A Character-Driven History of the Art, the Sport and the Philosophy of Rock Climbing in Yosemite
Kristi Denton-Cohen, Producer

(Running Time: 90:30)

NARRATED BY: TOM BROKAW
From John Muir in the 1860s to the super athletes of today, "Vertical Frontier" is the character-driven story of the art, sport and philosophy of climbing the legendary big walls of Yosemite.

Illustrated by spectacular old and new footage shot on those granite walls, the story is told by the climbers. Their ranks include David Brower, Royal Robbins, Yvon Chouinard, Jim Bridwell, Lynn Hill, Hans Florine, Dean Potter and many more. They climb with artistry and sheer determination. They hold a strong attachment to the climbing traditions established in the Valley and a deep respect for the climbers that created them and went on to influence climbing and mountaineering worldwide.

Nowhere is the expression of this way of life more pronounced than at Camp 4. Looking east, toward Half Dome, the morning sun reaches Camp 4 before any other campground in the Valley. For the climbers, this dusty, boulder-strewn campground is their mecca, their gathering place...and often their home.

In 1997, the "flood of the century" wiped out housing and lodging around Yosemite Valley. When Camp 4, the heart of early rebel rock climbing culture, faces development by the National Park Service, a dream team of veteran climbers joins forces to save it. The story concludes as the climbers celebrate Camp 4 being named eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. (Editor’s Note: Camp 4 was officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places in February 2003.)

Any questions? Contact Kristi Denton Cohen