb the Dawn Wall. He ultimately had his wish fulfilled after Kevin Jorgeson contacted him to set up what would become a part of climbing history! In 2018, a film called “The Dawn Wall” documented Caldwell and Jorgeson during their famous free climb of the Dawn Wall. Caldwell also appeared in a 2018 documentary called “Free Solo.” This film chronicled the free solo ascent of Alex Honnold on El Capitan. Viewers are treated to glimpses of Caldwell helping Honnold to prepare for the very important and historic climb.

A Home Fit for a World-Class Adventurer

Tommy Caldwell has scaled mountains everywhere from Yosemite to Patagonia. However, there’s just one place that this world-class, record-breaking climber calls home. That place is Estes Park, Colorado. Do you hear trails, waterfalls, stunning views, and echoes of bluegrass pouring out from a local tavern calling your heart to the Rockies? It’s time to let Estes Park Team Realty help you find a beautiful property located on the edge of Colorado’s robust, refreshing wilderness. You don’t have to be a world-famous climber to enjoy the amazing trails, peaks, and pine forests of Estes! Don’t forget about a charming downtown that features taverns, live music, and an amazing riverwalk area! Yes, this town is also famous for its aerial tram and roster of festivals. Why spend another day away from the Rockies? An outdoor lifestyle with a welcoming, small-town twist is waiting for you in this fresh, beautiful community!