Climbing documentary yosemite An intimate look behind the scenes during Alex Honnold's historic 2011 ropeless ascent of The Phoenix (5. Jun 26, 2024 · Explore the gripping documentary Free Solo (2018) and gain insight into the awe-inspiring journey of a rock climber's quest to conquer El Capitan. “It’s not just a film about climbing, but about living life in this very free, present way where the focus of one’s Sep 2, 2023 · Experience the thrill and beauty of the world of climbing through the best documentaries about climbing. Documentary: VERTICAL FRONTIER A Character-Driven History of the Art, the Sport and the Philosophy of Rock Climbing in Yosemite Kristi Denton-Cohen, Producer (Running Time: 90:30) NARRATED BY: TOM BROKAW From John Muir in the 1860s to the super athletes of today, "Vertical Frontier" is the character-driven story of the art, sport and philosophy of climbing the legendary big walls of Yosemite Mar 22, 2023 · Unlike climbing areas out west, most Southern climbing is on private property that needs to be purchased and protected to reduce the risk of deforestation and housing developments. Valley Uprising chronicles decades of daring climbers and cultural transformation. From awe-inspiring feats of strength and determination to exploring the breathtaking landscapes that climbers conquer, these Valley Uprising charts the history of rock climbing in California’s Yosemite National Park. From the Youtube description: “Narrated by Peter Sarsgaard, the film features digitally-animated archival photography, spectacular climbing footage and interviews with Yosemite greats—from Oct 17, 2023 · Discover the best documentaries about Yosemite National Park and explore this iconic landmark through film. Sep 5, 2022 · Mountaineering movies are experiencing a golden era. Watch trailers & learn more. Feb 13, 2024 · Valley Uprising is a documentary that delves into the riveting history of Yosemite Valley’s rock-climbing revolution. And this has resulted in an improvement in climbing documentation. Chai Vasarhelyi (“MERU”) and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin comes National Geographic Documentary Film’s FREE SOLO, a stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of the free soloist climber Alex Honnold, as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock … the 3,000ft El Oct 25, 2018 · From documentary filmmaker E. [National Geographic] Mar 31, 2021 · A fantastic film about climbing in Yosemite during the 1980's. . The Story of the Second Ascent of the Most Controversial Climb in Yosemite History. The 50-year history of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley is chronicled in this documentary charting the birth and rise of a rebellious counterculture. Drawing on interviews with more than 50 living legends, the documentary depicts the rock climbing revolution that ignited in Yosemite Valley in the 1950s and 1960 and is still pushing the limits Rock climbing in Yosemite re-entered the spotlight recently with documentary movies like Free Solo and Dawn Wall. For technical rock climbing (like Free Solo) check out the best climbing documentaries. And up on the walls, generation after generation has pushed the limits of climbing, vying amongst each other for supremacy on Yosemite's cliffs. Jul 17, 2025 · Television Untamed Hits Just Right Netflix’s new murder mystery takes place in Yosemite. From the motivations of climbers to the stunning landscapes they conquer, these films offer a captivating glimpse into this adrenaline-fueled passion for both enthusiasts and professionals. Step Jul 22, 2014 · Narrated by Peter Sarsgaard, the film features digitally-animated archival photography, spectacular climbing footage and interviews with Yosemite greats -- from pioneers like Yvon Chouinard, Royal Experience the history, rebellion, and evolution of rock climbing at Yosemite. Has some epic 60s climbing footage and bloody hell does it make you want to visit Yosemite National Park! Watch in the UK // Watch in the US/Worldwide Credit: IMDb Aug 13, 2018 · From award-winning documentary filmmaker E. 4 days ago · The film follows professional rock climber Alex Honnold as he prepares to free solo El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Streaming climbing movies and more! Watch Alex Honnold’s journey toward his rope-free climb of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan in Free Solo, the Oscar-winning film by E. The film features many classic climbs as well as some bouldering and great Camp 4 shots. A documentary about legendary climber Jerzy Kukuczka. Jan 23, 2024 · Trying to find a top-rated documentary about climbing to watch? Check out this list of the best climbing documentaries! Jul 9, 2024 · Enter The Dawn Wall and Free Solo, two documentaries that stormed into public consciousness in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Here's my breakdown of fact versus fiction in the new, six-part show on Netflix. Nov 24, 2022 · After all that we’ve found the best mountain climbing documentaries on Netflix, Amazon, and YouTube. In June and July of 2011 42-year-old Ammon and Kait, his 22 year old girlfriend, set out to climb the unrepeated Aug 14, 2025 · I worked for Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR). Nov 19, 2021 · Relax, watch, learn, and get motivation! Check out some of the must-see rock climbing documentaries to inspire your next rock climbing adventure. The three rock climbers set a private competition to see who could be the first to "climb a rather hard route" again (Image credit: National Geographic/Taylor Shaffer) A new rock climbing documentary has been released showing three of the world's best climbers in a race to get back to sending a 9a route. ” The Dawn Wall: Directed by Josh Lowell, Peter Mortimer. The sport has entered the mainstream, and indoor climbing gyms are popping up with a frequency once reserved for coffee shops and craft breweries. It May 25, 2024 · Climbing El Capitan stole the national spotlight with Alex Honnold’s death-defying free-solo climb on “El Cap”. The Climb That Cost Everything tells the story of a fearless teen free solo climber in Yosemite, who pushed past all limits without ropes A portion of each purchase will go to the YCA (Yosemite Climbers Association), the non-profit responsible for Yosemite's annual Facelift event and the new Yosemite Climbing Museum. Critics praised the filmmakers for not only portraying the physical challenges of the climb but also delving into the emotional and personal aspects of Caldwell’s life. This is a film about more than sport - the filmmaking team explores Feb 24, 2022 · “An Accidental Life,” streaming from the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2022 until February 26, tells the story of an accomplished big wall climber who was paralyzed by a 120-foot fall on the Nose, in Yosemite, in 2017. Director Pawel Wysoczanski Star Jerzy Kukuczka Dec 16, 2022 · One of the hardest pitches ever free soloed in Yosemite. To get it out of the way first – we’re referring to mountain climbing documentaries. Sep 26, 2018 · On June 3, 2017, Alex Honnold climbed the 3,300-foot Freerider route on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley without a rope. Content collapsed. Maybe you’ve seen it. The film showcases the counterculture of climbers in the 60s and 70s, their conflicts with National Park authorities, and the evolution of climbing in one of the world’s most iconic climbing destinations. The pair lived on the sheer vertical cliff for weeks, igniting a frenzy of global media attention. Thoroughly entertaining look at the history of Yosemite and the personalities of those who have climbed there over the years! Valley uprising tells the story of multiple generations of climbers in the Yosemite National Park. Chai Vasarhelyi and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin, comes FREE SOLO, a stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of free Apr 23, 2015 · The documentary Valley Uprising captures the history and evolution of rock climbing at the National Park in the Sierra Mountains as more than 50 living climbing legends bring to life the Sep 9, 2022 · Stuck inside or been forced to take a rest day? Watch 17 of the best rock climbing documentaries available on streaming services right now! Dec 13, 2018 · Free Solo: Directed by Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. A stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of free solo climber Alex Honnold, as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: scaling the face of the world’s most famous rock — the 3,200-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park — without a rope. The achievement was documented by National Geographic Documentary Films. A breathtaking dream turned into a heartbreaking tragedy. The free soloist climber prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock — the 3,000-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park — without a rope Jul 18, 2025 · An 18-year-old park employee, Grant Jeffrey Cline, fell to his death while climbing the Royal Arches route in Yosemite Valley. Half a century of climbing comes to life in the new film Valley Uprising. Discover why this film is a must-watch for adventure enthusiasts and those intrigued by the human spirit of determination. From long-time veterans exploring new routes to novice climbers conquering their first big wall, these films show what a special place Yosemite is for those who love adventure. Narrated by Peter Sarsgaard, the documentary explores the larger than life characters that have Sep 10, 2014 · “Valley Uprising,” while seemingly highlighting the evolution of climbing, actually reveals how little has changed among climbers whose lives revolve around Yosemite’s daunting granite walls. If you love rock climbing and would like to watch some of the best rock climbing documentaries and movies ever Jan 25, 2022 · Their dreams described in the now-classic Yosemite climbing documentary were eventually realized in the 2017 and 2018 releases of The Dawn Wall and Free Solo. From action-packed films to heartwarming stories, find the right climb for your mood. Watch athlete Jacob Cook undertake the ultimate Yosemite challenge: climbing El Capitan, Half Dome and Mount Watkins in under 24 hours, known as 'The Triple'. From award-winning documentary filmmaker E. From the first hippies/pioneers to the modern day climbers. The film follows a group of rebel climbers that take climbing “from a fringe activity to a full-blown cultural sport. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, he was on personal time, climbing a popular granite wall when he fell to his death and was found by search-and-rescue teams the next day. Apr 12, 2024 · The best climbing documentaries get you excited to go out and climb. The 90-minute documentary examines Yosemite National Park’s 60-year legacy of revolutionary rock climbing and thriving counterculture. A hugely important climbing documentary to see how Yosemite and the legends are still influencing the sport today. Second person in the world to climb all Eight-thousanders. [5][6] Mar 9, 2023 · This documentary is an amazing overview of climbing in Yosemite Valley over the last 50 years. A documentary about climbing solo up sheer vertical cliffs without safety ropes sounds too crazy-masculine to contain a gentle story of emotional awakening. This documentary follows Honnold while he attempts to climb Yosemite’s famous El Capitan (2,308 m/7,572 ft) in Yosemite National Park… WITHOUT A ROPE! This is an incredibly adrenaline-pumping documentary that will make sure to hold your attention until the Jun 17, 2014 · Over seven years in the making, comes a documentary about the history of Yosemite rock climbing from Sender Films. May 15, 2025 · The award-winning documentary Free Solo follows Alex Honnold's ascent of more than 7,500 feet up El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without ropes or harnesses - the pinnacle of human achievement. Nov 19, 2025 · Our comprehensive list of Netflix rock climbing documentaries is sure to keep you stoked all year long. 3. With John Branch, Mike Caldwell, Terry Caldwell, Tommy Caldwell. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin capture the death-defying climb with exquisite artistry and masterful, vertigo-inducing Sep 6, 2022 · Whether you love scaling big rocks or just watching others do it on the big screen, these films capture climbing at its best Jul 17, 2025 · The murder mystery set in Yosemite National Park is now streaming on Netflix. Free solo rock climbing is a form of climbing where the climber ascends without the use of ropes or protective gear, relying solely on their climbing shoes and chalk for grip. In Free Solo, Alex Honnold’s ropeless ascent of El Capitan more than earns its acclaim from the sheer audacity of tackling such a long and difficult climbing route without any protection – never mind the amazing storytelling by climbing filmmakers Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai From award-winning documentary filmmaker E. Summaries of the 10 best climbing documentaries to watch in 2023 with trailers, ratings and where to watch to get inspired. Dec 5, 2019 · Feature-length documentary “Valley Uprising” examines Yosemite’s rock-climbing revolution through archival photos, footage, and interviews with the legends. Mar 13, 2019 · Now you can stream "Free Solo", the Academy Award winning documentary about climbing Yosemite's El Capitan with no ropes, on Hulu. 14), on El Capitan, arguably one of the world's most famous Feb 22, 2020 · One of the most iconic climbing documentaries of all time, Valley Uprising represents a deep dive into the rich history of rock climbing in Yosemite National Park. What Honnold sets his sights on involves the risk of death so great that even the most hardcore rock Jan 30, 2024 · The documentary captures the breathtaking beauty of Yosemite National Park, showcasing the awe-inspiring landscape that serves as the backdrop for their incredible journey. By his mid-30s, Alex Honnold had achieved Sep 27, 2018 · Film chronicles climber's solo journey up Yosemite 's El Capitan with no gear "Free Solo" captures Alex Honnold's struggles on and off the mountain. With Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe. Alex Honnold completes the first free solo climb of famed El Capitan's 3,000-foot vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park. It’s the perfect setting. Whether you’re waiting for the weekend to arrive so you can get to your local crag or are looking to travel to a remote 4 days ago · The critically acclaimed documentary Free Solo, following Alex Honnold’s ropeless ascent of El Capitan, has a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes (100 minutes). The film was made to promote fundraising and encourage climbers to support their local coalitions. Having watched both Free Solo and The Dawn Wall, Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen and Josh Lowell’s entertaining and accessible film really put the achievements of Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell into context. Alex Honnold faces the biggest challenge of his career, climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The Dawn Wall is a 2017 American-Austrian documentary film directed by Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer about Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson 's successful attempt to create the first-ever big wall free climbing route—which they christened The Dawn Wall —on the historic southeast face (The Wall of Early Morning Light) of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, which had hitherto only been Jul 8, 2024 · Immerse yourself in the world of mountain climbing with these 22 inspiring documentaries, showcasing breathtaking peaks, daring expeditions, and the spirit of adventure that will ignite your passion for conquering new summits. The ascent, which involved astonishingly insecure and difficult climbing, is Cameras follow Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson as they take on the staggering challenge of free-climbing Yosemite’s most formidable rock formation. To date, Free Solo is considered among the best climbing films of all time. "Valley Uprising" is the riveting, unforgettable Sep 19, 2024 · Discover the best climbing movies and documentaries on Netflix. It recounts the history of climbing in terms of gear, attitude, laws, and ever-evolving technique that allows ascents of harder and harder routes. From Jimmy Chin’s thoughtful, oscar-winning documentary, Free Solo, to the moral Apr 24, 2025 · Here’s how it works. Chai Vasarhelyi (Meru) and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin, comes Free Solo, a stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of free soloist climber Alex Honnold, as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rock—the 3,200ft El Capitan in Yosemite National Park—without a rope Alex Honnold completes the first free solo climb of famed El Capitan's 3,000-foot vertical rock face at Yosemite National Park. Renowned filmmakers E. It looks to be the most comprehensive (and awesome!) rock climbing documentary to date. Oct 9, 2018 · The film examines how and why a sane man named Alex Honnold climbed a three-thousand-foot wall of rock in Yosemite National Park last summer without a rope. It features Alex Honnold, one of the world’s most famous climbers. Mar 1, 2022 · It won an Oscar for “Best Documentary Feature” at the 91st Academy Awards, “Best Documentary” at the British Academy Film Awards, and “People’s Choice Documentary” at the Toronto International Film Festival, in addition to numerous other accolades. Mainstream audiences and the climbing community can’t get enough big-screen action. Two new documentaries premiere this month that showcase record-breaking climbing feats. Jul 10, 2025 · “Free Solo” is more than just a sports documentary—it’s a psychological exploration of one man’s obsession with climbing and the extreme lengths he’s willing to go to conquer his fear. Valley Uprising is the riveting, unforgettable tale of the bold rock climbing tradition in Yosemite National Park: half a century of struggle against the laws of gravity -- and the laws of the land. We chatted with Honnold about the wild lore of Yosemite in the 60s and the future of Yosemite climbing. This gripping portrayal of Honnold’s dedication, fear, and triumph offers viewers a unique glimpse into the mindset of a free soloist and the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite National Park. Aug 17, 2023 · There have been many documentaries made about the amazing climbs that have taken place in Yosemite, capturing the beautiful scenery and thrilling adventures. Picking a favourite between these adjacent films is challenging, but the mark they left on the world is easy to appreciate. Both films focus on historic climbs on El Capitan (aka El Cap) in Yosemite National Park, yet they couldn’t be more different in their narrative, climactic focus, and even the types of climbing they depict. 13) as told by filmmaker Peter Jul 20, 2019 · The best climbing documentaries showcase the world’s finest climbers pitting their skills against the world’s toughest climbs. Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the directors of the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo,” discuss how they captured rock climber Alex Honnold’s free solo climb (without any ropes Sep 19, 2023 · Discover the best adventure climbing documentaries: 25 thrilling tall stories that will take you to breathtaking heights. After many years of contemplation, Honnold realizes he will, and he must climb a 900-meter vertical rock face in Yosemite National Park, California – without any ropes. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, Sunday March 3 at 9/8c Jan 30, 2024 · The Best Rock Climbing Documentaries on Netflix If you’re a rock climbing enthusiast looking for some inspiration or want to learn more about the sport, Netflix offers a wide range of gripping rock climbing documentaries that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Feb 22, 2020 · If you’re at all interested in the history of climbing in Yosemite National Park, then Valley Uprising is the movie for you. Chai Vasarhelyi and photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin comes Free Solo, a portrait of the free soloist climber Alex Honnold, as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the world’s most famous rockthe 3,200ft El Capitan in Yosemite National Park…without a rope. In the shady campgrounds of Yosemite valley, climbers carved out a counterculture lifestyle of dumpster-diving and wild parties that clashed with the conservative values of the National Park Service. The film documents Alex Honnold’s solo ascent of El Capitan, offering a window into his mind as he prepares for the most dangerous climb in history. El Capitan is a 1978 film by filmmaker Fred Padula that captures one of the earliest ascents of The Nose on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley, California. It is the portrait of a straight-speaking, dedicated rock climber with incredible From award-winning documentary filmmaker E. Aug 6, 2014 · The documentary, Valley Uprising – Yosemite’s Rock Climbing Revolution, premieres in the Fall of 2014. The process of preparing and executing that dream was made into the Oscar-winning National Geographic documentary, Free Solo, by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. Documenting 50 years of climbing history and the raucous evolution of rock climbing in the climbing Mecca of the West, Valley Uprising is an entertaining and informative documentary sure to spark your adventurous spirit. Jun 13, 2025 · Free Solo is one of the best climbing documentaries out there. In October 2014, Jorg Verhoeven spent 30 days in Yosemite Valley, California with one goal in mind; Make a free ascent of The Nose (5. Alone, on his own. Chai Vasarhelyi (Meru) and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin comes a stunning, intimate, and unflinching portrait of Alex Honnold. Even Hollywood is giving rock climbing its moment. In 2017, when Alex Honnold made his stunning free-solo ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan, he was taking an unimaginable risk: nearly three thousand feet of climbing without any ropes or safety Alex Honnold climbs to the top of El Capitan without ropes. In an unbelievable story of perseverance, free climber Tommy Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson attempt to scale the impossible 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan. [1] It has won several awards at film festivals around the world. He pursues it Free Solo, which means climbing without a rope and alone. In January, 2015, American rock climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson captivated the world with their effort to climb the Dawn Wall, a seemingly impossible 3,000 foot rock face in Yosemite National Park, California. Home Outdoors Rock Climbing The 15 Best Climbing Movies Ever Made: Your Must-Watch List Rock climbing has gained a lot of popularity over the last 20 years as recreational physical activity and as a competitive sport. Subscribe: http Free Solo is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin [4] that profiles rock climber Alex Honnold on his quest to perform the first-ever free solo climb of a route on El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park in California, in June 2017. Dec 13, 2018 · As the director, producer and cinematographer of the National Geographic Documentary Film FREE SOLO, which he co-directed with Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Chin captured rock climber Alex Immerse yourself in the experience of free solo climbing Yosemite’s famous El Capitan alongside Alex Honnold in this breathtaking 360 video. Nov 21, 2025 · The film Solo by Mike Hoover, nominated as best documentary short for the 1973 Oscars, providing interesting insight into the meaning of climbing and mountaineering in the 1970s. But for Tommy Caldwell, the Dawn Wall was much more than just a climb. While Free Solo (2018) celebrates athletic triumph it is also a thoughtful essay on mortality, fear, and self-identity, as it probes into the heart and mind of an elite athlete in an extreme sport. [National Geographic] Free Solo is an amazing, Oscar award-winning rock climbing documentary about rock climber Alex Honnold. And while the adventure documentary has always been a staple for casual viewers, this new breed of climbing movies on Netflix delves deep into the psychology of our sport. Aug 24, 2025 · “Girl Climber,” which got a one-time run on IMAX screens around the country on Sunday, including at San Francisco’s AMC Metreon, is the first feature-length Yosemite climbing documentary to Oct 3, 2021 · Co-director Pete Mortimer shares stories of his documentary The Dawn Wall, which follows one of Yosemite El Capitan climber, Tommy Caldwell. Chai Vasarhelyi and world-renowned photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin, the directors of MERU, comes FREE SOLO, a stunning, intimate and unflinching portrait of free soloist climber Alex Honnold, as he prepares to achieve his lifelong dream: climbing the face of the worlds most famous rock the 3,200-foot El Capitan in Yosemite National Park A portion of each purchase will go to the YCA (Yosemite Climbing Association), the non-profit responsible for Yosemite's annual Facelift event and the new Yosemite Climbing Museum. ublj ssbwvx uvyk vsbn nbadax tfwy mimije kbcqo trgwhk atofmy flym wyux wto mlmkfha pfq