Alex Honnold is renowned for pushing the boundaries of climbing, particularly in free soloing. His highest recorded grades demonstrate his elite skill across different climbing disciplines.
Alex Honnold's highest climbing grades include 5.14d (9a) for sport climbing (redpoint) and V12 (8A+) for bouldering.
Understanding Alex Honnold's Climbing Grades
Alex Honnold's expertise spans various climbing styles, with his impressive redpoint and bouldering grades reflecting his overall strength, technique, and endurance. While he is most famous for his groundbreaking free solo ascents, these achievements are built upon a foundation of elite-level traditional and sport climbing.
Here's a breakdown of his highest recorded grades:
| Climbing Discipline | Highest Grade (YDS) | Equivalent Grade (French) | Equivalent Grade (V-Scale) | Equivalent Grade (Font) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redpoint | 5.14d | 9a | N/A | N/A |
| Bouldering | N/A | N/A | V12 | 8A+ |
- Redpoint (Sport Climbing): A redpoint ascent means successfully climbing a route after having practiced it previously, often with falls. A 5.14d grade is considered extremely difficult, placing Honnold among the world's strongest sport climbers. The "5.14d" is part of the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), commonly used in the U.S., while "9a" is the French grade equivalent.
- Bouldering: Bouldering involves climbing shorter, challenging rock problems without a rope, relying on crash pads for safety. A V12 (8A+) boulder problem is also an elite-level grade, showcasing his powerful and technical bouldering ability. The "V12" refers to the V-scale (Verm), and "8A+" is the Fontainbleau (Font) scale equivalent.
Beyond Grades: Honnold's Notable Achievements
While his highest grades indicate his raw climbing ability, Alex Honnold is arguably most famous for his unparalleled mental fortitude and mastery of free soloing. His legendary ascents have redefined what is considered possible in climbing.
Some of his most significant achievements include:
- Free Solo of El Capitan: In 2017, Honnold became the first and only person to date to free solo a FULL route (from base to summit) on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This historic ascent of the 3,000-foot Freerider route is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletic achievements of all time.
- Speed Record Holder on The Nose: He holds the speed record on The Nose of El Capitan, demonstrating incredible efficiency and endurance on one of the world's most iconic big wall climbs.
- Various Big Wall Free Solos: Beyond El Capitan, he has completed numerous other challenging big wall free solos, further solidifying his reputation.
These accomplishments, particularly his free solo feats, highlight not just his physical prowess but also his extraordinary mental control and precision, making him a true icon in the climbing world. For more detailed information on his climbs and achievements, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
