Jim “The Bird” Bridwell, one of climbing’s greats, passed peacefully on Feb. 16.
Jim Bridwell, born July 29, 1944, advanced modern big wall climbing and inspired generations of climbers who came after him.
Bridwell’s list of accomplishments includes hundreds of first ascents in Yosemite, with notable ascents in Patagonia and Alaska. He advanced modern aid climbing techniques and founded what is likely the most famous search-and-rescue outfit in the nation, YOSAR.
Bridwell emerged in Yosemite during the mid-60s and promptly began putting up first ascents up El Cap. He served as a bridge between golden-age Yosemite pioneers like Royal Robbins and Warren Harding, and the Stone Masters era of renowned climbers John Bachar, John Long, Ron Kauk, and Dale Bard.
Climbing Icon Jim Bridwell Remembered
In 1975, he was on the first team to climb The Nose of El Cap in under a day, accompanied by John Long and Billy Westbay. This ascent spurred a competition among climbers to see who could climb it the fastest.
Other notable ascents include the first complete climb of the controversial Compressor route in Patagonia on Cerro Torre, and the first ascent of the East Face of the exposed Moose’s Tooth in Alaska.
During his heyday, Bridwell was one of the strongest climbers in the world. But he didn’t stop young, making his final first ascent on El Cap at the age of 57.
Fly high The Bird.
RIP Jim Bridwell. https://t.co/muOMkojKrT— kilian jornet (@kilianj) February 16, 2018