Alex Honnold is synonymous with audacious free solo climbs, pushing the boundaries of human capability in the vertical world. While his ascents capture headlines, a less discussed yet equally critical aspect of his climbing, especially in massive undertakings like the Honnold Ultimate Red Rock Traverse (HURT), is: How Does Alex Honnold Get Down? The HURT, a grueling 32-hour link-up of 23 Red Rock summits via technical routes, wasn’t just about going up; it was a monumental test of endurance that heavily relied on Honnold’s ability to safely and efficiently descend, often via downclimbing complex routes. This article delves into the critical descent element of the HURT, exploring how Honnold tackles the challenge of getting down after conquering immense heights and technical climbs.
The Honnold Ultimate Red Rock Traverse (HURT): A Skyline Spectacle
The HURT was Alex Honnold’s ambitious vision to traverse the entire Red Rock Canyon skyline in a single push. This wasn’t a simple hike; it involved linking classic climbing routes up and down major sandstone summits, often free solo. Red Rock’s intricate canyon system, while visually stunning, presents a complex maze of cliffs, desert vegetation, and loose terrain. Navigating this landscape, particularly the descent, demanded meticulous planning and exceptional skill. The traverse was inspired by the Continental Divide Ultimate Linkup (CDUL) and aimed to be a similar mega-linkup, but in Honnold’s own backyard, emphasizing the intimate knowledge and profound challenge Red Rock presented.
Alex Honnold walking a section of the HURT
The Perils of Descent: More Than Just Going Down
For any climber, descent is not merely the reverse of ascent; it presents its own unique set of challenges and risks. Downclimbing, especially after hours of strenuous physical and mental exertion, requires immense focus, precise footwork, and route-finding expertise. In free solo scenarios, the consequences of a mistake during descent are amplified. The original article recounts an incident during a HURT scouting mission where Honnold broke a hold and tumbled a few dozen feet while downclimbing a gully. This serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in mountain descents and underscores the critical nature of asking, how does Alex Honnold get down safely? It’s a question not just of technique, but of risk management in exposed environments.
Honnold’s Downclimbing Prowess: Techniques and Mindset
While the article doesn’t explicitly detail Honnold’s downclimbing techniques, we can infer his approach from his vast experience and the nature of the HURT itself. Route knowledge is paramount. The extensive scouting missions, including one with ultrarunning legend Chris Gorney, highlight the meticulous preparation involved. Knowing the descent routes, identifying key holds, and anticipating potential hazards are crucial components of Honnold’s strategy for getting down safely and efficiently. Moreover, mental fortitude plays an undeniable role. After hours of climbing, fatigue sets in, both physically and mentally. Maintaining focus and precision in footwork during downclimbing under these conditions demands exceptional mental discipline. Routes like Solar Slab (5.6, 1,500 feet) and Olive Oil (5.7, five pitches) were not just climbed up, but also downclimbed as part of the HURT, showcasing the scale of commitment to descent.
Honnold climbing Epinephrine. Very exposed.
Support and Strategy: Planning for Every Step, Up and Down
The support team, though “low-impact,” played a vital role in the HURT’s execution, indirectly contributing to the safety and feasibility of Honnold’s descents. Chris Gorney’s involvement, sharing GPS tracks and scouting routes, provided crucial navigational assistance, especially for complex and less-traveled sections. This pre-planning extended to descent routes as well, ensuring Honnold wasn’t just launching into the unknown but had a strategic framework for both ascents and descents. The support team also managed logistics, providing food and water drops at strategic points, which is essential for maintaining energy levels and focus, directly impacting Honnold’s ability to safely manage challenging downclimbs, particularly in the latter stages of the traverse.
Exhaustion and Perseverance: Downclimbing Under Pressure
The text message Honnold sent, “Both totally destroyed,” reveals the extreme physical and mental toll of the HURT. It was sent after summiting Indecision Peak, deep into the traverse. Even for Alex Honnold, a climber of unparalleled stamina and mental resilience, the cumulative fatigue was immense. This raises the stakes for every movement, especially during downclimbing. The decision to continue, despite the overwhelming exhaustion, highlights Honnold’s mental fortitude. In such a state, how does Alex Honnold get down becomes a question answered not just by skill, but by sheer willpower and commitment to the objective. His ability to push through extreme fatigue while still safely navigating complex terrain, both up and down, is a testament to his exceptional mental and physical conditioning.
Alex Honnold looking exhausted, eating with his eyes closed, below Epinephrine
Conclusion: The Art of Descent in Extreme Climbing
The Honnold Ultimate Red Rock Traverse was a remarkable feat of endurance and climbing skill, where how Alex Honnold gets down was as crucial as his ascents. It wasn’t simply about summiting peaks; it was about navigating a complex mountain landscape, up and down, for over 32 hours. Honnold’s success in the HURT underscores that his mastery extends beyond gravity-defying ascents to include meticulous planning, exceptional downclimbing skills, mental resilience, and the ability to persevere under extreme duress. His approach to “getting down” is a critical, often unseen, component of his extraordinary climbing achievements, making his traverses like the HURT truly groundbreaking. Keep an eye out for the Reel Rock film to witness the full scope of this incredible adventure and perhaps gain more insights into Honnold’s descent strategies.
