Free climbers complete historic ascent of Yosemite's 914m high El Capitan rock

Two American climbers have made history after becoming the first people ever to scale the seemingly impossible El Capitan peak in California's Yosemite National Park without climbing aids.

Colorado-based climber Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson, from California, successfully scaled the 914m ascent today, using only ropes to catch them if they fell.

The pair took 19 days to climb up El Capitan’s “Dawn Wall” route, reaching the summit about 6am local time. They were met at the top by dozens of friends and family members, who toasted them with champagne.

Yesterday Jorgeson tweeted from about 610m up to side of El Capitan: “This is not an effort to 'conquer’, it’s about realising a dream".

For years El Capitan’s toughest and most sheer spot, the Dawn Wall, has been considered too steep and treacherous to free climb – which requires climbers to use only their hands, feet and ropes.

Using every nook and cranny in the rocks the pair were able to slowly work their way up the rock face, catching what sleep they could on a tiny portable ledge.

Free climbing is defined as climbers using ropes and equipment only to ensure they do not fall, not for ascending the climb.

Caldwell, 36, and Jorgeson, 30 went through 32 rope lengths in their 914m climb up the Dawn Wall.