Yosemite decimal system explained. 9 is approximately the same jump in difficulty between a 5.

Yosemite decimal system explained. x) portion of the scale is the primary climb grading… Climbing grade conversion In North America both sport and trad rock climbs are graded using the YDS (Yosemite Decimal System). But in general, for the yosemite decimal system and I believe for most other grading systems it's "step" is equal in difficulty. Mar 20, 2017 · In North America we use the Yosemite Decimal System to define the class of a climb. This system was very basic and only compared climbs and hikes to one another. The Brits (in regards to rockcclimbing) take into consideration the difficulty AND the danger factor into the rating of a climb in the same double/grade. Free climbing grades are generally understood to reflect the hardest move or section on a particular route. 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. A. 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. 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. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) Yosemite National Park has developed its own difficulty rating system. 15 (extremely difficult rock climbing), with bouldering problems usually 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. 8-, 5. This system is divided into five classes: Feb 28, 2023 · Climb better by learning climbing grades. There are 3 parts to a YDS grade. It is not the only rating system used by climbers, but it is the one preferred by most of the people who use Climber. Class 2 routes include simple scrambling, class 3 routes, rise to advance scrambling, and very simple climbing. 12a (7a+), for example, is the same as the difference in difficulty between a 5. This renowned grading system, initially developed in the rugged landscapes of Apr 27, 2025 · If you’re trying to figure out how the 7A bouldering grade compares to the V Scale or the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here’s the quick answer: 7A roughly equals V6 and 5. The YDS originally consisted only of the class rating and this is the most widely used rating. 12a. French (Sport): is used in France and many other parts of Europe for sport climbing, ranging from 1 (easiest) to 9c (hardest). , the Yosemite Decimal System is the most commonly used rock climbing ratings system. This system starts at 5. So if you can imagine, the scale would simply be staying that Climb1 is harder than Climb2 but easier than One of the metrics included in the trip planning information is the “difficulty”, ranging from class 1 to class 5. Jun 23, 2024 · The IFAS grading system is often compared to the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) used in the United States and the British grading system used in the UK. 12+ on the Yosemite Decimal System). It was first devised by members of the Sierra Club in Southern California in the 1950s as a refinement of earlier systems, particularly those developed in Yosemite Valley, and quickly spread throughout North America. Grade systems initially developed in confined geographical areas, making the comparison of climbs somewhat easier, developed over time and were and are constantly extended as 41 votes, 26 comments. -whateve Jun 12, 2015 · Roper’s book also featured the Decimal System (now the Yosemite Decimal System), a choice that had an effect far beyond the Valley. Mar 31, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow 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). Our secret (or maybe not so secret anymore) tip for Feb 14, 2022 · Using the YDS system with Class 5 climbing modifiers applied to Class 2/3 seems reasonable to get some more granularity. The four easier classes describe everything from a walk on flat ground (Class 1) to a technical scramble (Class 4). Feb 9, 2023 · the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) An additional system comes into play to more finely describe the difficulty of fifth class routes. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) — 5. Here's how to read it and pick the route for you. Oct 27, 2017 · 5. 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 United States Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a grading system commonly found in the United States, starting with a 5. Org. 10c/d Isn't the Yosemite decimal system great?! This works but I would even take it a step further and say 5. Maybe I'm dumb and it's all over the Internet, not sure why I had a hard time with this. Originally known as the Southern California or Wilts-Sierra system, it eventually became cemented as the Yosemite Decimal System, despite its inception outside of Yosemite. But before we get into the actual The American YDS (or 'Yosemite Decimal System') was developed independently by climbers at Tahquitz Peak who adapted the class 5 rating of Sierra Club Class 1–5 system in the 1950s. Before, many climbers outside of Yosemite were employing a rating system that combined the SC Mountaineering Committee’s Class 1-6 and the Decimal System developed by Royal Robbins, Don Wilson and Chuck Wilts. 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 Feb 19, 2021 · In addition, the Yosemite Decimal System includes an optional Roman numeral grade that describes the overall length and “commitment level — or seriousness — of the route. If you enjoyed this clip, you will love the full episode. NOTES: Denise Owens, the owner and CEO of Extreme Routes, an indoor rock-climbing gym, needed to clear her head. 10 it also adds a letter from a to d, thus dividing every difficulty into 4 subgrades. This section breaks down the specific classes relevant to this pursuit—2, 3, and 4—so any scrambler can understand precisely what to expect when they venture off the beaten path and match the climbing route to their skill level. Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) Read: 56 Highest Mountains To Climb in the US for Beginners and 27 Highest Mountains To Climb in North America for Beginners The YDS has a class rating and an optional grade and protection ratings. Jul 8, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System Most rock climbs over 20 feet tall in the U. Be sure to check i May 31, 2020 · The Climbing Grading Systems Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) Climbers are not always known for their naming prowess, and the Yosemite Decimal System was a misnomer from the start. Let’s break it down the grade 5. As a result 5. Following is a breakdown of the classes: Class 1 - Hiking on a maintained trail. 10+ = 5. All rope climbs start with a “5” which signifies that it is a rope route. These ratings do not describe the amount of effort required; class 1 can be long and strenuous and class 5 can be quick and easy. Elevate your next outdoor journey! Class 14ers. For bouldering, on the other hand, there are varying systems in place. It boasts splitter cracks, dihedrals, and crystal pinching slabs. Key Climbing Grade Systems Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): predominantly used in North America, this system ranges from 5. 優勝美地攀登難度等級 （英語： Yosemite Decimal System），直譯為 優勝美地十進位系統，常用縮寫「YDS」標示，是一種在美國登山界普遍用來衡量 徒步 、 健行 、 登山 、 攀岩 等各種 攀登路線難易度等級 的系統，主要由三個部分組成。1937年 南加州 的 山巒俱樂部 將德國的 Welzenbach 攀登難度系統引進 The “American” grading system, or “Yosemite decimal system” (YDS) starts with grades 1-4 before you get to grade 5, which is technical rock climbing. YDS Class System Explained February 12, 2019 The Virtual Sherpa Comments 40 comments Let’s talk about about the Yosemite Decimal System also known as YDS. D. The exact definitions of each of the classes are not fully agreed upon, but the general canyoneering interpretation is included below. It is used mostly by mountaineers in the United States and Canada. There are many other systems: the National Climbing Classification system (NCCS), the British System, the Austrian System, the French System including the French Adjectival System (IFAS), the Soviet, West German and the European System. 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. This system then assigns an additional number from 1 to 15 to a climbing route based on its overall difficulty, encompassing factors like technical difficulty, strength requirement, endurance and mental May 15, 2024 · The American Yosemite Decimal System has a number 5 as its prefix, followed by a decimal point and a number that starts from 1, and increases as the difficulty increases. Developed by the U. There are many factors which influence the ratings, such as the difficulty, time commitment, length of climb, and risk. 0 (easiest) to 5. The rock climbing (5. Sub-Grade (Yosemite Decimal System). com Yosemite Decimal System 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 best way to approach the conversion is to travel, go climbing and get used to the different grades! Have fun! P. It is primarily used for classifying the difficulty and danger level of outdoor rock climbs and mountaineering routes. In bouldering, it generally addresses the ease or challenge of the ascent. 11 term originates from the Yosemite Decimal System, a system used to rate the difficulty of climbs, walks, and hikes. History of the Yosemite Decimal System The origins of the Yosemite Decimal System can be traced back to the 1930's were the forefathers of American climbing were pioneer mountain climbs in the High Sierras. The Yosemite Decimal System has quite a bit of history to it, which explains why it has a bit of an oddball scale where the difference between a 5. 5 for beginner-friendly climbs and goes up to 5. Depending on the country and region, climbing routes are rated according to different difficulty scales. Includes examples of the different grades, links, multimedia, pictures, photos, and video May 5, 2024 · Climbing Ratings and Grades Explained The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is used in the United States to determine the risk, difficulty, and commitment associated with rock climbing. The Yosemite decimal system is not nearly as good as the British Rating System for BASE. The grade of a rock route is usually based on the crux, the most difficult move. 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. Oct 15, 2021 · What Is the Yosemite Decimal System? The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a method for rating the difficulty of walking trails and sport climbing routes. The difference in difficulty between a 5. 11a is easier than 5. 14b. The system has three parts. 11 on the Yosemite Decimal System, and preferably with a difficulty suffix of c or d. Class 5 (technical climbing generally requiring rope & gear) has the most extensive array of subdivisions. The E grade system has been criticized in recent years for being non-linear, especially in the upper grades where a wide range of difficulty The first number in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) refers to the class of terrain: Class 1: walking or hiking; Class 2: some scrambling and use of hands; Class 3: heavy scrambling; Class 4: heavy scrambling with a lot of exposure, falls could be fatal; Class 5: technical, roped, rock climbing. 15 for pros who apparently have no fear of heights or pain. 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. S. The Yosemite Decimal System consists of five general classes, but only the fifth is used for grading climbing routes. Any pass worth spending a lot of time on is bound to have different sections where the YDS system + modifiers is useful, vs trying to have one holistic rating. ），这个系统分为六级，如下所示： Mar 4, 2025 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), and the V-Scale or “Hueco Scale”. In North America, that language is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), which classifies terrain difficulty. 12d okay?” Kitty Aug 26, 2023 · Using the YDS system with Class 5 climbing modifiers applied to Class 2/3 seems reasonable to get some more granularity. Yosemite Decimal System of Grades- The American system of climbing grades is modeled after the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), which classifies the difficulty of climbing from class 1 (hiking) to class 5. are graded using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). In the early 20th century, the Sierra Club was less environmental group and more mountaineering club, specifically for the Sierra Nevadas. YDS mainly applies to roped climbing but gives context for overall climbing difficulty. Introduction to YDS Embark on your climbing odyssey with a solid understanding of the Yosemite Decimal System. Apr 10, 2025 · The US Yosemite Decimal System A climber enjoys the view in Yosemite National Park (Image credit: Getty) Right across the American continent, the system commonly used by walkers, scramblers and climbers in the Yosemite Decimal System. For Roped Climbing (longer, taller climbs), we use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): It starts around 5. Mar 17, 2023 · For starters, North American sport climbing uses the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) which is entirely different from the V-scale system. Many countries of the world, though, use the American YDS (Yosemite Decimal System). Feb 12, 2019 · Let’s talk about about the Yosemite Decimal System also known as YDS. Yosemite Decimal System In the United States, the most commonly used grading system is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Jul 20, 2020 · In the U. Jul 26, 2020 · In this short tutorial for rock climbing beginners, I explain how to read, understand, and interpret rock climbing grades or ratings. Rock Climbing Grade Scales Yosemite Decimal System The Yosemite Decimal System is one of the most widely used grading systems in rock climbing. Scott Johnston describes how the Yosemite Decimal System works, and it's origins. Similar to the distinctions between the metric system and the US The Yosemite Decimal System is a numerical system for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs, primarily used for mountaineering in the United States and Canada. Using this system, climbs will be labeled with numbers beginning with 5 and followed by a decimal, for example, 5. It was mainly invented for climbing and mountaineering. The danger aspect of routes in the American system is often indicated by the use of a suffix (nominally taken from film ratings). Although YDS is mostly used in the United States, YDS classes are mapped to other national and Jul 6, 2023 · Originally developed in the 1950s by the Sierra Club, the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) has become the go-to rating system for hiking and climbing routes in the U. Systèmes de cotation En Amérique du Nord, l’escalade sportive et l’escalade traditionnelle sont classifiées selon le Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 11a, etc. [1] Information about the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in American rock climbing, examining its history, and the meaning of the various grades and modifiers. Jun 14, 2022 · As with rock climbing, different hiking trails are assigned different levels or grades to help classify their difficulty. x) portion of the scale is the primary climb grading system used in the US. 4- to 5. rock climbing grades. At one of my visits to Planet Granite in SF, the indoor gym I typically go to, I finally saw a conversion chart. I had a hard time finding a chart online that converts the Sherman V-grade system for bouldering into the Yosemite Decimal… The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a three-part system used for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. 8, 5. 优胜美地攀登难度等级 （英语： Yosemite Decimal System），直译为 优胜美地十进位系统，常用缩写“ YDS ”标示，是一种在美国登山界普遍用来衡量 徒步 、 健行 、 登山 、 攀岩 等各种 攀登路线难易度等级 的系统，主要由三个部分组成。1937年 南加州 的 山峦俱乐部 将德国的 Welzenbach 攀登难度系统 Jun 24, 2020 · The United States and Canada widely use the Yosemite Decimal System to rate the difficulty of hikes, trail runs, and climbs. Rather, the YDS describes the technical Feb 9, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The American YDS (or 'Yosemite Decimal System') was developed independently by climbers at Tahquitz Peak who adapted the class 5 rating of Sierra Club Class 1–5 system in the 1950s. 15d (hardest), with sub-grades (a, b, c, d) to further differentiate difficulty. This guide explains the different grading systems used in rock climbing and offers tips to level up your skills. 12c. She wanted to do what she did best—climb a really difficult route, at least a 5. Apr 27, 2025 · 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. As I started to rock climb I got confused by these different rating systems and their relationships. 11b. It is primarily used by mountaineers in the United States and Canada. From the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) to the Fontainebleau grades, this article will serve as your go-to reference for decoding climbing difficulty. -based Sierra Club in the 1950s, the YDS unified and refined previous climbing grade systems from the early days of Yosemite Valley climbing. What do these numbers mean? The short answer is that they’re part of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Climbers can use these systems to track their progress as they work toward building new skill sets. 15. Ratings used internationally today include no less than seven… Definitions for Mountain Scrambler Ratings To distinguish the difficulty of non-technical mountain climbs more clearly, the ratings framework for mountain scramblers divides each of the four, non-technical Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) categories into three parts and expands the scope of the ratings. Jan 28, 2022 · For most of the climbing world, though, the benefits of climbing grading systems greatly outweigh the few disadvantages. That’s because it actually originates in Tahquitz. Let’s break down this system to better understand what it all means! Class Class describes a climb or an approach/descent to or from a climb. The Wikipedia description may be found here. In the 1930s they By the end of this video, you will have a full understanding of the difficulty grading in rock climbing. It consists of six classes of technical difficulty from easiest to the most difficult. Here's the link if you're interested. The Yosemite Decimal System is a set of numeric ratings describing the difficulty of climbs. [4] Jan 26, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Yosemite Decimal System, French, UIAA, British UK, British Trad Grade, and Australian. Below you'll find a comprehensive explanation of the different climbing rating systems. 8 and a 5. Developed in the 1950s in Yosemite National Park, this system was created by rock climbers to standardize ratings for various routes. The classes describe the routes in terms of what a "typical person" would need to do in order to negotiate the route (walking, use of hands for balance, use of hands for upward and downward movement, etc. Apr 27, 2025 · Trad & Sport Climbing Grades Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System or YDS is a grading system commonly found in North America and was originally used to describe a full range of backcountry travel, which included both hiking and climbing. The YDS Classification System The most common and widely accepted rating system for climbing route difficulty rating is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 10a and a 5. 优胜美地攀登难度等级（英语：Yosemite Decimal System），直译为优胜美地十进制系统，常用缩写“YDS”标示，是一种在美国登山界普遍用来衡量徒步、健行、登山、攀岩等各种攀登路线难易度等级的系统，主要由三个部分组成。1937年南加州的山峦俱乐部将德国的Welzenbach攀登难度系统引进美国，历经1950 Nov 9, 2018 · When I first started climbing, I was pretty much clueless about everything. According to two contributors, the european rating system is less useful because it is too subjective and the alaskan rating system is more useful because it is less subjective. something Grades 1 to 4 refer to walks of increasing difficulty, by the time you reach 5 you are assumed to be scrambling over rocks which equates to about 5. The Yosemite Decimal System describes routes by Class (difficulty), Grade (length), and Protection (safety). Especially climbing grades. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) 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. 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. 6, 5. Canyoneering: Canyoneering ratings are based on a numerical system similar to the Yosemite Decimal System, but they range from class 1 to 4, which provides an initial indication of the technical difficulty and required gear for the descent. It's the system used to grade the technical difficulty of rock climbs. A fun and informative tutorial on U. 0 (class + difficulty) and currently goes up to 5. Converting between them is no cakewalk, and figuring out which system applies to what type of climbing adds another layer of confusion. As a beginner rock climber or foreign climber trying to climb in America, you'll want to become familiar with the Yosemite Decimal System, or YDS. ” “Sure thing, boss. The system was first developed in the 1950s at Yosemite National Park in California and has since become widely used around the world. This is the class. 8 and 5. 8+. 12a one) grades only the hardest move, but it's often supplemented with a PG/R/X to indicate the seriousness. Comparing these scales is somewhat akin to comparing sprinting to a marathon; while both are running, the skills and attributes required are quite different Aug 30, 2021 · For all intents and purposes, F7c+ = 7c+. For example in the YDS there's 5. YDS Explained 1. 11d (7a) and 5. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a scale used to rate the difficulty of hiking and climbing routes. 9 and have pushed 6a to 10b. See full list on rei. It was developed in the 1950’s by members of the Sierra Club, used to describe local hikes. 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. This system is also a single grade system and works in a similar way to the Sport Grade, giving the overall difficulty of the route without taking any of the safety aspects into consideration. Class 2 - Easy scrambling. In the United States, we use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Assigning a difficulty to a climb seems to be at least as important as describing it with other characteristic parameters such as length, protection or rock type. But grading systems aren’t always exact. Anyways, since I had a hard time I just made one. Mar 30, 2023 · Gym Grading: Gyms in North America use the Yosemite Decimal System for route grades. Scrambles in the UK are graded from 1-4, with 1 being moderately difficult and 4 being extremely difficult: The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) was developed by the Sierra Club in the 1930's to describe hiking and climbing routes. The Yosemite Decimal System is the most commonly used grading system for sport, trad, and Aug 18, 2017 · What is the YDS (Yosemite Decimal System)? YDS stands for the Yosemite Decimal System and it is a grading system for hiking, scrambling, and climbing. Jul 1, 2025 · Unlock the Yosemite Decimal System: Learn how YDS grades transform your hiking, scrambling, and climbing adventures across America's wild trails. Aug 19, 2023 · Most mountain-climbing routes are rated according to the technical difficulty of their climb using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). “Kitty, will you set up a new route for me? And make it hard. While all three systems aim to provide climbers with a consistent way to assess the difficulty of climbs, there are some key differences. This system provides a class number and then a specific grade. This system has five levels, ranging from accessible dirt paths to rock climbing that requires some technical gear. The YDS Yosemite Decimal System rates mountain activities (hiking and rock climbing) as class 1 to 5, in increasing order of difficulty. 9 and easier you would have 5. Jul 25, 2025 · Understanding the Yosemite Decimal System: A Guide to Rock Climbing Grades in North America. The Class 5 portion of the Class scale is primarily a rock climbing classification system. 6 or 5. Nov 15, 2016 · 在20世纪30年代，美国的SIERRA CLUB制定了一个难度系统，也就是现在的约塞米提难度系统（Yosemite Decimal System）（以下简称Y. This article breaks down how these systems compare, why they don’t line up perfectly, and what it means for your climbing. The system ranges from Class 1 (easy walking) to Class 5. 12c, for example. I didn’t know the difference between Sport grades and the Yosemite Decimal System. 难度是攀岩的语言，难度级别是线路或抱石的一种表达形式，最早的难度诞生是因为人们想用一种方式来表示他们攀登或走过的路有多难，于是决定用一个量化的指标来描述它。在20世纪30年代，美国的SIERRA CLUB制定了一个难度系统，也就是约塞米提难度系统（Yosemite Decimal System）（以下简称Y. It was devised by the Sierra Club and comprises three parts that rate the difficulty level of walks, hikes and climbs. Learn about Yosemite Decimal, UBG, Hueco Tanks, and more in this comprehensive guide. Mar 17, 2012 · In the United States for sport climbing and other forms of rock climbing we use the Yosemite Decimal System. The rope grading system at Velocity Miami is based on a simplified version of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). After 5. The Yosemite Decimal System (which is the one that's mostly used in the US, and the one you'll see around here most often - it's the 5. Many parks and forests use this system as a standard rating scale. 12d (7c) and 5. 15 (an overhanging cliff). Oct 15, 2021 · From sport climbing to bouldering, different types of rock climbing each have their own system, known as bouldering grades, to assess a route’s overall difficulty. Keep in mind of course, that climbing grades are subjective. The system in use in Yosemite is called the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 13a (7c+). The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a three-part system used for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs, primarily used by mountaineers in the United States and Canada. This system uses “classes” rather than descriptive indicators of how difficult a hike is. Sep 11, 2015 · An explanation of the different classes of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) esp as it applies to hiking. Nov 1, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a grading scale that evaluates the difficulty of hiking and climbing routes, especially for mountaineering and rock climbing. Dec 19, 2023 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System, often referred to as the YDS, is one of the most prevalent climbing rating systems in the United States. 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). In the Alpine region, the UIAA and French scales are the most common ones. While it is primarily used in the U. 0 (semblable à l’ascension d’une échelle verticale en termes de difficulté) à 5. Sometimes the conditions and the state of the routes can also influence the grades. The scale starts at 5. 9, but grades above 5. The system is mainly used for mountaineering in North America and was initially developed by Southern California’s Sierra Club. Jun 10, 2024 · 🧗‍♂️ Sports Climbing Grade Converter Convert from French to Yosemite Decimal System and more. Sep 26, 2024 · Climbing grades can be overwhelming, but understanding ratings systems is crucial. For a basic overview of how the grades work, check out this article with Climbing Magazine. A YDS grade is split into two numbers separated by a period and looks like this: Class All climbing grades begin with the number five. 15 (paroi très Key Climbing Grade Systems Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): predominantly used in North America, this system ranges from 5. ），这个系统分为6个级别，如下所示： How to understand rock climbing grades and ratings. Class 1 routes, the easiest, are hiking trails without scrambling or climbing involved. 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. The YDS was developed in Yosemite National Park in California (technical rock climbing). 9 are subdivided into a, b, c, and d. Some gyms use the classic V-grade system, marking each boulder problem with a V-grade on a tag or piece of tape at its start. It’s designed to classify trail difficulty ranging from simple, well-maintained trails to technical climbs needing specialized climbing skills and equipment. YDS is the dominant classification system in the United States and parts of Canada. Apr 13, 2025 · In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the various grading systems used across the globe, how they compare, and what they mean for climbers of all levels. Apr 27, 2025 · If you're looking to understand how the 6b+ climbing grade converts to the V scale or Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), here's your quick answer: The 5. , you can find YDS grades all around the world. 0 (like climbing a steep ladder) and progresses in difficulty up to 5. 10 doesn't exist and any grade that has - is a/b and + is c/d and outside of that everything else will be a,b,c,d. There is an unofficial Class 6 which generally means “utterly unclimbable free solo, requires aid &/or ladders”. Invented by the Sierra Club in the 1960s, it categorizes routes from Class 1 (easy . The other system you'll see around here a lot is the V-grade system used in bouldering. The Yosemite Decimal System is a numerical system for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs, primarily used for mountaineering in the United States. Yosemite Decimal System The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a system that is used to rate the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. Nov 13, 2023 · This article provides an in-depth look at the Yosemite Decimal System, a widely-used grading system for rock climbing and hiking routes. Different countries use different systems, and the US and Canada have been using the Yosemite Decimal System since the 1950s. 9 is approximately the same jump in difficulty between a 5. Originally the system was a single-part classification system. 优胜美地攀登难度等级 （英语： Yosemite Decimal System），直译为 优胜美地十进制系统，常用缩写“ YDS ”标示，是一种在美国登山界普遍用来衡量 徒步 、 健行 、 登山 、 攀岩 等各种 攀登路线难易度等级 的系统，主要由三个部分组成。1937年 南加州 的 山峦俱乐部 将德国的 Welzenbach 攀登难度系统 Jul 14, 2018 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a grading of routes developed as a Sierra Club grading system in 1930 to rate hikes and climbs for the Sierra Nevada range. [4] Yosemite Decimal System The 1-5 hiking classes are part of the Yosemite Decimal System and was created in the 1950s by members of the Sierra Club who wanted a way to communicate and assess the difficulty of routes in their mountaineering efforts. I cover the meaning behind the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS I've always found that the French grading system doesn't really have a 1-to-1 translation to Yosemite decimal system. The Yosemite Decimal System is used mainly for rock climbing, but it is also widely used in hiking. In Apr 29, 2024 · The most common free-climbing grading scales are the French, US or Yosemite Decimal System, and the UK scale. While the YDS ratings only address the difficulty of the hardest section of a route, Mountain May 2, 2023 · The Yosemite Decimal System or YSD is a grading system used for hikes and sport climbing. 0 through 5. The climbs are between 50feetand100feetft (andft) in length, and range in difficulty from beginner to expert (5. Apr 5, 2023 · So why the need for this new tool? The French System and Yosemite Decimal System are linear. The YDS consists of two components: a class rating and a decimal number rating. Technical Rock Climbing Grades The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite decimal system (YDS) is a system that evolved over many decades and was initially codified by the Sierra Club in California. This video will break down the YDS, (Yosemite Decimal System) to help you understand all those 5. Class 3 - Moderate scrambling. 在20世纪30年代，美国的SIERRA CLUB制定了一个难度系统，也就是现在的约塞米提难度系统（Yosemite Decimal System）（以下简称Y. ). Jan 6, 2024 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), Font, French, Alpine, British Trad, British Tech—the list goes on. 10b. The system uses classes ranging from 1 (easiest) to 5 (most difficult), providing a basic difficulty of the terrain you will encounter along the route. Grade 1: level ground Grade 2: steep ground, do not need to use handholds Grade 3: very steep ground, use of occasional handholds required, a fall could result in serious injury or death Compare sports climbing grades across different systems. Some may occasionally need their hands. Are bouldering routes graded the same as roped routes? Are V Grades and Hueco Tanks Grades the same? I asked all these questions and more! The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a three-part system used for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs, primarily used by mountaineers in the United States and Canada. It covers the Yosemite Decimal System, bouldering V-scale, PG/R/X rating, and why grade opinions 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. 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 Jun 5, 2023 · The Yosemite climbing scale was developed by Royal Robbins, Don Wilson, and Chuck Wilts in Southern California in the early 1950s. Grade systems are almost as old as climbing itself. Is 5. The 7a to V Scale Conversion Explained So, what are scrambling grades? Scrambles in North America are graded on the Yosemite Decimal System, ranging from Class 1 (Easy Hiking) to Class 5 (Rock Climbing). Ce système classifie les niveaux de difficulté par des chiffres qui vont de 5. 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. To help make everything easier, I’ve broken the entire Dec 30, 2024 · Learn how to use the Yosemite Decimal System hiking guide to choose the right trail and prepare for your adventure. ） The Yosemite Decimal System is a numerical system for rating the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs, primarily used for mountaineering in the United States. This video explains the Yosemite Decimal System for Rope Climbing, the V Scale for Jun 4, 2015 · The Yosemite Decimal System is a scale for rating the difficulty of trails and climbing routes. You only get into hard or easy number for grades without a letter so 5. com uses the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) which has been in use in the United States for over 75 years. 0. lozn zkozur rdpesv muk ymrygkr jyzos tpru wjcrfbq nmtqg qeqixum