Watch as Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson finish their insane free climb up El Capitan

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect new developments.

For weeks, two men had been inching up the sheer face of Yosemite's iconic El Capitan — a natural landmark known as much for its beauty as for its intense climbing routes.

They weren't the first to attempt the 3,000-foot climb to the top of the granite rock. They were just the first to do it with their bare hands and little else.

Rock climbing enthusiasts around the world were tracking Americans Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell, who reached the summit on Wednesday. The two men "free climbed" El Capitan's Dawn Wall — a vertical route well known for its extreme difficulty — which means they made their way without any artificial holds, using just the rock face's natural divets and ledges to grasp with their fingers and find toeholds. The men were attached to safety ropes in case they fell.

Consider spending weeks hanging thousands of feet up on a vertical rock wall, nothing beneath you: sleeping there, eating there, super-glueing your cut-up fingers there. Getting butterflies yet?

Thanks to NBC, we had a live feed of the dizzying feat. It was a nail-biter to watch. The Guardian has this quick video recap of the scene:

Caldwell, 36, has previously achieved four other "firsts" on El Capitan routes, according to his profile on the Patagonia website. Jorgeson, 30, also has a long resume of achievements. The New York Times recently profiled him.

National Geographic closely followed the climb. Check out the stunning photos they took along the way.

And here are some from the two climbers' Instagram feeds:

 

These are the crux holds of pitch 15. Some of the smallest and sharpest holds I I have have ever attempted to hold onto. Is crazy to think that the skin on our fingertips could be the limiting fact towards success or failure. I have resorted to setting my alarm to wake myself up every four hours to reapply @climbonproducts

A photo posted by Tommy Caldwell (@tommycaldwell) on Jan 7, 2015 at 2:10pm PST

 

The last few days have been some of the most memorable climbing days of my life. Yesterday I finished the last two 5.13+ pitches of the climb. This marks the end of the major difficulties. I kind of lost it when I pulled onto Wino Tower knowing that this seven year dream is looking more and more like it could become a reality. Now I am in full support mode until @kjorgeson catches up. Today Kevin managed to climb pitch 15 in the most inspired climbing moment of his life. It was such an intense and incredible thing to witness. It's not over yet, but things are looking good. Photo: Corey Rich @coreyrichproductions @bigupclimbing

A photo posted by Tommy Caldwell (@tommycaldwell) on Jan 9, 2015 at 10:14pm PST

 

We are in battle mode on the Dawn Wall. For the past four weeks, @tommycaldwell and I have been attacking the crux pitches with focus and determination. This is our sixth consecutive season on the project and it feels like it's all coming together. @adidasoutdoor @blackdiamondequipment

A photo posted by Kevin Jorgeson (@kjorgeson) on Nov 14, 2014 at 2:10pm PST

 

If you've done this climb, which is it and who did you climb it with? Moments like this are why I love Yosemite and why I love the perspective climbing gives you of the world. Photo by @jaineedial

A photo posted by Kevin Jorgeson (@kjorgeson) on Oct 29, 2014 at 7:53pm PDT

 

Today we basked in the California sun and took a very pleasant skin healing day. Here's to sending tomorrow. Photo @coreyrichproductions @bigupclimbing

A photo posted by Tommy Caldwell (@tommycaldwell) on Jan 5, 2015 at 9:05pm PST