US rock climber becomes first woman to scale 'El Capitan' formation's toughest route. Sasha DiGiulian, 33, has become the first woman to free climb the longest route on Yosemite's El Capitan, completing the 40-pitch Platinum route. The American climber reached the summit on 26 November 2025, securing the first female free ascent of the line. She led 27 of the 40 pitches, including every crux. DiGiulian spent nine days pinned to her portaledge as storms drenched the upper wall, forced long pauses in progress and left key crux sections dripping even after the weather cleared. Her ascent is only the fourth time a team has climbed the route since its establishment. Established between 2009 and 2017, Platinum Wall is regarded as one of El Capitan's most complex and demanding free climbs. Unlike many El Cap routes, which follow crack systems, Platinum Wall weaves through long, technical face climbing and powerful traverses beneath a major roof feature. Despite icefall, water sheeting from the summit and prolonged exposure on the wall, DiGiulian continued upwards and completed the route after three seasons of preparation. “This climb started as a wild, audacious dream, something that honestly terrified me. I battled so many moments of feeling unprepared or not good enough,” the climber said. “But pitch by pitch, I proved to myself that when you show up, commit, and keep believing, you can do things you once thought were impossible. This ascent is the proudest achievement of my career.”