Subscribe Now

travelers today

Home » News

Father Of Yosemite Rock Climbing Remembered

Travelers Today       By    Glory Moralidad

Updated: Mar 27, 2017 04:26 AM EDT

Text Size: A A A

Royal Robbins, Father of Yosemite Rock Climbing, may have passed away on March 14, but his legacy of benchmarking "clean climbing" and respecting the natural earth formations will remain. He and his wife, Liz Robbins have been considered as icons during the 1960's when they had set techniques that allow them to climb with damages to the environment.

Robbins and his team first climbed Northwest Face of Half Dome in the Yosemite Valley during 1957 which was said to be "unclimbable." Among his other feats include climbing solo the West Face of Leaning Tower and El Capitan.

Royal and Liz also went on developing tools, techniques and even apparel for other climbers to follow suit. Notably, the couple created a route which they call "Nutcracker," when they avoided using pitons when climbing in the Yosemite. Pitons are spikes hammered to the rocks, therefore, destroying the geological formation of the valley. They instead use nuts placed in holes and crevices of the mountain and uses ropes to hold on to. That way, they wouldn't destroy the rocks at Yosemite.

Also, in 1967, when they climbed the Half Dome, they saw their jeans being ripped to pieces they said, "Maybe we had better get in the apparel business!" Thus, the Billy Goat apparel and the Royal Robbins Company started, so that climbers like them can have the ease of moving to the harsh environment of Yosemite.

When Royal was in his forties, he developed psoriatic arthritis which triggers joint pains and swelling. He gave up climbing and found new love in kayaking for the next few years. The couple, moreover, sold their company in 2007. A decade later, he was proclaimed dead at his home in California. He was 82 years old.

National Geographic Magazine reported Royal as saying: "I have given my life to the vertical endeavor, and it has repaid me in full, but there are other areas too, such as hopping freights, kayaking, business, marriage, and raising a family, that speak of high adventure. ... Life is an adventure and character counts."

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018

Tags
Royal Robbins, Father of Yosemite Rock Climbing, Yosemite National Park, Yosemite rock climbing, Yosemite
© 2023 Traverlers Today, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Join Our Conversation

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive the latest travel news, reviews, and more..

Most Popular

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

6 Tips For Traveling With Young Children

Planning for a trip takes some time, even if it's just you g

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

How Traveling Can Make You Happy

If you have never traveled before but are thinking of doing so then

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

Scottish Islands: The Best Places to Reside!

So there are a few islands that can be found off the Sco

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

How to Plan a Multi-Destination Honeymoon During COVID

You need to know how to plan appropriately and

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

7 Tips for Amazing Campus Visits

A campus visit's significance could not be overstated. After all, fo

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

4 Tips For Curating The Perfect Gallery Wall

Having a gallery wall brings plenty of benefits to your

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

Water Travel Options That Don’t Involve a Cruise

There is something equally relaxing and invigorati

Photo by Erik Odiin on Unsplash

Things That Will Help Cost-Conscious Vacationers Save Money

There are several ways you can significan

Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

How to Make Vet Visits Affordable in 2022

If the situation is minor, you might be lucky and get away

Photo by Tim Samuel from Pexels

Know Your Florida Driving Rules

There is so much to do in the region, but we want to focus on some of

Photo by Ging Ang from Pexels

Holidaying in your own Country: Try these Fun Trips!

Many countries are opening their borders, but if

Photo by Jessica Lewis Creative from Pexels

The Best Tech Tools for Expats

Here’s a quick look at most versatile tech tools for expats on the m

Photo by Tobi from Pexels

How to Turn a Road Trip Into A Luxury Adventure

But a road trip doesn’t have to mean living on the

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Australian Citizenship Test: Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to become a citizen of Australia

Hair transplant Istanbul: Why is it so popular?

Hair Transplant Istanbul: Why is it so Popular?

Getting a hair transplant in Istanbul is affordable i

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

What’s Going on with Rental Cars Right Now?

They are incredibly expensive, and they’re also in sh

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

Role of Professional companies in International Trade

International trade holds great importance in a

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

The 5 Best Wines from Germany

Riesling is Germany’s best-known wine, but the country makes other fi

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

Here's Why You Should Go Camping On Weekends

There is nothing like the great outdoors –– natureâ€

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

The Best Tote Bags To Travel With in 2022

Who knew you could pack your entire life away into one litt

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

7 Captivating Attractions for Kids in San Diego

San Diego is a magnificent place, and it would not be

travelers today

© 2023 TRAVELERS TODAY All rights reserved.

Subscribe to our newsletter
Real Time Analytics