Top 100 rock climbers Alex Honnold is undoubtedly the most famous climber on earth today. Oct 25, 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 Reel Rock See the allure of the ascent through the eyes of the best climbers and mountaineers on the planet. 9. This is a list of climbers and mountaineers who are notable for their activities in mountaineering (including alpine climbing), rock climbing (including aid climbing, free climbing, bouldering, speed climbing and competition climbing) or in ice climbing (including mixed climbing Jan 19, 2025 · But with a total of fifteen people, our list of the most famous rock climbers includes a little bit of everything. Her determination, skill, and mental fortitude have made her an icon in the climbing community. You may like From the ‘father of rock climbing' to a 20-something star of bouldering: who are Britain’s greatest ever climbers? Jan 18, 2023 · No stranger to the rock climbing competition scene, Jakob started to climb when he was twelve years old and went on to participate in the European Youth Cup and World Youth Championships. 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. Mar 6, 2020 · Adam Ondra is the best climber in the world. On September 18, 1987, he became the second man to climb all 14 eight-thousanders, 13 of them without the use of supplemental oxygen, a feat he achieved in just 7 years, 11 months Jun 4, 2022 · Duane Raleigh, then of Rock and Ice magazine, wrote: “Forester, a strong, talented and seasoned climber with 17 years experience under his belt, was an iconic figure throughout Oklahoma and Texas, where he repeated the classic runout trad routes and established a slew of his own in characteristically ground-up, onsight style, which he loved . Like Destivelle, Hill turned away from indoor competition climbing to focus on Reel Rock See the allure of the ascent through the eyes of the best climbers and mountaineers on the planet. Their staggering, seven Jul 3, 2024 · List of famous male rock climbers, listed by their level of prominence with photos when available. Indeed, most take between 4 to 6 days to climb it. [10] In 2007, Melissa Block on NPR's All Things Considered, introduced him saying "Chris Sharma is hailed as the world's best rock climber, a pioneer who has mastered some of the most spectacular and difficult routes in the history of the sport". She was the first woman to climb 5. Her groundbreaking ascent in 1993 shattered the notion of what women could achieve in rock climbing. Earlier in the year, she sent La Fiesta de los Metallos, a 200-metre 5. A relative unknown in 2006, he seemed to burst onto the scene in 2007 when he free soloed Yosemite’s Astroman and Rostrum in a day, matching Peter Croft’s 1987 As a rock climber, and as an all-around mountaineer and outdoor athlete, Catherine Destivelle is one of the greatest of all time. From the grand alpine endeavors of the Pacific Northwest to the steep, hidden cliffs of the southeastern corner, from the arid landscapes of the western deserts to the rolling hills of the midwest — America has rock climbing covered. Catherine Destivelle. A top sport climber in the 198o’s, Lynn is considered a legend woman climber & has inspired many women rock climbers of this century. V shows, or any other speculation. Croft has actually written a book dedicated to rock climbing in High Sierra entitled “The Good, the Great, and the Awesome: The Top 40 High Sierra Rock Climbs. A month later Sharma would also top out. ” Funnily enough, Croft never actually wanted to rock climb originally. Janja Garnbret is often referred to as the greatest in competition climbing. 234 Cherokee Rock Village (Sand Rock) 50 Jul 18, 2023 · In the late eighties, she jumped aboard the competition circuit, and won! At the peak of her career, she was one of the greatest sport climbers on the planet. ultimately becoming one of the greatest climbers ever. Mar 14, 2022 · Adam Ondra, perhaps the greatest rock climber of all time. 5 days ago · This year’s list includes 38 climbers, ranging in age from 21 to 96. May 24, 2025 · Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985, Sacramento, California, U. He considered it a sport that was out of his league. Japanese female climber Junko Tabei broke barriers in that regard. Alexander Megos . to/44da1hvEvery decade, rock climbers have pushed boundaries of what was previ Mar 17, 2025 · Climbers on Napes Needle, arguably the birthplace of British rock climbing (Image credit: Getty Images). Below we take a look at some of Britain’s greatest ever rock climbers, from the ‘Father of Rock Climbing’ in the 1880s to those pushing the boundaries today. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New York Jul 30, 2024 · Hazel was the first female to climb an E9 and has scaled El Capitan multiple times. He completed the feat on Saturday, June 3, 2017. Rather than holding Jan 9, 2025 · At some point rock climbing becomes mountaineering, though the line between these two pursuits is blurry and criteria differs from person to person. Brette Harrington is a climber with diverse expertise. (Photo: Jan Novak) Competition Career. ” 15. Dec 15, 2024 · In the world of rock climbing, Tommy Caldwell is one of the all-time great climbers. S. Mountain Majesty With Mountain House Who is the best climber of the moment? Tadej Pogačar has the most climber points (1442) before Enric Mas (1078) and João Almeida (1070). [2] Lynn Hill is a living legend in rock climbing, and one of the greatest climbers of all time. In March 2023, at 41-years Nov 20, 2024 · Clip in: we cast an admiring eye over the achievements of the greatest sport climbers in history Tommy Caldwell (born August 11, 1978) is an American rock climber who has set records in sport climbing, traditional climbing, and in big-wall climbing. Jun 1, 2023 · She’s among some of the most extraordinary personalities in bouldering and rock climbing. This greatest male rock climbers list contains the most prominent and top males known for being rock climbers. A relative unknown in 2006, he seemed to burst onto the scene in 2007 when he free soloed Yosemite’s Astroman and Rostrum in a day, matching Peter Croft’s 1987 feat. He set foot at Yosemite Valley from a very young age and never stopped living a life full of Official website of the International Federation of Sport Climbing. Her dominance in the sport and unparalleled skills make her an easy addition to this list. Since 2007 has participated regularly in the World Cup for lead climbing as well as bouldering, ranking three times a world cup winner in 2011, 2014 and 2018 May 20, 2025 · Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson’s free climb of the Dawn Wall on El Capitan in 2015 was one of the most seismic achievements in rock climbing history. Chris Sharma is one of the greatest and most influential rock climbers of all time, distinguished by his preternatural ability and visionary first ascents. Alex Honnold belays by gripping the rock in front of him instead of the rope, Katie Brown calls a harness a “belt” and a rope “nylons,” and the background music includes the lyrics “somebody left the gate open. She’s currently considered one of the strongest junior climbers, of any gender, in the world. 14b (8c) big wall - v12 boulder ****@gmail. Jerzy Kukuczka was a Polish alpine and high-altitude climber, widely considered among the climbing community to be one of the best high-altitude climbers in history. Why did they add a 2,600-mile odyssey of biking, boating, rafting, and rowing just to reach one of America’s most Nov 24, 2024 · Putting the climb into context, El Capitan is a vertical granite cliff, 914 meters high. As CPR is taking difficulty, ascent type and time-based decay into account the Climbing World Ranking is a running ranking. When it comes to rock climbing adventures, it doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, the USA delivers. Others lost their lives in accidents involving free soloing, rappelling, avalanches, and falls on the world’s greatest alpine faces. Honnold and Caldwell are regarded as two of America’s greatest rock climbers, yet the duo’s mountaineering achievements in the high mountains are also extraordinary. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Not least because posters of her likely lined the childhood bedroom walls of some of today’s most promising climbers. Britain’s greatest ever rock Janja Garnbret (born 12 March 1999) is a Slovenian professional rock climber who specializes in sport climbing and competition climbing. 8KType MacroGender Female Get Email Contact. ) 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. Caldwell made the first free ascents of several major routes on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. She became the first person, male or female, to free climb (using only hands and feet) “The Nose” on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. She was the first woman to climb Mount Everest (1975) and the first woman to climb the Seven Summits. Here’s our selection of Britain’s greatest ever rock climbers. Alex Honnold Nov 11, 2024 · Undoubtedly one of the most famous rock climbers of all time, Lynn Hill is a Yosemite icon and dominated the world of female sport climbing during the 1980s along with France’s Catherine Destivelle, who went on to become one of the world’s greatest alpinists. Photo: YouTube / The North Face. Taking on some of the most difficult grades in the world, these athletes are truly to be admired for their skill and sheer determination. Feb 22, 2022 · Alex Honnold by Jimmy Chin. There are thousand of males working as rock climbers in the world, but this list highlights only the most notable ones. 2. The trait that famous, top-tier climbers like Ashima Shiraishi, Margo Hayes, Adam Ondra, and Chris Sharma have in common is a determination to break boundaries. Oct 29, 2024 · It almost feels churlish, sat here in my comfy office chair, to neglect to mention so many worthy climbers and mountaineers who’ve achieved astonishing feats on the world’s peaks. Oct 3, 2018 · Rock climber Alex Honnold training on Freerider for the first ever rope-free climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. 13d. Fast. Oct 25, 2023 · Junko Tabei was a mountaineer, not a pure rock climber, Tabei completed the Seven Summits (Messner list), putting her firmly amongst the world's greatest mountaineers. In March 2023, at 41-years Lynn Hill is a living legend. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Few have accomplished an athletic feat more than a decade before anyone else- man or woman. Citibank features rock climbing in a national commercial, June 2012. For 19 days, the pair grappled with this Jan 30, 2024 · This historic ascent propelled Hill into the spotlight and solidified her status as one of the greatest rock climbers of all time. Oct 2, 2023 · Lynn Hill is often regarded as the greatest rock climber of all time. Initially developed to measure your personal progress over time, CPR moves climber rating and rankings away from an arbitrary to a scientifically and statistically sound approach. With the world’s greatest climbers Chris Sharma and Adam Ondra working together it was only a matter of time, and eventually Ondra took the first ascent of “La Dura Dura” in February of 2013. But the early history of mountaineering was decidedly male-dominated, largely due to patriarchal conventions. 14a in Switzerland in September. By John Branch Photographs by Chang W. He set the standard for world class climbing while pushing the sport forward via new disciplines. His approach to climbing and life was deeply spiritual, viewing his adventures as a form of moving meditation and self-expression. Aug 20, 2012 · She led the movement of encouragement of women to get into rock climbing in the mostly male dominated sport. Nov 16, 2023 · Barring (perhaps) Lynn Hill, the French alpinist and rock wizard Catherine Destivelle was the leading female climber in the 1980s and 1990s, winning fame on plastic, rock, and ice, with competition victories, high-end sport redpoints and stunning alpine ascents. Ondra’s first year competing in the Adult IFSC World Cup circuit, 2009, saw the 16-year-old win gold both in overall Lead and Combined, and take a silver medal in the Climbing World Championships Lead competition at the end of the season. Hill’s contributions have not only included spectacular ascents but also a profound influence on the climbing community, encouraging generations of climbers to push their limits and Level up your climbing grip strength with Logest Grip Trainers https://amzn. 14d (9a) sport - 5. FREE Mini-Training on Overcoming Fear of Falling, and Find Your Reel Rock See the allure of the ascent through the eyes of the best climbers and mountaineers on the planet. In 2005, she started climbing camps in the United States to popularize rock climbing among young In 2003, the LA Times called him the "greatest natural rock climber in the world". Throughout her career, Hill has consistently pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in rock climbing. 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. We can say it’s an outcome of social media, sponsors, the Olympics, T. Free climbers are among the most technically impressive climbers on the planet. com Instagram Handle @sashadigiulianInstagram Followers 481. From a modern icon to an 80s legend, Catherine Destivelle just had to have a place on this list. Jul 23, 2023 · This list contains all of those who were as famous as could be at their time, with their impact on the sport the way we know it today. 14d with La Cabane au Canada. Nov 2, 2023 · Rock climber, free soloist, base jumper, and highliner; Dean Potter was a man who thrived, and sadly died, on the edge. 8: John Long. Feb 12, 2021 · What It Takes to be the Best Rock Climber In the World. Bio Professional rock climber. Find events calendar, all past and future results, ranking, IFSC news, photos, videos. Dec 30, 2024 · Swiss climber Katherine Choong freed the 300-metre Zahir 5. In 2018, she became the first Swiss woman to climb 5. 7. Undoubtedly one of the most famous rock climbers of all time, Lynn Hill is a Yosemite icon and dominated the world of female sport climbing during the 1980s along with France’s Catherine First Blind Climber Atop Everest & All the Seven Summits New Jersey-born Erik Weihenmayer holds more than a few super-impressive adventuring records, including being the first blind climber to reach the top of Mount Everest (in 2001) and to bag all of the Seven Summits (the following year). In March 2023, at 41-years Jul 20, 2017 · 16. As was the case when compiling our selection of Britain’s greatest ever mountaineers, it’s impossible to do everyone who deserves to be on this list justice, and many climbing legends have not made the cu May 25, 2025 · Bio Pro Climber Founder + CEO @sendbars UN Mtn Goodwill AmbassadorWriter + Speaker🧗♀️ 5. Sep 21, 2023 · 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. Known as Adam Ondra’s closest rival, Alex Megos is one of the best outdoor climbers around and he was the first person to climb a route graded 5. Many of these first ascents are within the High Sierra region. Apr 24, 2025 · Last year, we saw Honnold and Caldwell climb a new route on the highest mountain in Antarctica (Image credit: The Walt Disney Company). She has won multiple competition lead climbing and competition bouldering events, two Olympic gold medals, and is widely regarded as the greatest competition climber of all time. But to win Olympic gold, he needed to learn a new way to climb. 14d (9a) on-sight, which means that he made the climb without any prior practice or advice. Oct 10, 2024 · Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell are two of the world’s best climbers. May 9, 2024 · She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female climbers of all time, thanks to her incredible skill, determination, and innovative approach to climbing. At the time of filming, in the spring of 2024, Honnold has a two-year-old and two-week old, so even though he himself is the baby of the trio – still in his 30s – he admits that even he's feeling the pace of family life. Lee BRNO, Czech Republic — The world’s A climber since age 6, there is little that Alex Megos cannot accomplish in terms of rock climbing. Some died of natural causes, among family and friends. His many accomplishments, speed records and first ascents are even more impressive when you factor in a traumatic kidnapping in 2000 and the loss of his left index finger in an accident in 2001. Lynn changed the definition of what is possible in rock climbing with her first free ascent of the most famous big wall climb in the world called The Nose on El Capitan in … Continue reading "Biography" Mar 31, 2017 · Free climber Alex Honnold is one of the best soloist in the world. Aug 10, 2020 · While projecting La Dura Dura, Sharma was probably the world’s most famous rock climber. It’s virtually the center of the rock-climbing universe and for many climbers would represent the pinnacle of their career. 14 and one of the first people to turn climbing into an actual job, making enough money from competitions and sponsorships to sustain a climbing lifestyle. At the age of 13, she was the first woman to succeed in two 9a+ climbing routes: “Open Your Mind Direct” and “Ciudad de Dios,” Santa Linya, Spain. Speed climber Feb 14, 2023 · There are countless famous female climbers, and today female alpinists. John Long, the famed Yosemite climber and another member of the Stonemasters, was almost single-handed responsible for introducing the art of redpointing to the North American climbing scene. Lynn Hill. zzyof rxw tih lax wbjxt sdowy aazctni jfrzl anovnhm jybo