Perched high above Yosemite National Park, the Thank God Ledge is a legendary feature on the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome. This narrow 35-foot-long granite shelf (just under a foot wide at its narrowest) has tested the nerves of climbers for decades.
The ledge’s notoriety was got a major boost in 2008 with the release of the “Free Solo” smash hit film featuring Alex Honnold who used the ledge to rest his body before resuming his ascent to the top without the benefit of safety ropes.
The ledge got its name from after the first ascent of Half Dome’s Northwest Face in 1957 by Royal Robbins who led the climb. The ledge proved crucial to this seminal group offering a brief respite from vertical travel and a bridge between two challenging pitches.
Traversing the Thank God ledge is even more nail-biting that it appears on video as the granite shelf begins to slope downward and the wall bulges behind your back as you side step across it making for a truly precarious experience.
Yosemite National Park Climbing Safety:
More than 100 climbing accidents occur in Yosemite each year; of these, 15-25 parties require a rescue. Climbing in Yosemite has inherent risks and climbers assume complete responsibility for their own safety. The National Park Service does not maintain routes; loose rock and other hazards can exist on any route. Rescue is not a certainty. If you get into difficulties, be prepared to get yourself out of them. Know what to do in any emergency, including injuries, evacuations, unplanned bivouacs, or rapid changes in weather. Safety depends on having the right gear and the right attitude. Practice self-rescue techniques before you need them! Courtesy is an element of safety. Falling rock or gear is a serious hazard. Be careful when climbing above others. Do not create a dangerous situation by passing another party without their consent.
