Yosemite decimal system explained. Ratings that are above 5.
Yosemite decimal system explained Feb 19, 2021 · Rock Climbing Grades, Safety Ratings Explained. The scale starts at 5. 11a, etc. are graded using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). Here, we’ll take a look at how the conversion works and why it’s important. Thus, while many routes are described entirely from … Continue reading → May 27, 2025 · In the United States, Canada and Mexico the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is typically used to rate the technical difficulty of climbs. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a scale of numeric ratings from 5. In the U. The most commonly used classification system is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), which ranges from Class 1 (easy hiking) to Class 5 (technical rock climbing). The Yosemite Decimal System. The YDS (Yosemite Decimal System) is one of the oldest measurement tools used for mountain climbing. X) on the roped climbing routes and the Vermin (V0-VX) grades on the bouldering problems. This is where the real climbing scale begins. The YDS grades are divided into five distinct classes according to the technical difficulty and level of fitness required in each Scrambles in North America are graded on the Yosemite Decimal System, ranging from Class 1 (Easy Hiking) to Class 5 (Rock Climbing). 15, with the lower end of the spectrum representing easier climbs and the upper end of the spectrum representing harder climbs. The UIAA (which is the equivalent body in Europe) has an equivalent. YDS Yosemite Decimal System 1-4 …expanded with Sierra Club Mountain Scrambling subGrades. The most common and widely accepted rating system for climbing route difficulty rating is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 9 for the most difficult climbs at that time. The system is mainly used for mountaineering in North America and was initially developed by Southern California’s Sierra Club. Ratings that are above 5. 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. For example, a ‘V’ is equivalent to a ‘4c’ and ‘X+’ is equivalent to ‘8a+’. Jun 5, 2023 · 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. The sub-grades, indicated by the “S-” prefix, are created by the Sierra Club to add useful risk assessment / planning information to each grade: YDS CLASS 1. Let’s break down this system to better understand what it all means! Class. There are 3 parts to a YDS grade. The system was first developed in the 1950s at Yosemite National Park in California and has since become widely used around the world. Sep 15, 2024 · The classes of scrambling categorize the difficulty of terrain encountered during a rock scramble. This confusion usually happens even for people who are used to operating within a single grading system. However, it has its limitations in terms of mountaineering, due to the fact that it doesn’t account for ice, snow, or winter conditions. 10 grade in the Yosemite Decimal System, and routes that would have been given a grade of 5. , the Yosemite Decimal System is the most commonly used rock climbing ratings system. Apr 27, 2025 · In the U. 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. Free climbing grades are generally understood to reflect the hardest move or section on a particular route. (YDS) Other countries and/or activities will have different designations. It is used mostly by mountaineers in the United States and Canada . It grades the difficulty of climbs, particularly in the United States. Information about the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in American rock climbing, examining its history, and the meaning of the various grades and modifiers. Scott Johnston describes how the Yosemite Decimal System works, and it's origins. 0. 1 (easiest) to 5. Hiking 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. Because 6. 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 Sep 11, 2015 · Here’s a rough guide to the different classes. These classes are based on the Yosemite Decimal System. The “5” is known as the difficulty of class and indicates that the climbing is technical and rope belaying with protection is required. It’s no wonder then that some of those 5. 10 are subdivided further, similar to how 5. Be sure to check i The YDS Classification System. Feb 28, 2023 · Yosemite Decimal Scale We’ll start with the “5-point-something”. It was developed in the 1950’s by members of the Sierra Club, used to describe local hikes. 11 if established more recently were given a grade of 5. Check this system before you go scrambling to understand what class is suitable for you. Then it is counted up from 5. A basic guide for those looking to learn the The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) was developed by the Sierra Club in the 1930's to describe hiking and climbing routes. 0 (class + difficulty) and currently goes up to 5. Finally onto the US grading system – also known as the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 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. This is the class. 12a. A grade in this system will always May 31, 2020 · Grading happens both indoors and outdoors. This scale has 5 difficulty levels: Class 1: Walking on easy terrain 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. , climbers routinely confuse the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) and the V-scale. A YDS grade is split into two numbers separated by a period and looks like this: Class. Class describes a climb or an approach/descent to or from a climb. Oct 20, 2021 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) The Yosemite Decimal System is the dominant free climbing grading system in the U. [4] The class 5 portion of the class scale is a rock climbing classification system, while classes 1–4 are used for hiking and scrambling . The grades, annotated with roman numerals, indicate the length of the climb, and are intended to help climbers properly prepare for their ascent. The system has three parts. ET. Yosemite Decimal System - Grades: The Yosemite Decimal System also includes an optional Grade rating. This scale is known as the Yosemite Decimal Scale (YDS). 11d on our Yosemite Decimal System. The exact definitions of each of the classes are not fully agreed upon, but the general canyoneering interpretation is included below. Class 1-4: Refers to hiking and scrambling. Though usually applied to climbing, the YDS covers hiking and scrambling as well. I’ll give you some pointers on applying both scales IRL! The 6c to V Scale Conversion Explained. This video explains the Yosemite Decimal System for Jun 23, 2024 · Route setters and experienced climbers assess the difficulty of a route by considering factors such as the type and size of holds, the angle of the wall, and the sequence of movements required. In the United States, we use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). In this edition of On Sight, we’ll demystify climbing grades, and take a closer look at how a subjective sport like climbing tangles with the The Yosemite Decimal System is a scale for rating the difficulty of trails and climbing routes. The rock climbing portion was added by the Los Angeles chapter of the club in the 1950s. Written by Austin Beck-Doss Feb 19, 2021 4:30 p. As a result, the system has a "5" as its prefix which is then followed by a decimal point and a number that starts at 1 and counts up with increasing difficulty Apr 27, 2025 · The 7a grade falls into a big, beautiful, confusing world of grading systems. Sub-Grade (Yosemite Decimal System). 15. 10b or rating would be written as followed by a letter c. Class 1 is flat terrain, while Class 4 involves steeper, more challenging scrambling that may require the use of hands. United States Grading. Originally designed for rock climbing, the YDS has become an essential tool for hikers and scramblers, providing a framework to ensure that trails Jun 23, 2024 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) History and Origin. From grade 5. Class 1: Easy, well-maintained trails Oct 23, 2023 · It was an adaptation of an older grading system that only included steep hiking and scrambling. Developed by the U. The Yosemite Decimal System is used mainly for rock climbing, but it is also widely used in hiking. Initially, the decimal-system basis for the YDS capped ratings at 5. The system in use in Yosemite is called the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). While it is primarily used in the U. Especially in the USA, but also in large parts of the world, the YDS scale (YDS = Yosemite Decimal System) is used. Most rock climbs over 20 feet tall in the U. Apr 5, 2023 · It’s quite fun to enter in the details of some of your favourite climbs to see what E grade they’d receive. 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 Apr 27, 2025 · 6c roughly equals V5 in the Hueco (V) Scale and 5. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a system that is used to rate the difficulty of walks, hikes, and climbs. The French system even spills over into bouldering, as the Fontainebleau scale employs the same numbering. The Sierra Club initially developed the system in the 1930s to grade hikes and climbs in California’s Sierra Nevada. 0 the scrambling terrain starts. The decimal notations range from 5. 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. In the United States, the most commonly used grading system is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). 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. May 15, 2024 · Grading systems in climbing Climbing grades can be a bit confusing sometimes. The system originally only included classes 1-5, with 5 being the most difficult. All climbing grades begin with the number five. 10 or even 5. Jun 14, 2022 · The five ‘classes’ in the Yosemite Decimal System are used to rate both hikes and climbs with Class 1 being easiest and Class 5 being most difficult. Class 5 routes are all rock climbing routes, and these have been further subdivided into 14 smaller classifications, so for our purposes here, we’ll just look at the first four classes since Rock climbing is Class 5. In the USA, both indoor and outdoor routes are graded on the Yosemite Decimal System. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a grading system used to rate the difficulty of rock climbing routes. The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a numeric scale used to rate the difficulty of walks, hikes, scrambles and climbs, primarily used by climbers in the United States and elsewhere in North America. ). This is called the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). In America, we use two primary Jul 8, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System. [ 4 ] May 27, 2025 · Understanding the Yosemite Decimal System: A Guide to Rock Climbing Grades in North America. Over the years, YDS has become a widespread system throughout North America to categorize the technical difficulty of hikes. Dec 30, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a standardized scale that categorizes the difficulty of trails and climbing routes, helping adventurers evaluate the physical and technical challenges of a route. The YDS rates the difficulty to ascend various terrains designated by classes 1 through 5 (interpretations vary slightly on the divisions): (1) Flat ground; (2) Uneven or inclined ground; (3) Steep hills and hikes that may require occasional use of hands (easy . 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. Jul 26, 2020 · In this short tutorial for rock climbing beginners, I explain how to read, understand, and interpret rock climbing grades or ratings. 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. The original ice climbing UIAA scale is still widely used and adopted in some regions. 0 to 5. 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. Nov 13, 2023 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is a grading system used to rate the difficulty of rock climbs, snow climbs, and alpine routes in North America. American Climbing Grades and the Yosemite Decimal System. While I have attempted to assure the accuracy of every entry in the book, climbing every Idaho mountain by every route is impossible for any one person. Scrambles in the UK are graded from 1-4, with 1 being moderately difficult and 4 being extremely difficult: 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. 9+. S. 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. The rope grading system at Velocity Miami is based on a simplified version of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). The system was developed in the 1930s and has since become the standard grading system used by climbers in the United States. The YDS Grades are listed below: Grade I: 1-2 hours Grade II: < half day Grade III: Half Day Feb 9, 2023 · the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) An additional system comes into play to more finely describe the difficulty of fifth class routes. Welcome to the comprehensive realm of Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), where every ascent is a journey and every climb tells a story. YDS classes . There are three main grading systems in the climbing world. Once a consensus is reached, a grade is assigned to the route based on the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) or another standardized grading system. This website and the guidebook use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) to rate climbs. Ok – why do you need to know any of this? May 5, 2024 · The Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) is used in the United States to determine the risk, difficulty, and commitment associated with rock climbing. If you take away the handrail on an outside stairway, it is fatally exposed but still only class 1 in either system. 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. 9 classics feel several grades harder. Let’s break it down the grade 5. 14 (most difficult). 12b in the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). If you’ve been to a climbing gym in the US, chances are you have seen the Yosemite Decimal System (5. Many systems exist worldwide, though the most common are the Yosemite system and the French system — we’ll talk more about the various systems in a moment. The YDS is a grading system used to rate the difficulty of climbs in rock climbing, mountaineering, and similar outdoor activities. As climbers' skills and gear evolved, though, the need arose for higher ratings. Aug 30, 2021 · Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) — 5. There are many factors which influence the ratings, such as the difficulty, time commitment, length of climb, and risk. Yosemite Decimal System(YDS) is a grading system commonly found in the United States, starting with a 5. Yosemite Decimal System. 1-5. 0 was already designated for aid climbing, ratings of 5. The Wikipedia description may be found here. 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). 10 and above were added. The simple class definitions 1-4 of the YDS Yosemite Decimal System are as follows. It's the system used to grade the technical difficulty of rock climbs. Mar 30, 2023 · Route grades: in North America are part of the Yosemite Decimal system (YDS). The French, the Yosemite and UIAA (Union Internacionale des Associations d'Alpinisme). I cover the meaning be Mar 17, 2023 · For starters, North American sport climbing uses the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) which is entirely different from the V-scale system. , you can find YDS grades all around the world. Developed in the 1950s in Yosemite National Park, this system was created by rock climbers to standardize ratings for various routes. Here's how to read it and pick the route for you. 2. The UIAA grading system runs alongside the French grading system, so you’ll be able to get a pretty direct comparison. The Yosemite Decimal System is the most commonly used grading system for sport, trad, and multi-pitch climbing in the United States. Includes examples of the different grades, links, multimedia, pictures, photos, and video Jan 28, 2022 · Climbing grades describe the objective difficulty of a climb and are organized into grading systems based on the climbing style and the region. The Yosemite Decimal system excels at differentiating how hard various technical climbs are, but it often fails to accurately describe mountaineering climbs. 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. We know that climbing grades can be intimidating. and parts of Canada. 1. , that translates roughly to 5. This system For a long time, there was no 5. It was developed in the 1950s by members of the Sierra Club in Yosemite National Park. [1] 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. If you enjoyed this clip, you will love the full episode. The Yosemite Decimal System is a commonly used rating system in bouldering and climbing. Apr 29, 2024 · The most common free-climbing grading scales are the French, US or Yosemite Decimal System, and the UK scale. It’s designed to classify trail difficulty ranging from simple, well-maintained trails to technical climbs needing specialized climbing skills and equipment. -based Sierra Club in the 1950s, the YDS unified and refined previous climbing grade systems from the early days of Yosemite Valley climbing. If you want to understand the differences and switch from a grading system to another, here is an easy guide for you. The difficulty grades 1-4 refer to increasingly difficult walking terrain. m. YDS is the dominant classification system in the United States and parts of Canada. Feb 12, 2019 · Let’s talk about about the Yosemite Decimal System also known as YDS. The ratings are set out below but first a few comments. Class 5 is divided into sections from 5. By the end of this video, you will have a full understanding of the difficulty grading in rock climbing. Join us as we navigate the intricate trails of this iconic rating… The Sierra Club in the United States of America established the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) in the 1950s after combining and refining other climbing grade systems from the early days of climbing in Yosemite Valley. This system then assigns an additional number from 1 to 15 to a climbing route based on its overall difficulty, encompassing factors like technical Jul 20, 2020 · In the U. It’s also interesting to consider how eGrader’s danger points scale (which ranges from 0 to 4) would translate to PG-13, R, and X ratings often used in combination with the Yosemite Decimal System numeric difficulty rating. Aug 18, 2017 · YDS stands for the Yosemite Decimal System and it is a grading system for hiking, scrambling, and climbing. All rope climbs start with a “5” which signifies that it is a rope route. 6, 5. dxkiofm tvdavzd leueeytk pizt qvgx wrvtzc iedozv oklfl sickk oqtut