Alex Honnold solos in Yosemite

After his June solo of the Phoenix, American climber Alex Honnold has been continuing his lone quest in Yosemite with a series of audacious climbs. On 22 September Honnold soled the classic overhanging finger crack Cosmic Debris, Bill Price's 1980 5.13b (8a) and also the stunning roof split in two by Heaven (5.12d/7c) high up at Glacier Point. This climb had been established by Ron Kauk in the mid '90's and famously soled by Dean Potter in 2005. Honnold flashed the line last Thursday, stating on 8a.nu "What an adventure! And such an amazing position."

A few days earlier Honnold had soloed the 2000 foot high Direct North Buttress of Middle Cathedral as well as the famous Alien (5.12b/7b), while on the 23rd he soloed the 20 pitch Ho Chi Mihn Trail stating "Another solo adventure. I think I FA'ed a 4 or 5 pitch variation by accident. How cool to quest up a 2000ft wall before lunch."

Those who know these route, and Alien in particular, are aware of just how astounding the void is.


Alex Honnold, Yosemite 2008