Scott Cosgrove

Also known as: Coz

Quick Info

From: USA 🇺🇸
Date of birth: 6th January 1964
Age: 52 years old
Date of death: 23rd February 2016
Gender: Male
Hardest Sport (Worked): 8b+
Hardest Trad (Worked): E8
Notable Partnerships
Kurt Smith

First American to climb 5.14 (8b+), accomplished big wall free climber, alpinist, guide and industrial rigger.

References

[1] https://alpinist.com/newswire/scott-cosgrove-january-6-1964-february-23-2016/

[2] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201214301/Scott-Cosgrove-1964-2016

Contributors
45 contributions since 10th November 2025.

Quick Info

From: USA 🇺🇸
Date of birth: 6th January 1964
Date of death: 23rd February 2016
Age: 52 years old
Gender: Male
Hardest Sport (Worked): 8b+
Hardest Trad (Worked): E8
Notable Partnerships
Kurt Smith

First American to climb 5.14 (8b+), accomplished big wall free climber, alpinist, guide and industrial rigger.

References

[1] https://alpinist.com/newswire/scott-cosgrove-january-6-1964-february-23-2016/

[2] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201214301/Scott-Cosgrove-1964-2016

Contributors
45 contributions since 10th November 2025.

Pics + Vids

No pics or vids yet.


Ascents

3 recorded ascents.

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Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
New Deal 8b+ Lead | worked 31st Jan 1988
First ascent.

Graded 13d at the time as Cosgrove had not yet climbed 5.14.

"It took me somewhere like 18 days to do it, I think, I had never climb a 14a and the grade did not exist in California, but a 14a Euro-climber tried and failed on the line, shortly after my red-point. He later traveled to Smith Rock and climbed, JB Tribout, To Bolt, or Not to Be, very quickly. So, I would say that Alan [Moore]'s rating should stand, as at the time I really didn't know what 13d or 14a was, just that it was damn hard for me and I had to give it a number.

I was in school, guiding full time and training, I had no time or money to go on the road and repeat other 14a, but spent the time climbing routes close to home. I named the climb after FDR, plan to put America back to work in the Great Depression, but that metaphor was lost on the many rap bolt haters, who thought I was rubbing it in their face. I felt the small compromise in ethic would lead to higher numbers." (Scott Cosgrove in 2013, after the second ascent)

The Shaft 8a+ Lead | did not finish 1994
With Kurt Smith.
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
Southern Belle E8 Lead | worked 1986
First ascent. With Dave Schultz.
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade