description The Dark Side Overview
The Dark Side is a modern granite boulder problem situated in Yosemite National Park’s Val Bavona area. It’s recognized as one of the world's most challenging climbs, graded V16 and first ascended by Dave Graham. The route features intricate moves on polished stone demanding exceptional power and technique. It is primarily for experienced climbers seeking advanced boulder problems with a high level of difficulty.
help The Dark Side FAQ
Is The Dark Side located in Yosemite or Val Bavona?
Dave Graham's The Dark Side is associated with Val Bavona in Ticino, Switzerland, not Yosemite National Park. Val Bavona is an Alpine bouldering area known for hard problems on gneiss.
What grade is The Dark Side?
The problem has generally been discussed at around 8C, or V15, rather than V16. Grades at this level can change as more elite climbers repeat a problem.
Who made the first ascent of The Dark Side?
American climber Dave Graham established The Dark Side. Graham is also known for first ascents such as The Story of Two Worlds in Cresciano and Hypnotized Minds in Colorado.
What makes The Dark Side difficult?
It combines highly powerful movement with the exact body positioning and footwork required by steep Swiss gneiss. The problem belongs to the same elite Val Bavona scene that has attracted climbers seeking problems in the upper 8 grades.
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