In a major update from the California climbing scene, 22-year-old all-arounder Connor Herson has claimed the long-awaited second ascent of Towing the Line. This ascent marks the first repeat of the route since it was established by Carlo Traversi in 2020.

While the ascent itself took place during the Black Diamond Athlete Summit late last year, the release of the footage and details this week has brought this under-the-radar test piece back into the spotlight.

The Route: A Hidden Gem in Tahoe

Located on the Empath Cliff (Silver Fork wall) near Kirkwood, California, Towing the Line sits just to the left of the world-famous route Empath (5.15a). However, the two lines couldn't be more different.

  • Grade: Originally graded 5.14b (8c) by Traversi. Herson refrained from offering a specific upgrade but noted it feels similar in difficulty to Empath (which ranges from 5.14d to 5.15a depending on beta).
  • Style: Unlike the physical, compression-heavy tufa system of Empath, Towing the Line is a masterpiece of technical granite climbing. It features thin cracks, microscopic crimps, precarious smears, and a punishing, bouldery crux.
  • History: First ascended by Carlo Traversi in October 2020.

The Ascent

Despite the popularity of the wall due to Empath, this technical face climb had repelled suitors for years until Herson's recent effort. Known for his versatility—from freeing The Nose on El Capitan to crushing hard trad lines in Squamish—Herson was the perfect candidate to unlock the route's complex movement.

"The two climbs could not be more different in style, but what Towing the Line lacks in popularity it more than makes up for in quality: classic Carlo Traversi power-tech style up a long, striking line on perfect granite with varied, thoughtful movement." — Connor Herson

Herson described the crux as difficult to decipher, requiring immense precision. However, once he unlocked the sequence, he found it repeatable, showcasing his trademark technical proficiency.

Watch the Send

Black Diamond has just released the footage of the ascent, offering a rare look at this technical granite test piece.