YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. — Tommy Caldwell was first to pull himself atop the ledge of the 3,000-foot vertical wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park Wednesday afternoon, followed minutes later by Kevin Jorgeson.

Years of practice, failed attempts and the last 19 grueling days scaling by their fingertips culminated at last in success.

Caldwell, 36, and Jorgeson, 30, became the first to free-climb the rock formation’s Dawn Wall, a feat many had considered impossible. They used ropes and safety harnesses to catch themselves in case of a fall, but relied entirely on their own strength and dexterity.