Alex Johnson does Gringo (8A+)

Alex Johnson, with 8B+ as her personal best, has sent Gringo (8A+) in The Swell. Between 2008 and 2010, the 36-year-old won two World Cups and secured second place twice.“ Gorj, maybe one of the best in the state. Insane backdrop. I love the desert.” (c) Tim Kemple

Can you tell us more about the ascent?
This climb has been on my wishlist for a long time, and I’m stoked we finally made the trip to the desert. The boulder is beautiful, the movement is super fun, and the scenery is stunning.

I managed to do it quickly, which felt like a strong reflection of where I’m at right now and the work I’ve been putting in. It feels like a meaningful punctuation mark on 2025, and it’s motivating to head into 2026 with this momentum.

What are your 2026 plans?
First and foremost, back to the Swell! I fell off the end of another 12 [8A+], would have been insane to do them back to back, but alas.

Trips to both Joshua Tree and Vegas in January. Then just hopefully checking more things off my all-time wishlist, but mostly local-ish for now, no major trips planned yet. Utah winter is still yielding, it’s been amazing.