What Happened to Alex Honnold?
Alex Honnold is an American professional rock climber renowned for his free solo ascents of big walls, most notably El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Following his global fame from the documentary "Free Solo," Honnold has continued to push boundaries with significant climbs, expanded his family, and remained dedicated to his Honnold Foundation, culminating in a historic free solo of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in January 2026.
Quick Answer
Alex Honnold, the celebrated free solo climber, has continued his remarkable career post-El Capitan, marrying Sanni McCandless and welcoming two daughters, June (2022) and Alice (2024). In 2024, he starred in the National Geographic series "Arctic Ascent." Most recently, in January 2026, Honnold successfully free soloed the 101-story Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan, a feat broadcast live on Netflix, further cementing his legacy in the climbing world while continuing his philanthropic work with the Honnold Foundation.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Sacramento, California
Alex Honnold is born in Sacramento, California, where he would later begin his climbing journey at a young age.
Founds the Honnold Foundation
Honnold establishes the Honnold Foundation, dedicated to promoting solar energy access for a more equitable world.
First Ascent of the Fitz Traverse with Tommy Caldwell
Honnold, with Tommy Caldwell, completes the first traverse of the Cerro Chaltén Group (Fitz Roy Traverse) in Patagonia over five days, a feat that earns them a Piolet d'Or.
Meets Sanni McCandless
Alex Honnold meets Sanni McCandless at a book signing in Seattle, beginning their relationship.
First Free Solo of El Capitan's Freerider
Honnold makes history by completing the first-ever free solo ascent of El Capitan's 'Freerider' route in Yosemite National Park, a climb documented in the film 'Free Solo'.
Release of 'Free Solo' Documentary
The biographical documentary 'Free Solo', chronicling Honnold's El Capitan ascent, is released to critical acclaim, later winning an Academy Award.
Marries Sanni McCandless
Alex Honnold marries Sanni McCandless in a small family ceremony.
First Daughter, June, is Born
Alex and Sanni welcome their first daughter, June.
Second Daughter, Alice Summer, is Born
Their second daughter, Alice Summer, is born, expanding their family to four.
Stars in 'Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold'
Honnold embarks on an expedition to Greenland for the National Geographic series 'Arctic Ascent', combining climbing with climate change research.
Announces Netflix 'Skyscraper Live' Special
Netflix announces a live two-hour special for early 2026, where Honnold will free solo the Taipei 101 skyscraper.
Free Solos Taipei 101
Alex Honnold successfully free solos the 101-story Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan in 1 hour and 31 minutes, broadcast live on Netflix.
New Series 'Get a Little Out There' Premieres
A five-part documentary series, 'Get a Little Out There', featuring Honnold exploring Nevada, is set to premiere on the Outside network.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Alex Honnold, born August 17, 1985, in Sacramento, California, began climbing at age five, developing into a professional rock climber known for his audacious free solo ascents—climbing without ropes or safety gear. His early career saw numerous significant climbs, but he rose to international prominence in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo El Capitan's 'Freerider' route in Yosemite National Park, a 2,900-foot granite wall, in 3 hours and 56 minutes. This monumental achievement was chronicled in the 2018 Academy Award-winning documentary "Free Solo," which brought his unique approach to risk and mental fortitude to a global audience.
Since his El Capitan triumph, Honnold's life has evolved significantly. He married Sanni McCandless in September 2020, and they have since welcomed two daughters: June, born in February 2022, and Alice Summer, born in February 2024. The couple resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, chosen for its proximity to excellent climbing opportunities. Despite these personal changes, Honnold has maintained his commitment to climbing and adventure. In 2024, he was featured in the National Geographic three-part series "Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold," where he embarked on an expedition to Greenland to climb unclimbed sea cliffs and gather climate data, combining his passion for climbing with environmental activism.
Honnold's most recent high-profile endeavor took place in January 2026, when he successfully free soloed the Taipei 101 tower in Taipei, Taiwan. This 508-meter (1,667-foot) skyscraper climb, the tallest buildering free solo in history, was broadcast live on Netflix as a two-hour special titled "Skyscraper Live" on January 25, 2026. The ascent took him 1 hour and 31 minutes. This project, which Honnold had considered for over a decade, marked a return to urban climbing, a different challenge from his big-wall free solos.
Beyond his climbing feats, Honnold is a dedicated philanthropist through the Honnold Foundation, which he founded in 2012. The foundation focuses on promoting solar energy access globally, supporting community-scale projects that enhance climate resilience, social and economic equity, and reduce environmental impact. His public profile continues to grow, with another five-part documentary series, "Get a Little Out There," set to premiere across the Outside network in 2026, exploring everyday adventures in his home state of Nevada. As of May 2026, Alex Honnold remains an active climber, a family man, and a prominent advocate for environmental causes, continually redefining the boundaries of human capability and responsibility.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Alex Honnold made different choices?