“Open Book,” the FIRST 5.9 – A Rock Climbing Story
When Royal Robbins did the first free ascent of Open Book in 1952, it was one of the hardest routes in the country and became the first climb given the grade of 5.9 on the Yosemite Decimal System.
Author
Giant Rock
My Stories
“My Idea of Fun,” 5.14c or 5.12d? Biggest Downgrade in Climbing History?
In the pantheon of hard Joshua Tree rock climbs controversy, big egos and slander go hand in hand.
The First Amputee Rock Climber: The Story of One Legged Jim Gorin
Long before Hugh Herr was even born, there was another adaptive climbing pioneer named Jim Gorin, who was at the cutting edge of rock climbing with just one leg.
The Dihedral Project with Mason Earle – An Epic First Ascent Bouldering Saga
Mason Earle takes down a blank-looking J-Tree project with some dihedral wizardry.
The New Deal (5.14a) – One of the Hardest Routes in Joshua Tree Gets a Second Ascent After 22 Years
The New Deal, established by Scott Cosgrove, follows barely-there holds up what is essentially an overhanging slab. No wonder it took so long to be repeated...
Todd Gordon’s 800 Guidebooks – Classic Climbing Book Reviews, Episode #1
Our favorite title he shares? 15 Climbs in Sedona That Don't Suck ?