Routesetters are at the core of what we do.
With a team of more than 20 setters who have experience ranging from V14 sends to USAC level 5 certifications, the Planet Granite team works hard to provide the best setting around. Led by Bay Area Director of Setting Josh Hayes, we are proud to have one of the most skilled and talented groups in the country creating an impressive product for you to enjoy!
The Process
Every week, our setters travel to each gym on different days, strip a section of wall (take down the holds), wash the holds, re-set new routes/problems and then climb and grade each one. On the weekends, they’re out there putting up first ascents, crushing El Cap and warming up on stuff most of us only dream of climbing. Next time you see one of our setters, be sure to give them a hearty slap on the back!
The Schedule
In San Francisco, our setters usually set on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. You might see them setting or tweaking a few routes on Fridays too!
We love to hear feedback too! If you have feedback on grades or climbs, free to reach out. This helps us keep our product the best!
UPCOMING SETS
Boulders: The Yoga Roof
Routes: Window Wall and Mickeys Corner
RECENTLY SET
Below are the most recently updated settings.
| Date Set | Location | Routes Set | Problems Set | Grade Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/10 | Circus Wall, Constant Wall | 34 | 5.9 - 5.13c | |
| 09/28 | Crissy Field Wall | 26 | 5.6 - 5.12b | |
| 09/26 | South Wall, The Training Wall | 36 | 5.6 - 5.12c/d | |
| 09/14 | Ramp, Upstairs | 32 | V0 - V11 | |
| 09/07 | 10 Degree Wall | 20 | 5.8 - 5.13a | |
| 09/01 | Freestanding Boulder | 39 | V0 - V10 | |
| 08/29 | Red Wall, Yoga Roof | 43 | V0 - V12 | |
| 08/23 | Back 40 | 30 | V0 - V11 |
ROUTESETTERS
JOSH HAYNES
Program Director
about me
I’ve been climbing for 12 years, and setting for 11 years. I lived in an old ambulance for several years, traveling all over the US, Canada, and Mexico.
I am also a ginger… #gingerpower
Skills
I love the STEEPS! The steeper the climb, the higher the psych.
Height: 5’10
APE Index: negative 1/2″
My Favorite climb, problem or area
I basically lived in Hueco Tanks for years, and will always feel at home there. It definitely has a special place in my heart. I also love Font. It is one of the most magical places I have ever been.
My setting style in three words
Flow, Sustained, Gingerific
Walker Emerson
Sunnyvale Head Setter
Skills
Blocky compression and long routes.
Height: 6’1″
APE Index: +2
My Favorite climb, problem or area
El Cap
Walker Emerson’s background is in the arts. Route setting is a fine art; the wall a large canvas and the holds paint. Walker is well-versed in all styles of climbing from boulders to big walls, after 10 years of a die-hard climbing lifestyle his list of accomplishments is long. Walker also writes for the Planet Granite website. Check out his monthly contributions to the PG blog. On weekends you can find him clipping bolts at Jailhouse or placing gear in Yosemite.
My setting style in three words
Big holds/moves
MICK PETTS
San Francisco Head Setter
about
Mick has been setting for fourteen years both in England and here in the states. The influence of granite and his home gritstone is apparent in his setting style; his routes are full of technical and balancy moves. He has been a part of the Planet Granite community since 2010, and he is psyched to push the level of creativity of our setters.
Favorite climb, problem or area
Squamish BC
Skills
Dynos, big jumps, flexibility. All things World Cup.
Height: 5’8″
APE Index: 0
Characterize your setting style in three words
Flowy foot driven
DANNY HARRIS
Belmont Head Setter
about me
Started climbing in 2002. I enjoy bouldering, sport climbing, and the occasional trad route.
Skills
Crimp
Height: 6’2″
APE Index: +2
What’s your favorite climb, problem or area?
Yosemite and Bishop
Setting style in three words
Flow, flow, flow.
ADRIEL
Routesetter
about me
Climbing almost 10 years. Route setting for eight. I have enjoyed what climbing has added to my life.
skills
Being able to set fear aside and focus on movement when I need to. Compression.
classes
Lead 1,2 and 3. Private Lessons
height: 6’2
APE Index: +3
My Favorite climb, problem or area
The Bowling Pin Boulder
My setting style in three words
open handed goodness
ANTONIO
Front Desk and Instructor
about me
If you don’t see me at the gym, you can find me fishing the California delta, surfing the cleanest waves around or studying at the College of San Mateo. Since working at Planet Granite I have found a new love for climbing, indoors and outdoors, and helping others develop their own skills and passion for climbing.
I started climbing back in 2005. I love it because it gives me a reason to be happy and alive. And I want to share it to others through setting and coaching.
classes
Lead Class and Belay Lesson
Skills
If efficiency is a skill, that might be it. Strengths in climbing: compression and maybe shoulder-intensive type of climbing.
Height: 5’8″
APE Index: +4
My Favorite climb, problem or area
My favorite place to climb is Bishop,CA.
My setting style in three words
Flow and Tension
John
Routesetter, Staff/Instructor, Coach
About me
John has always followed his bliss and loves how climbing helps him “get his sparkle on” in the same way as meditation. He has a bachelor’s degree in Music Composition, a teacher training cert. in Qigong, and is excited to see how all of his various passions come together to form the masterpiece of his life.
Skills
Power climbing! He really shines on the overhangs and if there’s pinches involved, he’s in Paradise.
Height: 6’0″
APE Index: 6’2″
Your setting style in three words
Challenging, Varied, Fun
Gavin
Routesetter
about me
Introduced to climbing via his older brother, Gavin quickly became enveloped in the community. Hailing from the unique sandstone enclave of Castle Rock State Park, every facet of the climbing experience has now become a passion. These passions continue to develop and grow, bringing him to new places and familiar ones as well.
skills
Squeezing!
Height: 6′
APE Index: even
My Favorite climb, problem or area
There are too many to compile a list. However, with a trip to Fontainebleau next year, this could change.
My setting style in three words
Powerful, Tensional, Interesting
Cody Hanson
Routesetter
About me
Cody began climbing in Napa, California in 2011 and immediately became addicted to climbing. He soon started climbing outdoors every weekend at local crags and famous Californian climbing destinations. He started route setting in late 2015 and has been loving it ever since.
Skills
Bouldering, particularly steep dynamic climbing.
classes
In addition to routesetting, I work the front desk and teach BRC, Climbing Fundamentals, and Bouldering Fundamentals.
Height: 5’7″
APE Index: +0
What’s your favorite climb, problem, or area?
Fort Ross, Sonoma Coast
Setting style in three words
Your next project.
Sasha Schwartz
Routesetter
about me
I have been setting for just over six years. In the day-to-day scheme, the idea for me is to use setting as a way to teach movement skills and the basics of climbing. It is a great creative outlet, and another way in which I like to engage our climbing community. Also Head coach of the PG Belmont Youth Climbing Team.
skills
Sequencing, compression, and technical climbs.
height: 6′
My Favorite climb, problem or area
Smith Rock for sport climbing, and the Tahoe area for bouldering.
My setting style in three words
Flowy, technical, powerful