How to Tie the Yosemite Bowline
The Yosemite Bowline
The Yosemite Bowline is a secure variation of the bowline knot used to create a fixed loop in a rope, making it especially popular in climbing, rescue, and other safety-critical applications. It is valued for its additional locking turn, which helps prevent the knot from loosening or capsizing under cyclic loading while still retaining the bowline’s ability to be untied relatively easily after bearing weight. Because of this combination of security, strength, and practicality, the Yosemite Bowline is commonly used whenever a reliable end-of-line loop is needed for attaching to harnesses, anchors, or other fixed points.
Other Names: Retraced Bowline, Tucked Bowline, Bowline with Yosemite Finish, Yosemite Tie Off, Yosemite Finish
Yosemite Bowline Instructions
Today, the Yosemite Bowline is widely used in climbing, rescue, and rope-access applications where greater security than a standard bowline is desired. Its structure is based on the classic bowline but incorporates an additional tuck of the working end back through the knot, creating what is commonly known as the Yosemite finish. This modification helps improve stability, reduces the likelihood of the knot loosening under repeated loading and unloading, and provides a more streamlined profile. The Edwards Bowline is similar to the Yosemite Bowline, but figures an even more comprehensive securement once more through the knot. The Yosemite Bowline is not in The Ashley Book of Knots (ABOK).
Key Considerations
Proper dressing of the Yosemite Bowline is important to ensure the knot is correctly formed and performs as intended. The additional Yosemite finish must be routed properly through the knot and tightened carefully so that all parts of the structure are neatly aligned. Careful dressing and setting help maximize security and reduce the risk of incorrect tying. As with all climbing knots, the finished knot should be visually inspected and checked before use to confirm that it has been tied correctly and that an adequate tail remains.
Advantages & Disadvantages
One of the key advantages of the Yosemite Bowline loop knot is its combination of security and ease of untying after heavy loading. It retains many of the desirable characteristics of the traditional bowline while providing additional resistance to loosening, making it a popular choice among climbers and rope professionals. It can be tied efficiently with practice and remains practical in situations where both reliability and convenience are important. However, like any knot used in life-safety applications, it should only be used by individuals who are properly trained in its construction, inspection, and appropriate use.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, knot strength, security, and suitability can vary depending on rope type, condition, load, environmental factors, and how the knot is tied. Users are responsible for inspecting their equipment and verifying that a knot is appropriate for their intended use. Do not rely solely on the information provided here for activities involving personal safety, life support, climbing, rescue operations, heavy lifting, or other high-risk applications.
SCB Media Group assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the knots and techniques described. Always seek professional instruction and follow applicable safety standards where appropriate.