On January 15, 2014, Alex Honnold free-soloed “El Sendero Luminoso” (The Shining Path) in El Portero Chico, Mexico in a little over 3 hours.
The climb rises 2,500 vertical feet to the summit of El Toro.
It could be the most difficult rope-less climb in history.
There is only one constant to human behaviors: ย the desire to always push boundaries. ย This behavior is evolutionarily supported as it has consistently lead us to new zones with new plants, new animals, new waters, new climates, new mates, and new opportunities. ย For millions of years this behavior of pushing ourselves has paid off.
Our world has changed, but this ancient human behavior hasn’t. ย Many people will ask why Alex Honnald climbs routes like this unroped. ย The answer is already inside you. ย His, your, and my genes are all telling us to explore, to take risk, and to push back any boundaries that thwart our Shining Path.