Connor Herson climbing 'Drifters Escape' (5.15a/9a+) at Squamish, Canada
Christian Adam for Black Diamond
Watch Connor Herson free Drifter’s Escape, 9a+ trad at Squamish
The video of American climber Connor Herson establishing 'Drifter’s Escape' at Squamish in Canada. Graded 9a+, this is as the world's first trad climb of this difficulty.
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After two seasons and roughly 20 attempts, on 14 July 2025 Connor Herson completed the first ascent of Drifter’s Escape on Stawamus Chief in Squamish. He proposed a grade of 9a+ (5.15a), making it a contender for the world’s hardest trad route.
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13/02/2026 - Climbing
Connor Herson climbs Drifters Escape, 9a+ trad at Squamish American climber Connor Herson has made the first ascent of Drifters Escape in Squamish, Canada, proposing 5.15a (9a+) and establishing it as the world's first trad climb of this difficulty.
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