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10 days trapped on the El Capitan’s Platinum Wall, Sasha DiGiulian Makes History on @sashadigiulian completes the first female ascent of El Capitan

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Sasha DiGiulian Makes History on El Capitan’s Platinum Wall After 23-Day Climb 

American professional climber Sasha DiGiulian has made climbing history after becoming the first woman to free-climb the Platinum Wall on Yosemite’s El Capitan, completing one of the most demanding big-wall routes in the United States.

DiGiulian reached the summit after a grueling 23-day ascent in Yosemite National Park, California. The route, also known as the Direct Line, stretches roughly 3,000 feet (914 metres) and contains 39 pitches, with sections rated as difficult as 5.13d.

Nine Days Trapped by Severe Weather

The climb became even more challenging when powerful winter storms moved across the Sierra Nevada. DiGiulian and climbing partner Elliot Faber spent nine days waiting on a portaledge, a small suspended tent used by big-wall climbers.

Rain, snow, strong winds and freezing conditions repeatedly prevented the pair from making progress. Water continued to run down the granite wall even after the worst of the storm had passed, leaving some climbing pitches wet and difficult to attempt.

During the prolonged delay, the climbers were hundreds of metres above the ground with limited space to move. Despite the conditions, DiGiulian remained committed to completing the route.

A Historic First for Women in Climbing

DiGiulian ultimately became the first woman to free-climb the Platinum Wall, adding another major achievement to a career filled with notable first female ascents.

She led 27 of the route’s pitches, including the major crux sections. The climb was the result of several seasons of preparation, during which she worked on different sections of the route and built the strength and technique required to attempt the full ascent.

The achievement is particularly significant because the Platinum Wall is considered one of El Capitan’s longest and most sustained free-climbing challenges. Unlike many classic El Capitan routes that primarily follow cracks, the Platinum Wall crosses long sections of steep, relatively blank granite.

Finishing After the Storm

The final stage of the climb brought another unexpected challenge when Faber had to leave because of a family emergency. DiGiulian continued toward the summit with support from Ryan Sheridan, who belayed her during the final section.

After 23 days on the wall, DiGiulian finally reached the summit, completing a climb that combined technical difficulty, physical endurance and an extraordinary ability to remain patient during days of dangerous weather.

More Than a Climbing Record

DiGiulian’s achievement is being celebrated not only as a major accomplishment in rock climbing but also as an example of perseverance under extreme conditions.

The climb demonstrates that completing a difficult objective is sometimes less about moving quickly and more about knowing when to wait, adapting to circumstances and continuing when conditions finally improve.

For DiGiulian, the Platinum Wall represents the culmination of years of preparation and one of the most demanding challenges of her climbing career.

Key Facts

  • Climber: Sasha DiGiulian

  • Location: El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California

  • Route: Platinum Wall / The Direct Line

  • Achievement: First woman to free-climb the Platinum Wall

  • Total time: 23 days

  • Route length: About 3,000 feet (914 metres)

  • Route: 39 pitches

  • Weather delay: Nine days

  • Major challenge: Severe rain, snow, wind and wet climbing conditions

Sasha DiGiulian’s Platinum Wall ascent now stands as a remarkable chapter in Yosemite climbing history — a 23-day test of skill, endurance and determination that ended with a historic first.

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