Yosemite National Park, California — While most children celebrate their seventh birthday with cake, games and presents, one Colorado boy spent his special day hanging thousands of feet above the ground while climbing one of the world’s most famous rock formations.
Joey Danger Evermore has now become the youngest known person to climb El Capitan, the massive granite formation located in California’s Yosemite National Park.
7-Year-Old Makes History on El Capitan
According to reports, Joey began the challenging climb at the age of six and celebrated his seventh birthday while still scaling the mountain.
The climb ended several days later when he successfully reached the summit of El Capitan, which rises approximately 7,573 feet above sea level and is considered one of the most iconic climbing destinations in the world.
Joey completed the difficult ascent alongside his father, Joe Evermore, as well as his brothers Sam and Sylvan, and a documentary crew that followed the family throughout the adventure.
The family began the climb on Sunday, May 16, and reached the summit on Thursday, May 21, after spending five days navigating the steep granite wall.
Young Climber Says Family Meant More Than Record
Despite breaking a major climbing record, Joey said the experience with his family meant even more to him than the achievement itself.
“Breaking the record is really cool,” he told, “and doing an impossible thing with my family means more with my dad up there.”
Throughout the climb, the family regularly shared updates on social media documenting Joey’s progress and birthday celebration high above the ground.
“Joey’s birthday has been amazing. He started this journey as a six year old and now he’s seven about to complete the impossible. A five day ascent of ElCapitan [sic],” the family wrote during the climb.
Climbing Runs in the Family
The Evermore family has become known for taking on ambitious outdoor challenges together.
Joey’s older brother Sam previously made headlines after climbing El Capitan at age 8 in 2022. Another brother, Sylvan, also completed the ascent at the same age the following year.
By finishing the climb at just 7 years old, Joey officially surpassed his brother’s record and became the youngest known climber to complete the feat.
The adventure also included a special family surprise during the ascent.
Family Reveals Baby Sister Surprise During Climb
According to reports, Joey’s parents revealed during the climb that the family would soon be welcoming a baby girl.
From high above the rock face, the family spotted the word “GIRL” spelled out in pink letters on the ground below, turning the climb into both a record-breaking achievement and a gender reveal celebration.
NYC’s Legendary “People’s Beach” Reopens After 54 Years With Massive $88 Million Transformation
The emotional moment added another unforgettable memory to the already historic adventure.
Family Hopes to Inspire Other Children
Joey’s father has previously explained that the family encourages each child to pursue one major goal every year after turning five.
“It has to be so big we work on it a little bit every day,” Joe Evermore previously told Good Morning America. “It’s got to be remarkable, something we can hang on the wall, and most importantly — you can’t die, so you have to do it safely.”
After finally reaching the summit, Joey celebrated like many kids his age would — with pizza and birthday wishes.
According to the family, supporters gathered below and sang “Happy Birthday” as the young climber completed his historic ascent.
What do you think about this incredible achievement by a 7-year-old climber? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
