Bruce Carson


Quick Info

From: USA 🇺🇸
Date of death: 4th September 1975
Gender: Male

American rock climber and mountaineer notable for many first 'clean' ascents of Yosemite walls in the early 1970s thus helping pave the way to a wider adoption of hammerless climbing. Died after falling through a cornice on Trisul, in the Indian Himalayas.

References

[1] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197657900/Bruce-Allan-Carson-1951-1975

[2] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197405800

Contributors
34 contributions since 16th December 2025.

Quick Info

From: USA 🇺🇸
Date of death: 4th September 1975
Gender: Male

American rock climber and mountaineer notable for many first 'clean' ascents of Yosemite walls in the early 1970s thus helping pave the way to a wider adoption of hammerless climbing. Died after falling through a cornice on Trisul, in the Indian Himalayas.

References

[1] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197657900/Bruce-Allan-Carson-1951-1975

[2] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197405800

Contributors
34 contributions since 16th December 2025.

Pics + Vids

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Ascents

1 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
Climb Grade Style Ascent Date Suggested Grade
The Nose A2 Alternate Leads | ground up Sep 1973
With Yvon Chouinard.

First hammerless ascent: passive gear only as predated spring-loaded cams such as Friends.

(Chouinard) put the first nut in and looked down. “You know, I’ve never really stood on one of these before.” My heart sank. He stepped up, and the nut sank—about a quarter inch. My heart shrivelled up totally. Who was this guy? I had never climbed with him before, but he was supposed to know something about nuts.

References

[1] https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/12197405800