Royal Robbins, The Godfather of Purism
The staunch Yosemite hardman pioneered modern free climbing ethics, and accomplished first ascents of some of America’s most iconic climbs.
Royal Robbins
Yosemite’s Wild Days (in Pictures)
The following photos provide a glimpse into the evolution of Yosemite's climbing scene, including pioneers like Royal Robbins and Warren Harding, as well as present-day badasses like Alex Honnold.
The Climbing Gear First Used on El Capitan, Half Dome and Sentinel
A rare glimpse of the hardware carried by John Salathé, Royal Robbins, Warren Harding and William "Dolt "Feurer to pioneer Yosemite's granite crucibles.
Yosemite Legend Royal Robbins on the FA of El Cap’s North America Wall
Royal Robbins, Tom Frost, Yvon Chouinard, and Chuck Pratt teamed up to take down the first ascent this groundbreaking route on El Capitan.
Open Book: The Story of the First 5.9 Rock Climb
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Stoney Point: Portrait of an American Crag—The Pioneers (Part 2)
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
Photo Gallery: Nina Williams, Michaela Kiersch, and More
Check out Climbing Staff's author page.
A Eulogy for Royal Robbins
Check out Pat Ament's author page.
Royal Robbins: A Timeline and a Bibliography
Check out Zoe Gates's author page.
Royal Robbins: The Kingpin of Yosemite's Golden Age
Check out Chris Van Leuven's author page.
Obituary: Royal Robbins (1935–2017)
Check out James Lucas's author page.
A Conversation with Royal Robbins, Yosemite Pioneer
Check out Andrew Burr's author page.