Alex Honnold Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Kids, El Capitan, Net Worth

Alex Honnold Biography

Alex Honnold is an American rock climber best known for his groundbreaking free solo ascents of some of the world’s tallest cliffs. He was born on August 17, 1985, in Sacramento, California, and developed a passion for climbing at an early age. Honnold attended the University of California, Berkeley, before committing fully to climbing and outdoor pursuits. By his early 20s, he focused on free solo climbing—ascending rock faces without ropes or protective gear—a discipline that requires exceptional skill and focus.

Honnold rose to global fame in 2017 when he became the first person to free solo Yosemite’s El Capitan via the Freerider route, an ascent celebrated as one of the greatest athletic feats ever recorded. This achievement became the centerpiece of the 2018 documentary Free Solo, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Beyond climbing rock faces, Honnold founded the Honnold Foundation, a nonprofit that supports solar energy access and environmental initiatives worldwide. Moreover, he hosts the “Planet Visionaries” podcast, amplifying voices addressing climate change and sustainability.

In early 2026, Honnold planned a high-profile free solo climb of Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot skyscraper in Taiwan, to be broadcast live on Netflix’s Skyscraper Live. This event highlights his continued drive to push climbing boundaries.

Today, Honnold lives in Las Vegas with his wife, Sanni McCandless, and their two daughters. He balances family life with ongoing climbing projects, public speaking, and environmental advocacy, making him a unique figure in adventure and conservation.

Alex Honnold Age 2026 | How Old is Alex Honnold?

Alex Honnold is 40 years old as of 2026, reflecting decades of climbing achievements. He was born on August 17, 1985, in Sacramento, California, USA. His age places many of his iconic climbs in context, especially his historic 2017 free solo of Yosemite’s El Capitan. Moreover, at 40, he continues daring challenges, including urban free solo climbs and global advocacy.

Alex Honnold Height | How Tall Is Alex Honnod?

Alex Honnold stands 5 feet 11 inches tall (180 cm), giving him a lean, athletic build suited to climbing. His height helps provide reach and balance on challenging rock faces. Moreover, this stature complements his free solo climbing style, especially on big walls like Yosemite’s El Capitan. His physical frame combines strength with agility, essential for high-stakes ascents without ropes.

Alex Honnold Weight | How Much Does Alex Honnold Weigh?

Alex Honnold maintains a lean weight around 160–165 pounds (73 kg) to optimize climbing performance. His physique supports exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which helps in demanding free solo ascents. Moreover, staying light enhances endurance and balance on long rock climbs. Additionally, this weight range allows him to move efficiently on steep faces like Yosemite’s El Capitan.

Alex Honnold Wife | Are Sanni and Alex still together?

Alex Honnold is married to Sanni McCandless Honnold, whom he wed on September 13, 2020, in a small family ceremony. They met at a book signing in 2015 and began dating soon after. Moreover, Sanni McCandless works as a life coach and outdoor retreat founder, sharing Alex’s love for nature. Together, they have two daughters, June and Alice, and live in Las Vegas, Nevada, where they balance family life with climbing adventures.

Alex Honnold Children | Kids

Alex Honnold and his wife Sanni McCandless Honnold have two daughters together. Their oldest daughter, June, was born on February 17, 2022, and brings joy to their family. Moreover, their second daughter, Alice Summer, arrived on February 6, 2024, deepening their family bond. Alex often speaks about parenting with enthusiasm and balance. Additionally, he juggles climbing projects with school pick-ups and family time.

Alex Honnold Family | Parents, Siblings, and Early Life

Alex Honnold grew up in a supportive California family that valued education and independence. His mother, Dierdre Wolownick, worked as a language teacher and later became a climber. Meanwhile, his father, Charles Honnold, worked as an engineer. Moreover, Alex has two siblings, including brother Christian and sister Emma.

Alex Honnold Climbing Taipei 101 | Historic Free Solo Netflix Skyscraper Live Event

Alex Honnold is attempting a historic free solo climb of Taipei 101, a 1,667-foot skyscraper in Taiwan’s capital city Taipei. This daring ascent will be broadcast live on Netflix as Skyscraper Live. Honnold plans to climb the building without ropes or safety gear, pushing his skills beyond natural rock faces and into urban terrain. Originally scheduled for January 23, 2026, the live climb was postponed 24 hours due to weather concerns, with organizers prioritizing safety for Honnold and viewers. The rescheduled event will stream with real-time commentary and global coverage, drawing attention from climbers and adventure fans worldwide. Honnold described the climb’s challenge as a test of endurance and focus, especially on Taipei 101’s architectural “bamboo box” sections that require sustained effort. This bold ascent continues his legacy of pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible in solo climbing.

Alex Honnold Hands

Alex Honnold’s hands show extraordinary strength, tough skin, and reinforced grip ability from years of climbing. His fingers and palms develop thick calluses that protect skin on steep rock faces. Moreover, his hands adapt to tiny holds and thin edges on granite walls. Additionally, he practices grip training to enhance power and control.

Alex Honnold El Capitan | Historic Free Solo Climb and Legacy

Alex Honnold El Capitan stands as one of the most iconic achievements in climbing history. In June 2017, Honnold became the first person to free solo Yosemite’s El Capitan via the Freerider route, climbing nearly 3,000 feet without ropes or protection. Moreover, his precise focus and endurance carried him through 3,000 vertical feet of steep granite. The feat brought global attention to his skill and mental discipline. Additionally, the climb became the centerpiece of the 2018 documentary Free Solo, which won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Alex Honnold Movies and TV Shows | Documentaries, Specials & Appearances

Alex Honnold’s film and TV portfolio spans documentaries, specials, and guest roles highlighting his climbing career. Below are notable entries featuring him or his climbs:

🎬 Movies & Documentaries:

• Free Solo (2018) — Oscar-winning documentary about his El Capitan ascent.
• The Sharp End (2007) — Early climbing film with Honnold.
• Alone on the Wall (2008) — Climbing documentary.
• Progression (2009) — Features his climbing journey.
• Honnold 3.0 (2012) — Focuses on his evolving career.
• Valley Uprising (2014) — Climbing history film with Honnold scenes.
• A Line Across the Sky (2015) — Himalayan climbing story.
• The Alpinist (2021) — Climbing doc where Honnold appears.

📺 TV & Specials:

• Skyscraper Live (2026) — Live Netflix event with Honnold climbing Taipei 101.
• Duncanville (2020) — TV cameo.
• Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold (2024) — Adventure series.
• Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin (2022) — Honnold appears.

Alex Honnold Net Worth 2026

Alex Honnold has an estimated net worth of $8 million as of 2026, earned through climbing, media, and sponsorships. He gained significant income from the documentary Free Solo and related speaking engagements. Moreover, Honnold secures deals with outdoor brands and gear companies. Additionally, he earns revenue from books, TV appearances, and Netflix events like Taipei 101.