Watch Connor Herson climbing Meltdown in Yosemite

In November 2023 America's Connor Herson made the fifth ascent of Meltdown, the 5.14c/8c+ trad climb in Yosemite. Established by Beth Rodden in 2008, at the time this remarkable thin crack climb was hailed as one of the hardest crack climbs in the world. Carlo Traversi made the first repeat in 2018, followed by Jacopo Larcher in 2022 and Barbara Zangerl in 2023.

After his ascent Herson commented "This one meant a lot. The most sessions I’ve spent on a gear-protected pitch, the most uncertain I’ve been about whether a route is possible for me, the most I’ve learned on a route—the list goes on. The crux boulder felt harder than any boulder I’ve done on the ground."

He concluded by paying kudos to Rodden "So much respect to Beth Rodden for her vision and determination on this one. Her ascent of Meltdown was so far ahead of its time. Imo one of the greatest achievements in climbing!"