John Salathé


Quick Info

From: USA 🇺🇸
Date of birth: 14th June 1899
Age: 93 years old
Date of death: 31st August 1992
Gender: Male

Yosemite big wall pioneer and blacksmith. His hand-forged hard steel - and thus reusable - pitons were the technological breakthrough that enabled long routes to be climbed on the granite walls of Yosemite.

Contributors
35 contributions since 9th October 2025.
22 contributions since 3rd March 2025.

Quick Info

From: USA 🇺🇸
Date of birth: 14th June 1899
Date of death: 31st August 1992
Age: 93 years old
Gender: Male

Yosemite big wall pioneer and blacksmith. His hand-forged hard steel - and thus reusable - pitons were the technological breakthrough that enabled long routes to be climbed on the granite walls of Yosemite.

Contributors
35 contributions since 9th October 2025.
22 contributions since 3rd March 2025.

Library


Pics + Vids

No pics or vids yet.


Ascents

2 recorded ascents.

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Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
First ascent. With some points of aid.

The first Yosemite Big Wall: 5 days and nights spend on the route.

References

[1] Roper, S (1994). Camp 4: Recollections of a Yosemite Rockclimber.. USA: The Mountaineers

[2] https://climbing-history.org/library/7893/united-states,-sierra-club,-1947

First ascent. With Allen Steck. With some points of aid.

Salathe's last major climb.

References

[1] Roper, S (1994). Camp 4: Recollections of a Yosemite Rockclimber.. USA: The Mountaineers

Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade