Ascent Log
| Climber | Suggested Grade | Date of Ascent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Sharma | 8c+ | 17th Mar 1997 | First 8c+ in America Instagram Post |
| Tommy Caldwell | 8c+ | 1998 | |
| Dave Graham | 8c+ | 20th Nov 2001 | |
| James Litz | 8c+ | 19th Dec 2004 | |
| Alex Megos | 8c+ | ||
| Adam Ondra | 8c+ | 24th Feb 2015 | |
| Mike Doyle | 8c+ | Feb 2015 | |
| Michaela Kiersch | 8c+ | 6th Feb 2022 | |
| Paige Claassen | 8c+ | 7th Feb 2022 |
Climb Profile
The Route
Originally bolted by Boone Speed, this route has become a benchmark for climbers seeking to test their limits against steep, overhanging limestone. The wall, adorned with striking orange and black streaks, tilts just past vertical, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the already demanding climb.
Spanning approximately 35 meters, Necessary Evil is not just a test of technical skill but also of endurance. Rated at 8c+ (5.14c), it’s a pretty challenging route with only one rest spot. The route’s holds are small and require precise, powerful movements, demanding a high level of strength and control from climbers.
The evolution of Necessary Evil into its current form is a story of collaboration and progression in the climbing community. Initially, to climb the majority of the route, an ascent began on “Don’t Call Me Dude.” However, with Boone Speed’s approval, Chris Sharma linked the original start of Necessary Evil to “Route of All Evil,” creating the line known and revered today. This modification not only enhanced the route’s continuity but also its overall challenge.
First Ascent
17th March 1997: Chris Sharma
Sharma, with a keen eye for potential, recognized that the route, as it was initially set, could be enhanced. The original path required starting on “Don’t Call Me Dude,” but Sharma, with Speed’s approval, decided to link this start to “Route of All Evil.” This change was not just a tweak in the path but a significant enhancement of the route’s complexity and appeal.
Describing the climb, Sharma said it was like tackling two consecutive 5.14a boulder problems, separated only by a brief and barely sufficient rest.
Sharma’s successful ascent of Necessary Evil was a milestone in his climbing career. It demonstrated his ability to push the limits of the sport and to approach climbing routes not just as physical challenges but as opportunities for creative problem-solving. His ascent remains a notable achievement in the climbing community as one of the first 8c+ routes in America.
Oh, and did I mention Sharma was only 15 and had only been climbing for 3 years? Yup. Legend.
First Female Ascent
6th Feb 2022: Michaela Kiersch
Michaela Kiersch, had recently made the first ascent of Goldilocks, a 5.14b at the Red River Gorge’s Gold Coast, before tackling Necessary Evil. Her success on Necessary Evil wasn’t just a personal triumph but also a groundbreaking moment for female climbers, as it was the first female ascent of this challenging route.
Less than 24 hours after Kiersch’s historic ascent, Paige Claassen, another highly skilled climber, redpointed Necessary Evil. This quick succession of female ascents highlighted a significant year for women in climbing, marked by numerous breakthroughs and remarkable achievements.
These ascents by Kiersch and Claassen were not just personal victories but also symbolized the evolving landscape of climbing, where women continue to push boundaries and achieve new heights.
Other Epic Ascents
Necessary Evil has been tackled by some of the biggest names in rock climbing. The second ascent was made by Tommy Caldwell a year after Sharma. Dave Graham also climbed the route in 2001.
Adam Ondra tried the route in 2015 and it comes as no surprise, he clipped the chains after just two attempts on the route. One very notable ascent however came from Canadian climber Mike Doyle. In February of 2015, Doyle achieved his longtime goal by sending Necessary Evil on his 59th attempt. Now that’s dedication!
Header image by ©Tara Kerzhner
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