American climber Katie Lamb has made history by achieving the first-ever female ascent of a consensus V16 (8C+) boulder, The Dark Side, in Yosemite National Park.
The Dark Side, located at Camp 4 Boulders, was first climbed by Carlo Traversi in December 2023, after more than 50 sessions of effort. The problem is known for its technical precision, requiring climbers to master subtle movements and friction-dependent holds.
Lamb’s ascent marks a significant milestone in women’s bouldering, as she becomes the first woman to officially climb V16 after her previous ascent of Box Therapy in 2023 was later downgraded to V15. She described her experience on The Dark Side as a lesson in understanding friction, emphasizing the importance of patience and adaptability in high-stakes climbing.
Her achievement further cements her status as one of the strongest female boulderers in the world, pushing the boundaries of elite climbing and inspiring future generation
