Best free solo climbers. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on .
Best free solo climbers. My hardest free solo climb so far! A few weeks ago I climbed this route with a climbing partner and I was so amazed by the rock quality and the exposure that I told myself " I'm gonna free solo May 26, 2023 · But while free soloing is currently in vogue, ushered into the mainstream by award-winning films like Free Solo and The Alpinist, Robert feels this wasn’t always the case. Climbers who choose to tackle these vertical walls without the use of ropes or safety equipment are truly pushing the limits of human ability. Adam Ondra Despite the fact that his name is synonymous with climbing prowess, Adam Ondra continues to enthrall the climbing community with his incredible talent, unrelenting desire, and ground-breaking accomplishments. [5][6] In the world of rock climbing, few names inspire as much awe, admiration, and occasional disbelief as Alex Honnold. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. [1] Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb at heights Climbers who free solo usually either hike down back to the base via another path or rappel down from the anchor at the top with a rope. Jun 26, 2024 · Explore the gripping documentary Free Solo (2018) and gain insight into the awe-inspiring journey of a rock climber's quest to conquer El Capitan. In 2017, he free-soloed Freerider 5. Oct 2, 2025 · If you’re new to climbing, Honnold is one of the most accomplished trad climbers ever, with dozens of awe-inspiring free-solos, alpine first ascents, and hard trad climbs. These men and women are not only the best Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold brought Free Soloing to the public's eye - Read about the legendary climbers who risked everything for the ultimate ascent Mar 30, 2024 · We have lost some of the best free solo climbers in other extreme sport-related incidents. Best known for his unprecedented free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park—climbing 3,000 feet of sheer granite without ropes or protective equipment—Honnold has redefined the boundaries of what many thought humanly possible in the vertical realm. Longer video here: https://youtu. com. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on It just made me realize that free soloing isn't this scary, untouchable thing—you solo routes that are well within your ability, and don't let ego get involved, and it's actually a fantastic way to move over the rock without anything holding you back or dictating your pace. Jul 5, 2024 · While solo implies that free soloing is done alone, it actually alludes to the fact that you don’t need a partner, as there’s no need for a belayer. Let's take a look at some of the greatest feats achieved in the sport of free solo climbing by some of the best climbers in history. Nov 2, 2022 · Whether you're a first-time climber or a seasoned mountaineer, at some point, you've probably heard the term "free climbing. NPS is investigating. Subscribe: http Apr 22, 2025 · Earl Prunty—the "upside down free soloist"—was known for downclimbing unroped upside down. Start your adventure today! Sep 9, 2022 · Climbing docs like Free Solo and Dawn Wall have shown millions how incredible rock climbing can be. Free solo climber Alex Honnold will attempt to scale Taipei 101, the tallest building in Taiwan, in a live two-hour special. Here are nine of the greatest free soloists of all time (and a few more that could easily have made the list). It’s like asking who the best athlete is – a marathon runner or a … Discover expert tips on camping, climbing, fishing, survival, fitness & more at BearGryllsGear. By his mid-30s, Alex Honnold had achieved Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. ) Mar 19, 2019 · Meanwhile free climbing does involves ropes and safety equipment but only as protection from falling, rather than an aid to help you progress the climb. Above about 50 feet, any fall would likely be lethal, which means that, on epic days of soloing, he might spend 12 or more hours in the Death Zone. The popularized image of free soloing, perhaps unsurprisingly given the success of 2 days ago · Alex Honnold has found his next adventure. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. Deep water soloing, aka psicobloc is becoming more popular these days because climbers are finding more and more places to enjoy this unique activity and… LOS ANGELES (AP) — A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. [1] Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb above safe heights, where a fall can be fatal. The show — appropriately called Skyscraper Live —will premiere in early 2026. Presented by https://www. Apr 22, 2025 · Earl Prunty—the "upside down free soloist"—was known for downclimbing unroped upside down. At the top of the rock climbing mountain (both figurative and metaphorical), you’ve got names like Alex Honnold, who has transcended into mainstream consciousness through the film Free Solo. (See trailer here. Free solo climber Matt Bush hangs from a cliff edge in Cape Town, South Africa. In this article, we’ll dive into the thrilling world of free soloing and shine a spotlight on the most famous free soloists of our time, both past and present. He passed away doing what he loved. While Free Solo (2018) celebrates athletic triumph it is also a thoughtful essay on mortality, fear, and self-identity, as it probes into the heart and mind of an elite athlete in an extreme sport. He has made a name for himself as the world’s foremost free-solo climber, clinging to the rock face with nothing but a chalk bag and a pair of TC Pros. It’s not always about the hardest climb, but a combination of difficulty, style, and the climber’s impact on the sport. However, he has accomplished many other interesting and incredible climbing feats in his career. We’ve included both a mix of free-solo climbers and free climbers in this list of inspirational men and women. be/r Nov 22, 2021 · It’s unclear how many people in total have free-climbed El Capitan in under 24 hours, but the American Alpine Club, a climbing organization, estimates that only 15 to 25 climbers have pulled it off. Oct 1, 2025 · The ‘Free Solo’ star will ascend the tallest building in Taiwan in 2026, and the event will be beamed live on the streaming platform Feb 22, 2022 · Making a list of the most famous rock climbers of all time starts out easy. A documentary about climbing solo up sheer vertical cliffs without safety ropes sounds too crazy-masculine to contain a gentle story of emotional awakening. Oct 3, 2018 · The climber is the first person to reach the top of Yosemite’s 3,000-foot El Capitan wall without ropes. Alex Honnold is a professional adventure rock climber whose audacious free-solo ascents of America’s biggest cliffs have made him one of the most recognized and followed climbers in the world. Jun 11, 2025 · Free solo climbing is an extreme form of rock climbing where the climber ascends alone, without any ropes, harnesses, or protective gear. Free solo climbing (or free soloing) is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs on technical terrain without ropes or any form of protective equipment — they are allowed to use climbing shoes and climbing chalk (or ice tools and crampons if ice climbing). It is considered the purest and most dangerous form of climbing, as a single fall can result in severe injury or death even from relatively low heights such as 20 feet. Often, free soloists do climb alone and it can be a very personal experience, though climbers can also take the free solo approach and enjoy a route together. The film profiled rock climber Alex Honnold in his quest to Free solo climbing, or free soloing, is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs solo (or alone) without ropes or other protective equipment, using only their climbing shoes and their climbing chalk. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. It holds a 97% “Fresh” score on film review site Rotten Tomatoes, which states that the film “depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason – and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal. Nov 29, 2019 · Rock climbers across the world have paid tribute to Brad Gobright after the renowned American free solo climber fell to his death on Wednesday. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. We’ll explore their jaw-dropping achievements and the legendary climbs that have earned them a place in rock climbing history. 13b), Yosemite Valley. 6 days ago · Balin Miller, famed solo climber, died after rappelling off the end of his rope on El Capitan. The Virtual reality offers professional climber Alex Honnold a new and innovative way to share his incredible free solo climbing thanks to VR's immersive authenticity, and you can now experience 6 days ago · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. May 9, 2024 · Known as one of the best female free solo climb ers and for her significant contributions to big wall climbing, Harrington has carved a niche for herself as one of the most daring and skilled climbers of her generation. Jan 19, 2025 · Climbing is becoming more popular than ever, with movies like Free Solo and The Dawn Wall bringing the sport into the mainstream. Nov 15, 2023 · Below, you’ll find a list of all the hardest free solo multi-pitch routes, single-pitch routes and alpine. From Jimmy Chin’s thoughtful, oscar-winning documentary, Free Solo, to the moral Mar 22, 2023 · From Free Solo to Meru to The Dawn Wall, these are the best climbing films on the most popular streaming platforms. For these five free solo climbing legends, it’s just another day at the office. Jun 13, 2025 · Free Solo is one of the best climbing documentaries out there. Jan 8, 2025 · List Of Top 10 Best Climbers In The World 2025 1. Aug 3, 2016 · Honnold is history’s greatest ever climber in the free solo style, meaning he ascends without a rope or protective equipment of any kind. Though many climbers Immerse yourself in the experience of free solo climbing Yosemite’s famous El Capitan alongside Alex Honnold in this breathtaking 360 video. Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. This is the untold story Alex Honnold's first Oct 23, 2017 · Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. The achievement was the focal point in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, which captures both the extraordinary technical precision required for the climb and the mental fortitude that sets Honnold apart from other climbers. Some have been known to descend free solo, but it's not the norm. Mar 9, 2023 · Another of the climbing world titans, Alex Honnold made a huge splash around the globe when he free soloed El Capitan in Yosemite (see my note about Free Solo in the bonus films section below). Beyond his 2017 history-making ascent of El Cap, dramatically documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo, Alex is simply one of the hardest working, certainly most accomplished, and greatest climbers to ever live. Jan 30, 2024 · Free solo climbing is a form of rock climbing that involves ascending cliffs and mountains without the use of any safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, or protective gear. We discuss rope soloing here. Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. Discover why this film is a must-watch for adventure enthusiasts and those intrigued by the human spirit of determination. For the uninitiated, free soloing is a dangerous form of rock climbing where the climber ascends without protective gear or a rope. We mention some names that have not been featured in previous lists, among the most astonishing May 11, 2025 · Who Are the Best Free Solo Climbers? Defining “best” is tricky in free soloing. He’s best known for his daring free solo climbs on the big walls of Yosemite and beyond. Many climbers seek famous spots for this thrill, but have you ever heard of the least known free solo climbing spots? They might surprise you! These hidden gems offer stunning views and unique challenges. " Now that movies like Free Solo and Dawn Wall have brought climbing into the mainstream, however, Summary: Male and female out climbing, female fell and died. This documentary follows Honnold while he attempts to climb Yosemite’s famous El Capitan (2,308 m/7,572 ft) in Yosemite National Park… WITHOUT A ROPE! This is an incredibly adrenaline-pumping documentary that will make sure to hold your attention until the Feb 12, 2021 · Who are the world’s most famous rock climbers? Look no further, we’ve compiled this ultimate list of the best climbers in the world! Had to make some edits to re-upload this video (:Discover the awe-inspiring story of these fearless climbers who dared to challenge their physical and mental Spend a day in San Francisco pushing the limits with the world's best free-solo climber Alex Honnold. I’ve also dedicated an article on the best free solo climbers in the world, so do check that out too! 13 Of The Hardest Free Solos In no particular order here are the hardest free solo ascents ever done. My comment wasn't intended to downplay their Jul 23, 2023 · Known For: Rock Climbing, Alpine & Free Solo Marc-Andre Leclerc is one of the most famous rock climbers who died, sadly, doing what he loves best in the mountains. Oct 31, 2023 · This head-to-head multi-pitch climbing competition features 12 mixed teams made up of 24 of the world’s best climbers across various disciplines battling it out on 180m-long artificial routes. (Mikey Schaefer Want to know who the best climbers alive today are? Check out my list here! 10: John Bachar Known for his legendary free solo ascents that helped push climbing into the realm of mass popularity, John Bachar was a member of the infamous Stonemasters of Yosemite. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. The 31-year-old California native was descending a Feb 3, 2022 · With the recent influx of climbing media, jargon like 'soloing' is spilling out into the general public. The fall was livestreamed. Sep 30, 2025 · Alex Honnold, the rock climber known for his daring “free solo” feats of ascending cliffs without the help of any ropes or safety equipment, has set his sights on a new challenge: Taiwan’s . I'm guessing the couple treated it like an exposed hike, rather than what immediately springs to mind when I hear "Free solo" climbing. Let's take a look back. The historic free solo (no ropes, just your hands and feet) ascent of the 3,000 ft face of El Capitan in Yosemite was the hardest big wall climb ever done – and will probably stay that way. Premiering Free soloing or free solo climbing is a type of rock or ice climbing where climbers, or more commonly known as free soloists, climb alone without using safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, helmets, and the like. But who exactly are the top climbers pushing the limits of the sport today? What Makes a Top Climber? 1 day ago · Alex Honnold, the renowned rock climber and star of the film "Free Solo," is hosting a new travel series in partnership with Nevada's state tourism agency. His Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. 4. Notably, Marc-Andre LecLerc was and is one of the best free soloist who lived and breathed climbing. If you haven’t been able to get your local climbing gym or crag for a while – here are some of the best climbing documentaries available on streaming services right now. Feb 15, 2013 · Adventure Best Free Solo Climbers Of All Time Luke Kelly-Clyne February 15, 2013 Tweet athletes climbing extreme climbing extreme sports solo climb Comments For most, the thought of scaling a vertical rock face or skyscraper with harnesses and ropes is laughably daunting. Ondra, who was born on February 5, 1993 in Brno, Czech Republic, has emerged as a source of motivation and has established new Aug 10, 2020 · Climbers and normies alike gripped their armrests watching Alex defy gravity and all common sense in the Free Solo documentary. In 2016, he completed the first winter solo ascents of both Torre Egger in Patagonia and of the Emperor Face of Mount Robson in Canada. He takes a sport with an already significant amount of risk and turns it into a life-or-death scenario. org. During the 1960’s and 70’s, Bachar was one of the most well-known climbers in the world, renowned for his daring and challenging Aug 27, 2025 · Best Climbing Movies Dawn Wall – Editors Choice Free Solo – Most likely to make your hands sweat Valley Uprising – Better than History Class Touching the Void – An incredible mountaineering documentary The Alpinist – A heart wrenching story about living Are you trying to get a psyche loan from the best climbing documentaries on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu? We got you covered. Nov 28, 2019 · Free solo climbing gained attention after the 2018 documentary Free Solo, which won the 2018 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Feb 10, 2011 · Rock Exotica Soloist The soloist has probably the best pedigree of any soloing device and has been used on many of the big solo climbs of the past two decades, including all Catherine Destivel’s solos (Eiger, Dru and Matterhorn). Trying to pick just one “best” free climber is super tough because everyone has different strengths, specialties, and climbs they’re known for. Netflix is climbing to new heights –– literally. However, tragically, some of these climbers have paid the ultimate price for their passion. With the increased attention a new generation of superstar climbers has emerged. For technical rock climbing (like Free Solo) check out the best climbing documentaries. Nicknamed “No Big Deal,” Alex has a bit of a droll personality and frequently downplays the magnitude Mar 1, 2022 · To date, Free Solo is considered among the best climbing films of all time. stridehealth. Nov 3, 2020 · Alex Honnold has been renowned as one of, if not the best free solo climber in the world. And while the adventure documentary has always been a staple for casual viewers, this new breed of climbing movies on Netflix delves deep into the psychology of our sport. Free Solo is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin [4] that profiles rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to perform the first-ever free solo climb of a route on El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park in California, in June 2017. This device, unlike the Soloiad, allows free movement with no self-feeding required, a boon for free climbers. His 2017 accomplishment of free soloing El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park, is regarded as one of the greatest athletic achievements of all time. Discover the best rock-climbing movies ever made! From Free Solo to Pretty Strong, get ready to enjoy adventure from your screen. Unlike traditional free climbing, which uses ropes and anchors for safety, free solo Nov 16, 2023 · No rope? No problem. Nov 2, 2023 · In this article, we’ll dive into the thrilling world of free soloing and shine a spotlight on the most famous free soloists of our time, both past and present. Nov 24, 2022 · After all that we’ve found the best mountain climbing documentaries on Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube. Jul 7, 2023 · It's been long overdue to feature another greatest free solo climbs video, so here it is. Nov 24, 2024 · Alex Honnold is an American climbing legend and perhaps the most famous rock climber in history. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern May 20, 2025 · The world of free climbing is filled with amazing athletes who push the limits of what’s possible on rock. Nov 22, 2021 · What free solo climbers have died? Some high-profile climbers have died while free soloing, including John Bachar, Derek Hersey, Vik Hendrickson, Robert Steele, Dwight Bishop, Jimmy Ray Forester, Jimmy Jewell, Tony Wilmott, and John Taylor. Many climbing media outlets, he says, were reluctant to cover his early free solo exploits on rock, for fear of promoting the wrong image. Free soloing Free solo climbing is one of the most extreme and dangerous sports in the world. (Updated March 22, 2023) Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, it won the 2018 Academy Award for Best Documentary. This blog aims only to explore the fundamentals of what it is and notable climbs and climbers who have pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved on a mountain. Jan 21, 2025 · It is worth noting at this point, that Kandoo Adventures do not operate free solo climbing trips; we don’t endorse free solo climbing; and none of the team have ever taken part in a free solo climb, to date. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing Sep 6, 2022 · But in 2019 it happened: light stopped being the fastest thing in the universe, up became down, and a little rock-climbing film called Free Solo won the Best Documentary Oscar. Mar 18, 2025 · It was on this day that he achieved a feat many deemed impossible: free soloing 3,000 feet of El Capitan. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best free solo climbers who have died, as well as explore some emerging trends in the world of solo climbing. “Evolving on the rock in such a free way is an incredible feeling. Free solo climbing, where climbers ascend Oct 1, 2025 · ‘Free Solo’ Climber Announces His Next Daring Feat—and It’s Streaming Live on Netflix Alex Honnold has never met a skyscraper he didn’t want to climb. He has climbed multiple mountain faces without the use of any safety equipment over the years, living in Sep 5, 2022 · Mountaineering movies are experiencing a golden era. The death-defying climber and star of the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo” will host a travel series set in his home state of Nevada. This drone shot captures his epic climb. ” Alex Honnold free soloing Cosmic Debris (5. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. Mountain project lists that section as a 5. To get it out of the way first – we’re referring to mountain climbing documentaries. It features Alex Honnold, one of the world’s most famous climbers. Free solo climbing (climbing without ropes or any other safety equipment) has struck awe in onlookers around the world, with climbers like Alex Honnold darin 6 days ago · Alex Honnold is an American professional big-wall rock climber known for his daring free solo (climbing without the aid of ropes) ascents of some of the world’s tallest cliffs. Apr 14, 2025 · Free Solo Rock Climbing and the Climbers Who Have Defined the Sport Free soloing means climbing with no rope, a genre that verged into American consciousness in the 1970s. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Free solo climbing is, in its simplest form, rock climbing stripped down to its raw essentials: just the climber, their climbing shoes, chalk and the rock. Mainstream audiences and the climbing community can’t get enough big-screen action. Here are some names that consistently come up when discussing the greats: Oct 23, 2017 · Discover the most legendary free solo climbs of all time, showcasing incredible feats of courage and skill in the world of climbing. Discover the most legendary free solo climbers who made history like Jun 4, 2022 · “Free Solo” chronicles Alex Honnold’s mission to achieve his historic free (and the first ever) solo of the iconic 3,300-foot El Capitan, in Yosemite Valley, California, completed June 3, 2017. 13a on El Capitan, the first ever person to free-solo the gigantic Yosemite monolith. Jan 18, 2024 · Alex Honnold, the GOAT, the champ, the master of free-soloing is the most recognizable figure in American rock climbing. -- Edit: With additional information it sounds like the couple were experienced climbers/outdoor enthusiasts. Aug 29, 2025 · This brave adventure is called free solo climbing. In this article, we will take a look at Alexander Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Picture standing on top of a rough edge, with a beautiful sunrise in the background. Unfortunately, with the inherent risks involved in free solo climbing, there have been many tragic deaths in the climbing community. Prepare to be amazed as we dive into the 5 Greatest Free Solo Climbs of All Time—feats that pushed the limits of human endurance, courage, and skill. Feb 13, 2024 · “Free Solo” (2018) is the best Rock Climbing movie of all time, showcasing Alex Honnold’s unprecedented free solo climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Sep 22, 2021 · Yearning for freedom “For me, climbing solo is the most intense way to face the rock,” wrote Alexander Huber in his book Free Solo: Climbing without protection and without limits. In 2018 it blew up, with Alex Honnold's mind-bending solo of El Capitan and the award-winning film that chronicled it. Nov 16, 2023 · Free soloing is the most dangerous discipline in climbing. tc 04jx2 gwn zc7xoc dim 7alz hedncih qwifb vwsm dioxh
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