Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an acclaimed American rock climber renowned for his free solo ascents. He gained global fame in June 2017 by becoming the first person to free solo El Capitan‘s Freerider route, described by The New York Times as “one of the great athletic feats ever.”
Honnold also holds the record for the fastest Yosemite Triple Crown ascent. In 2015, he won a Piolet d’Or with Tommy Caldwell for the Fitz Traverse in Patagonia. Honnold authored Alone on the Wall and starred in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo.
RELATED: Jojo Siwa Net Worth: Bows, Shows, and Dough
Table of Contents
Alex Honnold’s Net Worth
Alex Honnold boasts a net worth of $2 million. This figure is particularly impressive for climbing athletes, as he rakes in around $200,000 annually, whereas an average climber might make only $15,000 in the same period.
Early life
Alex Honnold was born in Sacramento, California, to community college professor Dierdre Wolownick and Charles Honnold. He began climbing at age 5 and was competing in youth championships by his teens. Despite not being naturally gifted, Honnold’s dedication led to significant improvement.
After graduating from Mira Loma High School in 2003, he enrolled in civil engineering at UC Berkeley. However, personal challenges, including his grandfather’s death and his parents’ divorce, led him to skip classes and focus on bouldering at Indian Rock.
Career
After dropping out of Berkeley, Alex Honnold lived in a minivan and later a tent while pursuing climbing. In 2007, he bought a Ford Econoline E150, which allowed him to focus on climbing.
Honnold gained fame for his 2008 free solo of Yosemite’s Half Dome and his 2017 free solo of El Capitan’s Freerider route, a feat documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo.
He set the Nose speed record with Tommy Caldwell in 2018 and has been featured in a National Geographic docuseries and his own podcast, Climbing Gold.
Personal life
Alex Honnold lived in a custom-outfitted van for over a decade, finding comfort in its convenience despite not enjoying van life itself. In 2017, he bought a home in Las Vegas but initially lived in the van in the driveway. He replaced his old Ford Econoline with a 2016 Ram ProMaster, which he continues to use.
A vegetarian and a non-drinker, Honnold is also a dedicated reader and athlete. He married Sanni McCandless in September 2020, and they have two daughters, June (born February 2022) and Alice (born February 2024). His mother, Dierdre Wolownick, is notable for being the oldest woman to climb El Capitan.
How long did it take Alex Honnold to free solo El Capitan?
On June 3, 2017, Alex Honnold completed the first-ever free solo ascent of El Capitan‘s Freerider route, a 2,900-foot (884m) big wall climb rated 5.13a VI, in 3 hours and 56 minutes.
This achievement marked a significant milestone in climbing history and was widely regarded as one of the greatest athletic feats ever. Honnold’s solo ascent of the iconic route demonstrated extraordinary skill and mental fortitude, solidifying his reputation as one of the most accomplished climbers in the world.
Conclusion
Alex Honnold isn’t just a climber; he’s a phenomenon. His fearless ascents, combined with his financial acumen, make him a unique figure in the world of extreme sports. With a passion for climbing and a heart for environmental causes, Alex Honnold truly stands tall, both on and off the rock.
RELATED: Who is Miguel Gallego Arámbula? All About Luis Miguel’s son
FAQs about Alex Honnold’s Net Worth
- How did Alex Honnold become famous?
- Honnold rose to international prominence after free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park in 2017.
- What is “Free Solo,” and why is it significant?
- “Free Solo” is a 2018 biographical documentary about Honnold’s ascent of El Capitan without any ropes or safety gear. The film won numerous awards, including an Academy Award.
- How does Alex Honnold earn his money?
- Primarily through sponsorships, public speaking, guiding, and earnings from movies/books.
- Where does Alex live now?
- Honnold, keeping his minimalist lifestyle, still predominantly lives out of his van, traveling for climbs.
- What is the Honnold Foundation?
- Founded by Alex, the Honnold Foundation is an environmental non-profit focused on promoting sustainability and addressing environmental challenges.
