List of grade milestones in rock climbing

In rock-climbing, a first free ascent (FFA) is the first redpoint, onsight or flash of a single-pitch, multi-pitch (or big wall), or boulder climbing route that did not involve using aid equipment to help progression or resting; the ascent must therefore be performed in either a sport, a traditional, or a free solo manner.

First-free-ascents that set new grade milestones are important events in rock climbing history, and are listed below.

For example, in 2001, Realization was considered the world's first 9a+ (5.15a), however, the first repeat of the 1996 route Open Air [de], which only happened in 2008, suggested that it was possibly the first 9a+ (5.15a).

9c (5.15d):[a] 9b+ (5.15c):[b] 9b (5.15b):[c][d][e][f] 9a+ (5.15a):[g][h] 9a (5.14d): 8c+ (5.14c): 8c (5.14b):[i] 8b+ (5.14a):[j] 8b (5.13d):[k] 8a+ (5.13c)[l] The notable first ascents that set a new highest-grade prior to The Face were traditional climbing routes: 8a (5.13b)[m] 7c+ (5.13a) 7c (5.12d) 7b+ (5.12c) 7b (5.12b) 7a+ (5.12a) 7a (5.11d) 6c (5.11a/b): 6b+ (5.10d/11a): 6b (5.10c): 6a+ (5.10b): 5b (5.8): 9b (5.15b):[n] 9a+ (5.15a): 9a/9a+ : 9a (5.14d):[o][p] 8c+ (5.14c): 8c (5.14b): 8b+ (5.14a): 8b (5.13d): 8a+ (5.13c): 8a (5.13b): 7c+/8a (5.13a/b) : The notable first female ascents that set a new highest-grade pre Fleur de Rocaille were traditional climbing routes: 7c+ (5.13a): 7c (5.12d): 7b+ (5.12c): 7b (5.12b): 7a (5.11d): With route beta on the internet, the distinction between an onsight (no prior beta) and a flash (had prior beta) is less relevant; it is recorded where noted.

Given the smaller number of entries for multi-pitch and big wall routes, the sections below combine milestones for overall and female ascents.