1. EachPod

Ground Up 25: 3,000 Feet of Psyche with Ethan Morf

Author
The Ground Up
Published
Tue 05 Aug 2025
Episode Link
https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/e/ground-up-25-3000-feet-of-psyche-with-ethan-morf/

Making history in Yosemite Valley is no easy feat these days, especially if you can count the number of years you've been climbing on one hand. But on May 15th, at just 20 years old, Ethan Morf became the youngest person to free climb El Capitan in a day with an 18 hour ascent of Freerider.


In this episode, Ethan recounts his rapid rise from Squamish gumby to Yosemite crusher — a journey fueled by a seemingly endless supply of psyche, long days on granite, and countless hours on the MoonBoard. We talk about learning to climb and place gear via Youtube, his early trad leads (and ground falls), dealing with injuries, and ultimately sending one of the most iconic free routes in the world. This is a story of momentum, partnership, and learning to dig deep when it matters most.


-


Follow Ethan on Instagram: @EthanMorf


Watch Ethan's YouTube videos: @ETHANmorf


Check out Ethan's climbing photography and videography:

https://www.ethanmorfphoto.com/


Read more about his free ascent of El Capitan:

https://www.climbing.com/culture/ethan-morf-youngest-climber-free-el-capitan-in-a-day


-


Follow along on Instagram: @listentogroundup 


Check out our new website: https://www.thegrounduppodcast.com/


Sign up for the Mailing List!


 

Share to: