Yosemite climbing scale. See full list on rei. Jun 23, 2024 · Indoor Climbing Grades Explained Are you new to indoor climbing and feeling overwhelmed by all the different grading systems? Understanding climbing grades is essential for tracking your progress and choosing appropriate routes. The idea of climbing grades is fairly straightforward, but when applied to bouldering, sport climbing, alpine, ice, trad, or mountaineering, the grades change based on the local climbing Yosemite rock climbing is an essential experience. The exact definitions of each of the classes are not fully agreed upon, but the general canyoneering interpretation is included below. May 5, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System is used in the US to determine the risk, difficulty, and commitment of a climb. 6 trad, you can climb in Yosemite, especially if you follow these 10 tips. Because no technical rock climb of this scale had ever been attempted, Harding employed expedition tactics of using supplied camps linked by fixed ropes. This is called the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). As the only authorized climbing guides in the park, our expert team takes you to the top. 9+ modifier. From discovering the best trad climbing routes to sleeping overnight on the big wall, read this complete guide about everything on El Capitan Grades at Yosemite. Jan 31, 2025 · This ensures its calculations reflect real-world climbing experiences. Class 4 is an "in-between" rating that describes a very exposed scramble, corresponding roughly to the IFAS classification of PD+. 14b. Here's the link if you're interested. In bouldering, it generally addresses the ease or challenge of the ascent. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), Font, French, Alpine, British Trad, British Tech—the list goes on. Feb 20, 2025 · An official form of the United States government. Here’s the entire Yosemite Decimal System, an all-encompassing rating system. Many factors like skill/experience, having the right equipment, height, free climbing ability, cleanlines of the cracks, or the condition of fixed gear like bolts, pitons and copperheads can easily make a pitch easier or more difficult than what the rating suggests. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a five-part grading system used for rating the difficulty of rock climbing routes in the United States and Canada. The Yosemite Decimal System consists of five general classes, but only the fifth is used for grading climbing routes. The system has three parts. Climbers That article also says All of this discussion uses the Yosemite Decimal System which was designed primarily for rock climbing. It is a scale of one to five, with each trail above five involving a vertical climb that uses decimals to rate the difficulty of the climb. The Main Climbing Scale: The Yosemite Decimal System Climbing should be an enjoyable experience, but that doesn’t mean you go at it willy-nilly. To help make everything easier, I’ve broken the entire Our climbing grades convertors (both classic routes and boulders) have been made by great climbers, traveling and climbing all around the world for more than 15 years. Learn about climbing Half Dome, El Capitan climbing and Yosemite Mountaineering School. It is used mostly by mountaineers in the United States and Canada. 0 (easiest) to 5. In addition, the Park Service mandated I took my daughter to see the Yosemite Climbing Museum in Mariposa, CA - some epic gear and a scale concrete model of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome! I believe Jim Thomsen or Greg Thomsen works with May 2, 2016 · What questions do you have about climbing El Capitan? As big wall adventurers take advantage of long spring days to scale Yosemite's famous 3,000-foot granite cliff, we're sharing some of the top questions from the park's Ask a Climber program, which kicks off its 2016 season this month. Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to figure out how the 6a+ grade converts to the V scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s a quick answer: 6a+ is roughly equal to V3-V4 on the V scale It’s also about the same as 5. Nov 1, 2024 · Explore the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and its class ratings for hiking and climbing. May 2, 2023 · More on the Yosemite Decimal System The Yosemite Decimal System is a grading system for hiking and climbing. Understand bouldering, sport, and trad climbing grades for accurate conversions. Class 5 (technical climbing generally requiring rope & gear) has the most extensive array of subdivisions. Information about the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in American rock climbing, examining its history, and the meaning of the various grades and modifiers. Dive into five of our favorite Yosemite rock climbing spots. Five classes of climbing difficulty The Yosemite Decimal System consists of five general classes, the fifth being subdivided with a decimal notation, but it is generally accepted that some ratings are too high or too low because people want to brag or because the standards among climbers has changed over time, and many people have editorial comments about the YDS. The Yosemite Decimal System is a set of numeric ratings describing the difficulty of climbs. 15d, thanks to Adam Ondra! A sport climb May 16, 2004 · Yosemite Decimal System A scale for rating the difficulty of outings ranging from day hikes to extreme mountaineering. Since 1969, Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service has been the ultimate destination for adventure seekers in Yosemite National Park. There is an unofficial Class 6 which generally means “utterly unclimbable free solo, requires aid &/or ladders”. For instance, a 7a+ on the French scale can actually climb like a 5. Whether you're scaling indoor walls or conquering outdoor crags, understanding the intricacies of climbing difficulty rankings is essential for progression and safety. It's a stretch to class going up Everest as rock climbing in it's purest sense. The Wikipedia description may be found here. It was first devised by the Sierra Club in the 1930s, when it ran from 1 to 6, but today it runs from 1 to 5. The difficulty of sport climbing routes is typically graded using the French scale or the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Includes examples of the different grades, links, multimedia, pictures, photos, and video Rock climbing grades are a means of estimating the difficulty of a climb. The system was first developed in the 1950s at Yosemite National Park in California and has since become widely used around the world. 9 and have pushed 6a to 10b. While climbers scale cliffs made of a range of different rock types, including sandstone and limestone, Yosemite Valley is known for superb glacier-carved granite, the coarse igneous rock you see in El Capitan and Half Dome. ), the world of bouldering (at least in North America) has its own distinctive grading scale: the V-scale. French (Sport): is used in France and many other parts of Europe for sport climbing, ranging from 1 (easiest) to 9c (hardest). With unparalleled knowledge, they cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned climbers, and every guide is a certified Wilderness First Responder or has a Rope Climbing grades use a simplified version of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) Bouldering grades use the V-Scale Don’t get caught up on grades Use the grading system as a guide to find routes that challenge you in a fun and rewarding way Sep 16, 2021 · Climbing on difficulty (lead) In difficulty (aka lead) climbing we have three main scales that we encounter. Comparing these scales is somewhat akin to comparing sprinting to a marathon; while both are running, the skills and attributes required are quite different Apr 13, 2025 · Climbing is a sport of precision, strength, and mental endurance. Yosemite has been the site for almost every major development in the sport of rock climbing. With trad climbing, it is always safest to be familiar with the route by checking a guidebook or asking other climbers. Anyways, since I had a hard time I just made one. Jul 20, 2020 · In the U. The Yosemite Decimal System is a scale for rating the difficulty of trails and climbing routes. 8 and 5. Although YDS is mostly used in the United States, YDS classes are mapped to other national and Dec 30, 2024 · Enter the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS)—a widely used scale in North America that classifies trails and climbing routes by their level of difficulty. Nov 21, 2024 · The Yosemite Quad involves climbing Mount Watkins, El Cap, Washington Column, and Half Dome—in less than 24 hours. The class 5 portion of the class scale is primarily a rock climbing classification system, while classes 1–2 are used mainly in hiking and trail running. What is the Difficulty in Rock Climbing Grades? The difficulty of a rock climbing grade is typically classified using one of three different systems: the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), the French Adjectival System, or the British Technical Grade (TG) system. In the United States for sport climbing and other forms of rock climbing we use the Yosemite Decimal System. Org. The four easier classes describe everything from a walk on flat ground (Class 1) to a technical scramble (Class 4). Read: What Is Non Technical Climbing? Some of the rating systems in this article are used for a specific form of climbing. 8 to 6. Sep 16, 2021 · Everything you ever wanted to know about bouldering grades in one place, including a bouldering grade conversion chart from the V Scale to Font Scale. They are for grading sport climbs and traditional climbing, but we will also cover the bouldering grades V-scale and French (Font). The system is mainly used for mountaineering in North America and was initially developed by Southern California’s Sierra Club. Oct 15, 2021 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a method for rating the difficulty of walking trails and sport climbing routes. These ranking systems, often referred to as grading systems, provide a standardized way to evaluate the challenge a route presents. So, what are the mountaineering grading systems? The main mountaineering grading systems including the French Mountaineering Grades (going from F “easy” to ED “Extremely Difficult), the Yosemite Decimal System (going from Class 1 to Class 5 terrain), and the National Climbing Classification System (going from Grade I to Grade VII). 9, 5. There are many factors which influence the ratings, such as the difficulty, time commitment, length of climb, and risk. The climbing involves the use of rope and belaying. Later, both climbers went on to climb prolifically in Yosemite making many famous first big wall ascents, breaking many of the technical barriers in the sport, and establishing important ethical guidelines for climbers. [1] . 12b in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Here's how climbing grades work. The best way to approach the conversion is to travel, go climbing and get used to the different grades! Have fun! P. Class 3 describes easy and moderate climbing (i. These are the International UIAA, the French Sports Scale and the Yosemite Decimal Scale. Compare sports climbing grades across different systems. 10, etc. Jul 25, 2022 · #1. But before we get into the actual Information about the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in American rock climbing, examining its history, and the meaning of the various grades and modifiers. . I had a hard time finding a chart online that converts the Sherman V-grade system for bouldering into the Yosemite Decimal System for climbing. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a rating system used by rock climbers to choose appropriate climbs that are challenging, within their abilities, and to bring proper gear. The Yosemite Decimal System The YDS is a grading system used to rate the difficulty of climbs in rock climbing, mountaineering, and similar outdoor activities. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a scale used to rate the difficulty of hiking and climbing routes. e. While rope climbers use the Yosemite Decimal System (5. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, understanding this system can help you track progress and select problems that match your Convert a climbing grade with easeTo convert grades, enter the grade into the input, select the grade system (french, yosemite, v-scale) and hit "convert" Jan 6, 2024 · When you start climbing, one of the trickiest things to grasp is the abundance of grading systems for different types of climbing. Apr 27, 2025 · Key Takeaways Climbing grade systems, including the V scale and French grading scale, help categorize the difficulty of bouldering and sport climbing routes nationwide. Confusingly though, European sport climbers use the French sport climbing system which, just like Font Bouldering Grades, ranges from 1 – 9 and uses a,b and c as well as ‘+’ to signify a slight increase Oct 23, 2023 · Climbing Grades Compared to Bouldering Grades The V-scale, used for bouldering, and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), used for route climbing, represent two distinct grading systems tailored to their specific forms of climbing. Here's how to read it and pick the route for you. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, with vertical pitches ranking at a 5-level difficulty with a decimal addition. The French scale is widely used in Europe and parts of Asia, while the YDS is primarily used in North America. Welcome to The Nose of El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park -- the most iconic rock climb on earth. The Yosemite Decimal System, or YDS for short, is an open ended grading system that starts at 5. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Our secret (or maybe not so secret anymore) tip for Apr 27, 2025 · Admin If you’re trying to understand how a 6c bouldering grade converts to the V Scale or sport climbing grades, here’s the quick answer: 6c roughly equals V5 in the Hueco (V) Scale and 5. Yosemite Decimal System In the United States, the most commonly used grading system is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). The YDS Convert North American climbing grades to UK and European scales, and compare bouldering V-grades to roped climbs. scrambling), with varying amounts of exposure. The UIAA "Scale of Overall Assessment" dropped its six Roman numbers in favor of the six adjectival grades of the French Alpine System (to avoid confusion with the "UIAA scale") and dominated alpine climbing grading, while the UIAA "Scale of Difficulty in Aided Climbing" – amended and expanded in Yosemite in the 1990s as "new-wave" grades Jan 28, 2022 · YDS, French, V-Scale, Font What are climbing grades and how to use them to climb safely and progress more rapidly? One thing to know is The YDS Yosemite Decimal System rates mountain activities (hiking and rock climbing) as class 1 to 5, in increasing order of difficulty. The grade is an overall measure of how hard the route is. 11d on the Yosemite Decimal System. I cover the meaning behind the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS In the days before the scale was opened to the mathematically illogical 5. Class 1 = Flat ground, walkable Jan 17, 2025 · In fact, it’s the last reliable water source on your way to the Half Dome summit. Mar 17, 2023 · For starters, North American sport climbing uses the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) which is entirely different from the V-scale system. Totem Cams […] Feb 29, 2024 · Yosemite is home to some of the most incredible climbing in the world. 0 and is currently capped at 5. Changing 8b+ Font grades to the V scale—for instance, translating 8b+ to V14—serves United States climbers. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a system that is used to rate the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. Aug 18, 2017 · In this article we go over the nuances of rock climbing grades, indoor and outdoor, what they mean, and how to understand them. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. Get all you need to know for an epic ascent. Yosemite Decimal System, French, UIAA, British UK, British Trad Grade, and Australian. In the Alpine region, the UIAA and French scales are the most common ones. Learn the meaning behind each of these components! Feb 28, 2023 · Climb better by learning climbing grades. Sometimes the conditions and the state of the routes can also influence the grades. Mar 4, 2025 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), and the V-Scale or “Hueco Scale”. May 25, 2024 · Explore the ultimate guide to climbing El Capitan with essential tips and insights into El Capitan routes. This guide explains the different grading systems used in rock climbing and offers tips to level up your skills. Within the YDS there are five classes, 1-5. It was first devised by members of the Sierra Club in Southern California in the 1950s as a refinement of earlier systems from the 1930s, [2] and quickly spread throughout North America. On this one, they've stuck 5a on the line between 5. Feb 4, 2015 · I don’t recommend that you blindly trust this table – there can be differences from country to country or even between climbing areas. Tighten your harness and double-check your knot, to join Lynn Hill, Alex Honnold, and Tommy I've always found that the French grading system doesn't really have a 1-to-1 translation to Yosemite decimal system. 15c on the YDS scale This guide breaks down how these grading systems compare, why the conversion isn’t exact, and what each grade really means for climbers. May 4, 2020 · The American system of climbing grades is based off the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), which ranges from class 1 (hiking) to class 5 (technical rock climbing). This system Oct 12, 2020 · What are Common Sport Climbing Grades? The grades that you’ll see listed in guidebooks or at climbing gyms vary depending on where in the world you are. In North America, Sport climbing utilizes the Yosemite Decimal System for the grading system. 5: The Climb to Sub Dome Working our way up to Sub Dome. It is not the only rating system used by climbers, but it is the one preferred by most of the people who use Climber. The YDS Classification System The most common and widely accepted rating system for climbing route difficulty rating is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). For a Jul 26, 2020 · In this short tutorial for rock climbing beginners, I explain how to read, understand, and interpret rock climbing grades or ratings. Many countries of the world, though, use the American YDS (Yosemite Decimal System). Key Climbing Grade Systems Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): predominantly used in North America, this system ranges from 5. Before we start… Types of Climbing Climbing is a very broad term that includes many types of activities. Understanding Climbing Grade Conversion Comparing Bouldering Grades When it comes to comparing bouldering grades, it’s essential to understand the differences between the various grading systems used in different regions Jul 16, 2025 · Bouldering and sport climbing are both disciplines within climbing but vary between the technique and style to climb these routes. Of these three, however, we are most in contact with the UIAA scale, i. Apr 27, 2025 · Climbing style and route characteristics have a significant influence on these conversions. The reason being that the width of grades on a specific scale are not comparable or that grades are not linear across the whole scale. Mile 4. Sport Grade This system, which began in France, is the internationally recognised system for grading sport climbs (climbs that have fixed protection at regular intervals). Gain valuable insights into route selection, gear essentials, safety measures, and insider tips from seasoned climbers. May 31, 2020 · Everything you need to know about climbing grades in one place. Here, we’ll take a look at how the conversion works and why it’s important. The 6a+ to V-Scale Conversion Explained In the climbing 4 days ago · First ascent history After missing a chance to make the firrst ascent of Half Dome, Warren Harding knew there was only one other accomplishment that could surpass it—the first ascent of El Capitan. I know it's going to depend on which crags you're climbing at, but I've done quite a bit of climbing in quite a few different countries and have always found that 5a lines up pretty well Jun 28, 2024 · Trace the evolution of climbing grades—from Fontainebleau to modern scales—and discover why grading remains a human, subjective art. It has Climbing, like many sports, has its own metrics for measuring difficulty. , the Yosemite Decimal System is the most commonly used rock climbing ratings system. The plus sign further degrades the integrity of the scale. It ranges from 1 to 9, with each number representing a significant increase in difficulty. The Yosemite Decimal System describes routes by Class (difficulty), Grade (length), and Protection (safety). From an Aconcagua climbing expedition to the big wall route Zodiac on Yosemite’s El Capitan, and everything in-between, there is a wide range of ways to measure the difficulty of a climb. May not include an ascent to the summit of a mountain. 11d in YDS This guide breaks it all down so you understand why there’s a range and how these grading systems compare. If you are climbing in the US, you will see the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), but if you’re climbing pretty much anywhere else in the world, you’ll see the French Scale. Aug 24, 2023 · Sport climbing involves climbing with the aid of pre-placed bolts or anchors for protection. Originally designed for rock climbers, the YDS has become a valuable tool for hikers and scramblers seeking to gauge the physical and technical demands of a route. Traditional Climbing Jun 14, 2024 · Don't be afraid! If you can lead 5. Jun 10, 2024 · Grade Converters Bouldering and Lead Climbing Grade converters and other tools for rock climbers. Once you pass the Little Yosemite Valley Campground, you’ll start your climb to the top. Sep 26, 2024 · The French Scale Primarily used in Europe, the French scale is straightforward and provides a clear classification of sport climbing routes. Nov 16, 2018 · Sixty years ago this month, a team of climbers scaled El Capitan for the first time. Learn about the Yosemite and French grading systems and how the two compare. "sports", as we see them most on the rocks in our country and in our gyms. Note: In the 1950s, the Class 5 portion of this ranking system was expanded to include a decimal at the end of the ranking to further define the difficulties of rock climbing. 11b to 5. Rock climbing: this means using your hands and feet to climb up a vertical rock surface. Provided by Touchpoints Apr 27, 2025 · There are several rock climbing grade systems, each with their own history and regional use, but the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and the French scale are the two grading systems used most. Many areas in the world have developed different systems. For a basic overview of how the grades work, check out this article with Climbing Magazine. Route setters and those who rate climbing routes have decided on this system in order for climbers to have a good sense of what a route might expect of them before climbing. Similar to the distinctions between the metric system and the US Mar 25, 2024 · Explore the ins and outs of climbing grade conversion with tips, challenges, and resources. Class 5 Technical climbing. com Nov 13, 2023 · The Yosemite Decimal System is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with each number and decimal point representing a higher level of difficulty. The Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re wondering how the Fontainebleau (or “Font”) system—like 9A—converts to the V scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s a quick answer: 9A in the Font scale equals about V17 That’s also roughly 5. It is not the only climb rating system, but it is the one most frequently used in North America. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System, also known as YDS, is used to determine hiking difficulty and sport climbing routes based in North America. S. As a way to remember the general progression of these classes, you can think of each class as the number of limbs or support points needed to scale the given terrain. 10 rating (subverting the notion that class 6 climbing was aid climbing) in the early 1960's, when a climber encountered a climb that was at the very limit of the time it had to be rated 5. Grades are used in rock climbing gyms and outdoors. The system rates climbs based on several factors, including technical difficulty, overall danger, and the length of the climb. Below you’ll find a comprehensive explanation of the different climbing rating systems. Includes examples of the different grades, links, multimedia, pictures, photos, and video Apr 29, 2024 · Learn everything about climbing grades and quickly convert any climbing rating with our free climbing grade conversion chart. Overhangs, tiny footholds and dynamic movement can render the same grade infinitely more challenging for some and easier for others. This section of trail takes you along many switchbacks through the forest as you continue your climb. The development of rating systems for climbing began in the late Feb 19, 2021 · Rock climbing grades are used to describe the difficulty of climbing routes. Additionally, the tool bridges different grading systems—such as the French scale, the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), the V-scale, and the Fontainebleau—using correspondence tables. Sometimes the most devious of these would get a feeble 5. There are grade systems for bouldering, grade systems for sport climbing, grade systems for aid climbing and so on but even grade systems for the same style don’t always translate well between each other. 15d (hardest), with sub-grades (a, b, c, d) to further differentiate difficulty. Aug 30, 2021 · Rock climbing grades can seem cryptic; we break down the most popular rating systems and explain a tradition that's existed since the 1890s. Aid Ratings explained: The rating of any aid pitch is incredibly arbitrary. Learn more about it! Jun 27, 2024 · If you’re wondering how 8A+ converts to the V Scale or the Yosemite Decimal System, the short answer is: 8A+ equals V12 and roughly 5. Within the 9 grade, further distinctions are made using letters and plus signs, such as 9a, 9a+, and so forth. Key Depending on the country and region, climbing routes are rated according to different difficulty scales. Jul 8, 2024 · Rock climbing grades appear to be a seemingly impenetrable code, but they do mean something. In this article, we will break down the various grading systems used in indoor climbing, including V-scale for bouldering and Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) for roped Apr 10, 2025 · Our expert guide to climbing rating systems will help you compare trad to sport, America to Europe, bouldering, scrambling, dry tooling and everything in between Mar 17, 2012 · Bouldering is a bit different than some other forms of rock climbing and it has its own grades, the V-scale, for defining the difficulty of the climb. Learn how to assess trail difficulty and have a great climb! Jul 25, 2025 · The Yosemite Decimal System is a five-class scale that categorizes the technical difficulty of various terrain, from simple walking paths to highly technical rock climbs. In addition, there are separate grading systems for ice climbing, mixed climbing, drytooling, aid climbing, scrambling, bouldering and so on - it's a mess. 9. Rock climbing is Class 5. Ice climbing: this California Live correspondent Blanche Shaheen paid a visit to the Yosemite Climbing Museum uncovering the stories behind those who scale these iconic walls in Yosemite National Park. ramrqp fmvzq ozdhcdp poedy waav gmtid qlfjpee schbswi jmhaqxz hhqy