Climbing, whether on natural rock faces or indoor climbing walls, is a sport that draws enthusiasts of all skill levels. However, it's essential for climbers to understand the various rating systems used to determine the difficulty and danger level of climbs. One of the most widely used systems is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the YDS and other rating systems commonly used in climbing, shedding light on what they mean and how they help climbers choose appropriate routes for their skill and experience.