Sasha DiGiulian Conquers 39-Pitch 5.13d Route on El Capitan

Sasha DiGiulian has achieved a momentous milestone in the climbing world by completing a free ascent of the Platinum Wall (The Direct Line) on El Capitan in Yosemite. This challenging route spans 39 pitches and is graded at 5.13d. DiGiulian’s ascent required 23 days, primarily due to inclement weather conditions that included snow and rain.

Route Details and Historical Context

The Platinum Wall route was established by Elliot Faber and Rob Miller between 2012 and 2016. It received attention in 2018 when climbers Tobias Wolf and Thomas Hering successfully repeated the ascent. More recently, renowned athletes Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell also climbed this route in 2023.

DiGiulian’s Climbing Journey

• Climbed 32 pitches before taking a nine-day break due to a winter storm.
• Received support from Faber during her climb, especially during challenging stretches.
• Ryan Sheridan belayed her for the final ascent, while Pablo Durana documented her climb.

DiGiulian, recognized as one of America’s most influential climbers, has a remarkable track record. Early in her career, she achieved remarkable climbs such as Southern Smoke 5.14c, Lucifer 5.14c, and Pure Imagination 5.14c in the Red River Gorge. She has also completed significant climbs like the 21-pitch Magic Mushroom 5.13a on the Eiger and the first free ascent of Yosemite’s 15-pitch 5.13 Misty Wall.

Achievements and Recovery

Notably, DiGiulian has many first female ascents to her name and has completed over 50 climbs rated at 5.14. In Canada, she achieved Sonnie Trotter’s Rockies 5.14 Trilogy. After enduring hip reconstruction surgeries in 2021, DiGiulian made a remarkable comeback to high-level climbing.

Recent Milestones

In 2025, she and fellow climber Marianna Ordóñez became the first women to free the 600-meter Bravo Les Filles 5.13d in Madagascar. DiGiulian also released her memoir, “Take the Lead,” in 2023, chronicling her experiences and climbs.

Yosemite Climbing Highlights

July has been an exciting month for Yosemite climbing. In addition to DiGiulian’s accomplishment, climber Amity Warme completed the 33-pitch PreMuir Wall (5.13c/d), while Pietro Vidi successfully climbed Beth Rodden’s legendary gear line, Meltdown (5.14c).

Conclusion

Sasha DiGiulian’s free ascent of the Platinum Wall (The Direct Line) on El Capitan adds another extraordinary achievement to her illustrious climbing career. Her persistence and resilience not only inspire fellow climbers but also elevate the sport of climbing.