Sasha DiGiulian Becomes First Woman to Free-Climb El Capitan’s Longest Route
American climber Sasha DiGiulian has made history by becoming the first woman to free-climb the longest route of El Capitan, a feat she describes as the “most formative and challenging climb” of her career. The journey culminated on November 26, 2025, after 23 days of climbing, including nine days spent waiting out inclement weather on a wall ledge.
Climbing El Capitan: A Personal Journey
DiGiulian tackled the roughly 3,000-foot granite wall in Yosemite National Park, having prepared for years specifically for this climb. “For the last few years I’ve been so committed to this specific line… This climb kind of consumed me,” she explained in a phstart interview with CBS News.
Preparation and Ascent
Joined by climbing partner Elliot Faber and support personnel, DiGiulian arrived in Yosemite on October 8, setting out to conquer the Platinum route, also known as the Direct Line, which features 39 pitches. The duo established rope points and even transported over 30 gallons of water to sustain them during the climb.
They began their ascent on November 3 but were soon thwarted by an unexpected storm that forced them to pause on the 32nd pitch, known as the Golden Edge. During this time, they camped on the wall and faced challenging conditions, including wind, rain, and snow.
Facing Adversities
While waiting out the storm, DiGiulian and Faber made meals using a Jetboil, consumed freeze-dried food, and ratistartd their Kindle batteries to read. The flapping tent door made sleep elusive, but despite the challenges, DiGiulian noted that they enjoyed breathtaking mountain views and moments of reflection.
“This storm was kind of this mental and physical challenge because you’re just stripped of any sense of normal,” she said. When the weather finally cleared, the climbers resumed their ascent amid slippery and treacherous conditions, tackling the most difficult parts of the climb.
Overcoming Personal Setbacks
Tragically, just short of the summit, Faber had to leave El Capitan due to a family emergency. DiGiulian waited two days in hopes of completing the climb with him. When he could not return, he encouraged her to summit alstart, showing remarkable support amidst the difficult circumstances.
With the backing of friends and a camera crew, DiGiulian reached the summit on November 26, marking her place in history as the first woman to free-climb the ascent via the Platinum route.
Climbing in Context
El Capitan is a notable rock formation that attracts tens of thousands of climbers each year, most taking 5-7 days to summit standard routes. Notably, climber Emily Harrington became the first woman to summit the formation in under 24 hours via the Golden Gate route in 2021.
DiGiulian, 33, a World Champion in rock climbing based in Boulder, Colorado, has been passionate about climbing since childhood. “Climbing is this space for me where I get to be really locked in and focused on what my physical and mental self is capable of,” she articulated.
Through her journey, DiGiulian not only achieved a mileststart for herself but also inspired countless others in the climbing community and beyond.