Alex Honnold is about to attempt something that sounds absolutely insane, even by his standards.
The legendary rock climber who famously scaled El Capitan without ropes in the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo” is trading granite for glass and steel this week.
He’s planning to climb Taipei 101—a massive 101-story skyscraper in Taiwan—completely untethered, armed only with custom climbing shoes, chalk, and his signature red T-shirt.
And Netflix will stream the whole thing live on Friday at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
From Underground Sport to Netflix Spectacle
Urban climbing, often called “buildering,” isn’t exactly new. It’s actually a respected niche within climbing circles, complete with dedicated websites and underground guidebooks.
But here’s the thing: it’s typically done in shadows, without permission. Honnold’s attempt flips that script entirely—this climb is sanctioned, sensationalized, and ready for prime-time viewing.
Even Tommy Caldwell, one of Honnold’s closest climbing partners, had his doubts initially. He considered it “a media stunt” when first hearing about it.
The Stakes Are Higher Now
At 40 years old, Honnold isn’t who he used to be—at least not in terms of life circumstances.
He’s no longer that young climber living solo in a van. He’s married to Sanni McCandless Honnold and has two daughters under age 4.
One slip during this climb could send him tumbling to his death. That reality hits differently when you’ve got kids waiting at home.
So why do it? That’s what everyone wants to know.
Training at 100 MPH (Literally)
A recent interview with Honnold provided glimpses into his preparation. The conversation started on his back porch at his compound on Las Vegas’s wild western fringe.
It then moved into his electric pickup truck, where he casually pushed speeds over 100 miles per hour.
But the real training happens twice weekly at Clear Light Cave, a sport climbing mecca with limestone ceilings that test even elite climbers.
Honnold grinds through one of the hardest routes there, attempting repeatedly until full body failure shuts him down. Each session builds upper body strength crucial for what’s coming.
Those chunky holds at Clear Light Cave? They’re similar to what he’ll cling to on Taipei 101’s striking 1,667-foot facade.
The Goal: Under Two and a Half Hours
Honnold plans to conquer Taipei 101 in under two and a half hours. That’s roughly 1,667 vertical feet of glass and steel, climbed without safety equipment.
Custom climbing shoes will provide better traction on glass surfaces. Chalk keeps sweaty hands from slipping at critical moments.
Beyond that? It’s pure skill, mental fortitude, and physical conditioning.
Why Risk Everything?
The question looms large: what drives someone with everything to lose to take such risks?
For climbers like Honnold, pushing boundaries isn’t just about adrenaline or media attention. It’s about testing human limits, exploring what’s possible when fear meets preparation.
Still, this climb raises eyebrows even among climbing elites. Sanctioned doesn’t mean safe.
Global audiences watching via Netflix will witness either extraordinary triumph or potential tragedy unfold in real time.
Buildering Goes Mainstream
What makes this event particularly fascinating is how it brings underground climbing culture into mainstream consciousness.
Urban climbing has existed for decades in relative obscurity. Climbers scale buildings, bridges, and structures without fanfare or permission.
Honnold’s Netflix spectacle legitimizes buildering while simultaneously commercializing it. Whether that’s good for the sport remains debatable within climbing communities.
Physical Demands of Vertical Glass
Climbing skyscrapers presents unique challenges compared to natural rock formations.
Glass offers minimal friction. Steel frames provide intermittent holds but require incredible grip strength. Building facades lack natural features climbers typically exploit on rock faces.
Upper body endurance becomes paramount. Arms, shoulders, and core muscles must sustain effort for extended periods without rest opportunities.
That’s why Honnold trains until failure at Clear Light Cave—simulating sustained physical demands he’ll face on Taipei 101.
Mental Game at Extreme Heights
Physical preparation is only half the equation. Mental resilience separates elite free soloists from everyone else.
Honnold’s ability to manage fear while maintaining focus at deadly heights has been studied by neuroscientists. His brain shows reduced amygdala activation—meaning fear centers remain calmer under extreme stress.
But climbing with two young daughters at home adds psychological weight that didn’t exist during his van-dwelling days.
How that affects his mental state during the climb remains to be seen.
What Success Looks Like
If everything goes according to plan, Honnold will reach Taipei 101’s summit in under 150 minutes.
Netflix viewers worldwide will witness climbing history. Urban climbing gains unprecedented visibility. And Honnold adds another impossible achievement to his resume.
But success means more than reaching the top. It means returning safely to his family—the people who matter most now that he’s no longer climbing just for himself.
Friday’s live stream will reveal whether this “media stunt” becomes legendary achievement or cautionary tale about pushing too far.