Blind Climber Jesse Dufton Makes Historic Ascent of Devils Tower

Jesse Dufton, a 38-year-old blind climber, has made an incredible ascent of Wyoming’s Devils Tower, climbing the 500-foot El Matador route and becoming the first blind person to lead this challenging formation. Dufton, widely regarded as the world’s best blind climber, is a purist when it comes to climbing gear and has an impressive track record. By April last year, he had climbed over 1,500 routes unsighted across the British Isles.

Born with rod-cone dystrophy, a degenerative genetic condition, Dufton’s vision deteriorated from poor to legally blind by his early 20s. Despite this, his passion for climbing, ignited at the age of 11, has never waned. He has tackled hundreds of traditional routes, completed difficult sport climbs, and achieved alpine-style first ascents in Greenland. Notably, last year, he became the first blind person to make the first ascent of a challenging multi-pitch route, “Eye Disappear,” in Morocco.

Dufton learned about Devils Tower only a few years ago after attending a talk by French climber Catherine Destivelle, who soloed El Matador in 1992. Inspired by the unique rock formation, which reminded him of some UK crags like Fairhead and Kilt Rock, Dufton was drawn to the challenge and the opportunity it presented.

Dufton’s remarkable achievements continue to inspire and demonstrate that with determination and passion, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome. His ascent of El Matador is a testament to his extraordinary skill and tenacity in the face of adversity.

Source:

https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/climbing/hardest-ascent-devils-tower-blind-climber/

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