Best free solo climbers of all time 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. 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. His achievements include soloing Yosemite’s Half Dome, but his fame skyrocketed after his solo ascent of Freerider on El Capitan, documented in the movie “Free Solo. , August 2013. 3. In fact, we think that Honnold deserves a place on this list purely for the way in which he has brought free climbing into the public eye. 21. ) 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. Alex Honnold stands out for his remarkable achievements, conquering Moonlight Buttress in 2008 and stunning the climbing community by ascending El Capitan's Freerider Route in under 4 hours. While climbing at Dike Wall near Mammoth Lakes, California, Bachar fell. alex honnold has a very different mentality from the average climber. 8 million in the box office. Over time, humans have pushed the boundaries of achievements in extreme sport. At a time when men dominated the sport, she free climbed Yosemite National Park's feared El Capitan wall, ascending 900m of slick May 15, 2025 · Chronicling the life of the enigmatic Canadian solo climber Marc-André Leclerc, this captivating documentary delves into his unique philosophy and fearless approach to mountain climbing. Dave mccleod soloed some 8c+/14c Darwin Dixit in Margalef, 8c/14b. Out of the hundreds of contenders, these are our favorites for Nov 11, 2024 · The world of big wall climbing was brought to worldwide audiences in dramatic style with the release of Free Solo in 2018, a documentary film that followed Honnold’s quest to climb Yosemite’s El Capitan solo and without ropes. Alex Honnold needs no introduction. Sharma is definitely a brand by himself and for good reason. Alex Huber has free soloed 14a. To get it out of the way first – we’re referring to mountain climbing documentaries. You are more likely to know of him due to his starring in the film Free Solo. Sometimes they’ll use fixed ropes from the top to rappel. Nov 2, 2023 · Alex free solos Moonlight Buttress back in 2008. Mar 1, 2022 · To date, Free Solo is considered among the best climbing films of all time. Mar 22, 2023 · Solo: Climbing to Live (Solo: Escalada a La Vida) Description: This climbing documentary analyzes the concepts of fear, death, and life. Perfect, another way for my mom to be terrified by what I do in my free time. While Honnold is still alive and well, his accomplishments in the world of solo climbing cannot be overlooked. On June 3rd, 2017, Alex Honnold became the first person to free solo Yosemite's El Capitan—to scale the wall without rope, a partner, or any protective gear—completing what was described as "the greatest feat of pure rock climbing in the history of the sport We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Let me know in the comments box below which one you think is the hardest free solo! Freerider. Climbers know who he is, non-climbers know who he is. Sep 9, 2022 · Netflix – Rent on Amazon – Amazon UK – Apple iTunes. Although humans have been climbing since the dawn of time, the heartland of free solo climbing is undoubtedly Yosemite National Park, a mecca for climbers worldwide. His send of Compilation (5. Dean Potter was another legendary solo climber who tragically lost his life in a wingsuit flying accident in 2015. Alex Honnold’s Free Solo and Tommy Caldwell’s Dawn Wall movies have put the sport back on the celebrity chat Meet one of the best all-around climbers in the world Feb 13, 2024 · 🎬 Directed by: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi; Free Solo is a stunning, intimate, and unflinching documentary following rock climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock, the 3,000-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, without a rope. Mar 30, 2024 · The Numbers: Free Solo Death Rates. Dean Potter. 11 route as well as the first woman to free climb the Salathė Wall on El Capitan and second woman to free climb El Capitan in one day. She started climbing at the age of 14 and was soon setting world records in an era when female climbers were catching up their male counterparts. Clients. He also completed the first solo ascent of Mount Everest in 1980. Alex J. But Honnold was the record holder for awhile. 12a / 7a+, made the first free solo of “Dog’s Roof” 5. According to a UK study UK, you have more chances dying running or playing tennis while dying rock climbing Feb 4, 2025 · Free Solo is one of the best climbing documentaries out there. He is the world’s best free solo climber, and he also specializes in trad. In no particular order here are the hardest free solo ascents ever done. It has won numerous awards and boasts very high ratings from nearly all who watch it. May 24, 2023 · How does a free solo climbers get down? Free solo climbers get down usually by walking down the easy side of the mountain. Big O's Gear Shack. com. 13d/8b) in 1993 was the first free solo ascent of the grade. Roberto Anderson . ” 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. He is the only person to have free-soloed El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and holds the fastest ascent of the Yosemite Triple crown, an 18-hour 50 minute link up of Mount Watkins, The Nose, and the Regular Northwest Face of That British commentator ceaselessly praising Ondra as the greatest climber in the history of the sport got me wondering. Hill was a free climbing pioneer during the 1980s to the 90s. Free solo climbing (which is sometimes just called soloing in the UK, or third-classing in the US), [6] is where the climber uses no climbing aids (as per all free-climbing), but in addition, uses no form of climbing protection whatsover. Known for his incredible free solo ascents, Honnold gained recognition in the climber scene around 2007. Along with Free Solo it brought the sport into the public’s eye and shows some of the extremes of passion that climbers will go through to achieve a goal. Feb 15, 2013 · Best Free Solo Climbers Of All Time Luke Kelly-Clyne February 15, 2013 Tweet athletes; climbing; extreme climbing; extreme sports; solo climb; Comments. Here you’ll find a list of the most famous rock climbers of all time in my opinion. His daring and skillful climbs have earned him a place among the best free solo climbers of all time. Climber: Alex Honnold. 13a/7c+ Level up your climbing grip strength with Logest Grip Trainers https://amzn. i would say most of the best climbers in the world right now arent free solo-ing things. Dawn Wall is a modern classic in climbing films. 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. Psicobloc Masters Series introduces deep-water soloing as a form of competition in the U. In this heart-stopp Nov 16, 2023 · Here are nine of the greatest free soloists of all time (and a few more that could easily have made the list). Featured. Jordi Salas (Pelón) is a free solo climber. Nov 16, 2023 · While Robert is best known for free soloing of skyscrapers, he was also one of the most prolific hard free solo rock climbers of the 1990s. Once you’ve read this article you might want to check out the Best Competition Climbers of 2020. This jaw-dropping achievement made Honnold a global superstar and raised rock climbing’s profile to new heights. 20. He's still the only one to free solo El Capitan edit on the edit Honnold holds three Guinness world records as of now Jul 23, 2023 · Just like the first computer wasn’t the best of all time, the first climber wasn’t the best rock climber of all time. 14d/5. Feb 22, 2020 · Valley Uprising also strives to depict the evolution of rock climbing as represented by the impressive arc of progress made by climbers in Yosemite between the Golden Age of the mid-20th century (’50s - ’70s) through the Stone Masters of the ’80s and 90’s who first introduced free climbing to the sport, and concluding with the final The free solo legend began climbing rock walls over 25 years ago, when he did the first ever 8b solo free and one of the "craziest solos ever" on La nuit du Lézard in Buoux. Watch Free Solo on Disney+, it's insane. I suppose Ondra might be the GOAT sport climber, but how do you all think his achievements stack up against those of the greatest hard trad climbers, big wall climbers, boulderers, ice climbers, alpinists, or soloists. Dec 23, 2024 · 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. We are starting strong with the 2018 hit documentary on Alex Honnold and his climb of El Capitan grossed around $21. Oct 31, 2023 · All-time greats. Jun 4, 2022 · The History of Rock Climbing in Colorado, would write of the Scenic Cruise, “This ascent was the longest, hardest, and boldest free solo then done anywhere in the world. [6] The free solo climber may only use their climbing shoes and climbing chalk as they ascend the climbing Feb 2, 2024 · Our Favorites for the Best Climbing Movies & Documentaries of All Time Free Solo. She is the first woman to have solo climbed a 5. Standout climbs: Hardest ever deep-water solo ascents (2007 and 2017), La Dura Dura in Oliana, the hardest confirmed free climb (9b+) of that time in 2013 How can we forget the man who started it all? Lynn Hill is a living legend in rock climbing, and one of the greatest climbers of all time. 15a, and the second female to ever do so. 12b / 7b, and then his most difficult single pitch free solo on “Heaven” 5. Let's take a look at some of the greatest feats achieved in the sport of free May 24, 2025 · Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985, Sacramento, California, U. Sometimes free solo climbers down climb smaller climbs but that’s usually as part of doing laps for practice. May 2025 If you're interested in the world of free solo climbing, the top male free solo climbers have pushed the boundaries of the sport with their daring ascents. His legacy and contribution to the sport cannot be described in words. Alex's hardest free solo is at the grade of 13a iirc. i'd also like to add, there are plenty of climbers with the skill to free solo el capitan. Free so Nov 15, 2023 · 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. edit I stand corrected the record time for The Yosemite Tripple Crown was 18hrs 50min by Jordan Cannon and Scott Bennett in June of 2021. This is the u Oct 25, 2023 · It was back in 1993 that Lynn Hill blew the climbing world away. The grade isn't the reason he gets his notoriety. While saying that, it’s important to state that each famous climber was or is probably one of the best, in one or more disciplines. S. When it comes to rock climbing as a whole, it is a generally safe sport. His mind controls everything. stridehealth. FREE Mini-Training on Overcoming Fear of Falling, and Find Your Oct 23, 2017 · The free solo legend began climbing rock walls over 25 years ago, when he did the first ever 8b solo free and one of the "craziest solos ever" on La nuit du Lézard in Buoux. Best Solo Climbers Of All Time 6 min read. Presented by https://www. We ment Mar 31, 2017 · Steph Davis is one of the the world’s most experienced free-solo climbers. Alex Honnold . In terms of climbing grades, Alex Honnold has done some hard free solo's but there are a few climbers who have solo'd harder routes - grade wise. Feb 14, 2023 · Here are the best mountaineers of all time. For technical rock climbing (like Free Solo) check out the best climbing documentaries. As a free solo climber, Honnold is unparalleled. . 16. I will also include some of the best rock climbers of all time in this article (again in my opinion), and when I do it will be mentioned in their brief biography. ” The death of Osman in 1998 and Bachar in 2009 showed the climbing community the dangers of the sport. 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. Oct 24 The 9 Best Climbing Helmets of 2022 Nov 16 9 Best Free Solo Climbers of All Time Archive. The Dawn Wall (2018) Directors: Peter Mortimer, Josh Lowell Length: 100 minutes In a nutshell: Chronicles free climber Tommy Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson’s daring attempt to climb the world’s most forbidding rock surface. Spend a day in San Francisco pushing the limits with the world's best free-solo climber Alex Honnold. This documentary follows Honnold while he attempts to climb Yosemite’s famous El Capitan (2,308 m/7,572 ft) in Yosemite National Park… Nov 4, 2023 · Lynn Hill might be the most known woman in rock climbing, and for good reason. He performs alone without using any ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment, relying entirely on his ability instead. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New York Aug 10, 2020 · Climbers and normies alike gripped their armrests watching Alex defy gravity and all common sense in the Free Solo documentary. Simply the best of all time. Including two new chapters on Alex Honnold’s free solo ascent of the iconic 3,000-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The reason he is considered one of the best rock climbers has been captured on film many times. Regardless of your climbing experience, it’s likely that you’ve heard the name, Alex Honnold. From the granite walls of Yosemite to the rugged peaks of the Alps, free soloists have left their mark (and probably a few sweaty palm prints) on some of the world's most iconic climbing routes. For these five free solo climbing legends, it’s just another day at the office. Sure enough, a Feb 22, 2022 · Spectacular free solo climbing on big walls is what Alex Honnold is known for. Hill was a free climbing pioneer, and her accomplishments range from big wall trad climbing to sport climbing to everything in between. 2. ” Wiggins was a creative, driven character, an in-demand Hollywood rigger, working on major films, as well as a top free climber who even in the early 1980s was not well Sep 4, 2020 · In 2006 he free solo’d “Separate Reality” 5. She has 2 Reinhold Messner Reinhold Messner is an Italian climber known for being the first to ascend all fourteen eight-thousanders without supplemental oxygen. Let’s start with some cold hard numbers to get an idea of how much free solo contributes to solo climbing deaths and accidents. ” Join us as we count down the 5 Greatest Free Solo Climbers of All Time! a lineup of legends who redefine the limits of human achievement. Grade: 5. Hill was born in 1961 in Southern California, and was a natural athlete from a young age. Oct 23, 2017 · The free solo legend began climbing rock walls over 25 years ago, when he did the first ever 8b solo free and one of the "craziest solos ever" on La nuit du Lézard in Buoux. Recent Work. Unsurprisingly, free soloing at his level is not an exceptionally crowded scene. Jul 30, 2024 · Alex Honnold is widely regarded as the world’s most famous climber. Feb 12, 2021 · Of all the best rock climbers in the world, Alex is perhaps the most famous. to/44da1hvEvery decade, rock climbers have pushed boundaries of what was previ May 9, 2024 · Akiyo Noguchi without a doubt one of the best female Japanese climbers and is a legend in competitive climbing, acclaimed for her longevity and consistency in both bouldering and sport climbing. Oct 9, 2013 · An article posted by The Adrenalist also named John Bachar, Katie Brown, and Dan Osman on its list of “Best Free Solo Climbers of All Time. The first to ascend all 8000m peaks, to do the unimaginable without oxygen. *Do not attempt any of the activities shown in this video. but most people dont want to free solo things because if you make one wrong move, you are likely dead. Shunning the limelight and embracing an ascetic lifestyle, Leclerc conquers incredibly challenging routes with remarkable speed and grace. Home. 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. #makeamericagreatagain. With a career that spans over a decade, Noguchi has been a steadfast figure in the climbing world, known for her technical skill, strategic problem Jan 19, 2025 · Who is the most famous free solo climber? But the one that will endure his legacy forever is the famous free solo ascent of Freerider. His name is synonymous with daring free solo ascents and has become one of the most famous rock climbers in history. All three are in Yosemite and considered free solo classics. For most, the thought of scaling a vertical rock face or skyscraper with harnesses and ropes is laughably daunting. Apr 17, 2022 · Alex Honnold Climbing Yosemite's El Capitan (Free Solo 360 | National Geographic) Perhaps the best-known rock climber of all time, Alex Honnold is an accomplished traditional climber and free soloist who came into the national spotlight in 2012 after he free soloed the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. It features Alex Honnold, one of the world’s most famous climbers. The coolest, limits breaker, visionist, and a true climbing legend of our time. Want to know who the best climbers alive today are? Check out my list here! 10: John Bachar. She’s the youngest person to ever climb 5. Nov 24, 2022 · After all that we’ve found the best mountain climbing documentaries on Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. That’s what happened with Alex Honnold on El Cap. Oct 27, 2023 · Nationality: American Year of birth: 1961. * It's been long overdue to feature another greatest free solo climbs video, so here it is. 12d / 7c. Jul 20, 2017 · The best American climber (at the time) climbs the hardest climb in America (at the time, and also now). ojnwc nmakh mkqbm yezog jfxugc ysbfgdj dtdg befbqyj rawv dzzfm