The world-class rock climber explores his home state of Nevada
Ready to get a little out there yourself?
Start planning your Nevada adventure here.
Spring Mountains
Valley of Fire
Hoover Dam
Las Vegas
The Wild Granites
International Car Forest
Santa Fe Saloon
Amargosa Big Dune Recreation Area
Ep. 1: Home Means Nevada
Pro climber Alex Honnold explores the Las Vegas backyard he calls home. From Black Canyon to the summit of Mt. Charleston, he climbs, hikes, and solos his favorite desert routes while reflecting on life, fame, family—and aliens.
Presented by
Watch the Series
watch
The cast
destinations
Alex Honnold is used to people asking, “Why do you live in Nevada?” It would be easy for him to simply point to all the world-class climbing near his Las Vegas home and move on. But Alex knows that barely scratches the surface of what makes Nevada so special. In this five-part video series, he sets out on a journey of exploration and discovery to show people not only why he lives in Nevada, but why he falls in love with it more every day.
Mt. Charleston
Episode 1 Feb 26
Episode 2 March 5
Episode 3
March 12
Episode 4
March 19
Episode 5 March 26
Ep. 2: Wild Wild Granites
In rural Nevada, pro climber Alex Honnold scales a vertical bus, a massive sand dune, and joins Tommy Caldwell for a first ascent on a granite wall. Off the rock, he meets locals who keep Goldfield curious, from burros to a quirky local radio host.
Ep. 3: Digging Deeper
Pro climber Alex Honnold heads to one of Nevada’s spookiest towns. In Tonopah, he hunts for ghosts, digs for gems, checks into a haunted hotel, and reunites with Caldwell for a high-alpine climb up Mt. Jefferson.
Ep. 4: Taking a Peak
Pro climbers Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright battle wind and a surprise snowstorm in Great Basin National Park. When the weather clears, Alex explores Ely’s growing biking scene and stargazes beneath some of the darkest skies in America.
Ep. 5: Cowboy Country
Deep in cowboy country, pro climber Alex Honnold joins endurance runner Peyton Thomas for an unexpected adventure in the Ruby Mountains. Off the trail, he dives into Basque culture, practices cowboy poetry, and silversmiths a romantic gift for his wife.
behind the scenes
HOT Tips
Alex Honnold
Sanni McCandless Honnold
Tommy Caldwell
Cedar Wright
Long before the world knew his name—before Free Solo changed what we think about human potential—Alex was doing what he loves most. He was loading up his beloved van and hitting the road in search of adventure. In between audacious feats, Alex would drop into small towns and soak up the character of the vast American West. Fame hasn’t changed that.
Alex Honnold
Peyton Thomas
What freaks me out the most?
Episode 1
Nevada’s most prominent peak is only 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas, but that’s where the “onlys” stop. This challenging trail gains almost 5,000 feet of elevation in just over 8 miles, winding through aspen forests and mountain meadows toward the exposed ridgelines that mark the second half of the ascent. The views from the nearly 12,000-foot summit are remarkable, but the entire hike is stunning, with towering limestone cliffs for company throughout.
Travel smart and dial in your Nevada know-how with these Honnold Out There Tips.
"
"
Alex’s wife, Sanni, joins the adventure in Episode 1. Sanni is a life coach, writer, and lifelong adventurer who cofounded Outwild, a community and retreat series that helps people design more outdoor, values-driven lifestyles. When not out exploring, Sanni lives in Las Vegas with Alex and their two young daughters, who also join in the Nevada journey.
Sanni McCandless Honnold
As a world-class climber, Tommy rose to legendary status with his epic first ascent of Yosemite’s Dawn Wall. And as Alex’s longtime friend and climbing partner, Tommy has a legendary history of sharing some of Alex’s biggest—and sometimes quirkiest—adventures. Tommy is the perfect companion to join Alex in Episodes 2 and 3 while climbing the Wild Granites and Mt. Jefferson.
Tommy Caldwell
Cedar, another pro climber and longtime friend of Alex, joins in Episode 4 for a spectacular hike up Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park. It’s a big day, but considering this is the duo behind the Sufferfest series, that’s exactly what they’re looking for. Cedar is an accomplished paraglider as well, and might just need a return trip to test getting a little out there in Nevada’s skies.
Cedar Wright
When Alex needed a partner to run the Ruby Crest Trail in Episode 5, he felt lucky to connect with Peyton. As a fish physiologist and postdoctoral researcher at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Peyton has earned her adventure cred doing field research at remote rivers in Alaska and the Yukon. She recently joined CU’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. As a runner, Peyton has a resume that includes noteworthy trail races all over the country, and competing at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.
Peyton Thomas
FOLLOW IN alex's footsteps
1. How to pronounce Nevada.
Explore the best of Nevada and get a little out there yourself.
We only had to do some minor shenanigans.
"
"
Goldfield
Ely
Tonopah
Elko
Now I feel like I should go rock climbing.
"
"
Who needs to go to the greater ranges when you can hike the peaks of Nevada in bad conditions?
"
"
I’m shoving my fork into my windshield wiper. Look at me, I’m a craftsman!
"
"
Rafting in Black Canyon
Episode 1
Witness the marvels of both man and nature on the Black Canyon National Water Trail. You can rent your own canoes or kayaks, but a guided rafting tour comes with more color. Learn about the construction of Hoover Dam, the formation of the canyon, and the mighty Colorado River. Bonus adventure: Hike to the hot springs in Gold Strike Canyon and keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep.
Outpost 51 Alien Museum
Episode 1
The truth is out there, right? But before you take a trip down Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway, you’ve got to know what you’re looking for. The Outpost 51 Alien Museum in Boulder City has you covered, with info on crash sites, government experiments (and cover-ups), and all manner of alien encounters. The Hollywood-grade exhibits will make you feel like you’re in a UFO when you’re really just 30 minutes off the Strip and 15 minutes from Hoover Dam.
Grandma Daisy’s Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor
Episode 1
Every road trip needs ice cream, and this is where to get it in the Boulder City area. Grandma Daisy's Candy Store and Ice Cream Parlor is a family-owned shop that offers delicious ice cream, old-fashioned malts, nostalgic candies, fresh caramel apples, and homemade fudge prepared daily. The small-town charm of “the town that built the Hoover Dam” is on full display here, as it is in many of Boulder City’s shops and stores.
Las Vegas
Reno
2. Respect Nevada’s wild places.
3. Prep for remote driving.
4. Explore the small towns.
Santa Fe Saloon
Episode 2
There are hundreds of saloons across the Silver State, but only one where you're likely to meet Honey the Burro, who was born in Goldfield in 2023 and has become the town’s unofficial mascot. It’s all part of the fun at the Santa Fe Saloon, which has been operating since 1905, when a gold boom made Goldfield the most populous city in the state.
International Car Forest
Episode 2
The International Car Forest of the Last Church is the kind of place you’d expect to find deep in Nevada. This “forest” of vertical vehicles is made up of about 40 colorfully painted cars, vans, buses, and trucks sticking out of the desert sand or balanced atop each other. It’s the largest of its kind in the country and an essential stop on the Free-Range Art Highway, a 500-mile gallery of oddities from Las Vegas to Reno.
Amargosa Big Dune Recreation Area
Episode 2
Even when the roar of dune buggy engines falls silent, the Amargosa Dunes still hum with sound. This otherworldly corner of the Mojave Desert is more than just an off-road mecca and favorite camping spot for locals; it’s also home to “singing sand.” This strange and rare phenomenon—often described as a low hum or vibration that can also boom like thunder—only occurs where a just-right grain size combines with very arid conditions. Rent an ATV or buggy to explore a unique natural wonder—the fun way.
The Wild Granites
Episode 2
Tucked on the south flank of Toiyabe Range Peak in central Nevada, the Wild Granites are a multi-pitch paradise. At this little-known area—which is still being developed—you’ll discover huge walls, expansive desert views, and the chance to have it all to yourself. Information on existing routes is sparse, so bring along a sense of adventure (and an expert skillset: most of the documented climbs here are multi-pitch trad routes between 5.10 and 5.12c).
Wheeler Peak
Episode 4
Wheeler Peak is a constant presence in Great Basin National Park, towering above the park’s wide valleys, sprawling caves, and ancient trees. To reach the 13,063-foot summit—Nevada’s second-ranking peak in both height and prominence—you’ll climb roughly 3,000 feet in a little more than 4 miles. On a clear day, 100-mile views are waiting at the top. Bonus: The vista includes Nevada’s only glacier.
Bristlecone General Store
Episode 4
If they don’t have it at the Bristlecone General Store in Baker, you don’t need it. Part grocer, part bookstore, and part community gathering place, this hub just outside of Great Basin National Park has it all. You’ll find everything from outdoor gear to locally made art and all kinds of monthly events, like full moon hikes and farmers markets. Plan your park-side stay at the adjacent Stargazer Inn, and be sure to greet all four shop cats.
Mountain Biking at Ward Mountain Recreation Area
Episode 4
Ward Mountain is a typical Nevada adventure destination—easy to miss but, for those who visit, hard to forget. This system of mostly beginner and intermediate singletrack offers a big-mountain feel with accessible riding. The trails wind all the way into the town of Ely, which hosts Fears, Tears, and Beers, the longest-running enduro race in the country.
Stargazing in Great Basin National Park
Episode 4
Recognized as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park in 2016, Great Basin National Park features some of the darkest skies in the country, thanks to its low humidity, high elevation, and minimal light pollution. Light-fighting measures are in place throughout the park, so there are truly no bad spots to take in this celestial show. Join a free ranger-led astronomy program every Thursday–Sunday in the summer months, when the Milky Way is clearest.
Mt. Jefferson
Episode 3
If you were expecting Nevada to be all dusty deserts, you’re in for a surprise on Mt. Jefferson. On the 13-mile ascent to its nearly 12,000-foot South Summit, you’ll wander through wildflower meadows, aspen groves, and more than a dozen creek crossings. You may not see another hiker in this remote region, but you’ll have plenty of company, since the Alta Toquima Wilderness is home to the largest high-elevation population of bighorn sheep in the world (a fitting record for the Lower 48's most mountainous state, with more named ranges than any other).
Mizpah Hotel
Episode 3
At the Mizpah Hotel, every room might be a shared room. Voted the #1 Haunted Hotel in the country by USA Today, this historic hotel opened in 1907, apparently picking up a few permanent guests along the way. Skeptics will enjoy the old-timey elegance mixed with modern comforts, while paranormal enthusiasts can book special packages with ghost tours and EMF readers. You can also meet Nevada’s most famous ghost with a stay in the Lady in Red room.
The Royston Mine
Episode 3
Plenty of people leave Nevada with a bit of turquoise, but not many of them mine it themselves. In Tonopah, you can do just that with an Otteson Brothers Mining Tour. These titans of turquoise know just where to look, and any pieces you dig up are yours to keep. Expect to drive yourself down dusty backroads, get a little dirty, and learn about the geologic forces that have created this one-of-a-kind gem.
The Clown Motel
Episode 3
For some, a clown-themed motel next to a miners’ graveyard sounds like the opening scene in a scary movie. But some people like scary movies. Love it or hate it, there’s nowhere like The Clown Motel. Home to roughly 6,000 clown figurines, it’s a popular stopover for everyone from paranormal enthusiasts to movie crews. Official brochures invite guests to “let fear run down your spine.” If you stay the night here, maybe don’t plan an early hike—you won’t be sleeping.
Western Folklife Center
Episode 5
The vast landscapes of the West have been inspiring artists, musicians, and poets for centuries. See the past meet the present at the Western Folklife Center, where you can learn about the history of cowboy poetry, music, art, and gearmaking while exploring the work of those who practice those traditions today. Visit in January for the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, featuring live performances, craft workshops, and plenty of good old-fashioned fun.
The Star Hotel & Bar
Episode 5
Built as a gathering place for Basque immigrants and shepherds longing for a taste of home, The Star Hotel & Bar has kept the tradition of good food and warm hospitality alive for more than 100 years. After a fun-filled day, there’s simply nothing like The Star’s classic Western atmosphere and hearty dishes. Be sure to order a Picon Punch, a Basque favorite and the official state drink of Nevada.
J.M. Capriola | Garcia Bits and Spurs
Episode 5
For the better part of a century, J.M. Capriola’s has been offering some of the finest artisan leather goods anywhere in the world. Balancing artistic beauty with modern functionality, this cowboy gear is made with the kind of craftsmanship that’s passed down through generations. From practical gear like bits, spurs, and reins to handcrafted clothes and accessories like sweaters, jewelry, and cowboy hats, it’s the best of Western style and function.
Ruby Dome
Episode 5
As with many of Alex’s adventures, this one is no walk in the park. Hiking to the top of the Ruby Mountains, via Hennen Canyon, means ascending almost 5,000 feet in just under 5 miles. Yes, a thousand feet per mile is steep. But the reward—including a stop at lovely Griswold Lake and 360-degree views from the summit—is well worth the effort. Want to make it a longer outing? Spend three to four days backpacking the majestic Ruby Crest Trail, one of the most immersive outdoor experiences in Nevada. Got less time or young kids? Get a taste of the terrain on a shorter day hike along the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway.
Episode 1
Episode 4
Episode 2
Episode 5
Episode 3
Boulder City
