Hanging around the harness, climbing stiff cliffs and walking through scary terrains are how this 7-year-old kid, Joey Danger Evermore, spent his seventh birthday by achieving another milestone: the 7,573-foot peak of El Capitan! Sounds inspiring yet shocking, as this Colorado-based youngster just made history by scaling the legendary 7,573-foot peak of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, making him the youngest person to ever pull off that deadly climb. Here’s all you need to know about it.
How He Started
Joey Danger Evermore had started the grueling multi-day trek as a six-year-old and finished it as a seven-year-old, literally growing a year older right on the side of the mountain.
A Birthday to Remember
Interestingly, Joey Danger, who took the internet by storm with his fitting middle name "Danger," celebrated his big achievement by officially turning seven years old upon reaching the summit. The grueling five-day ascent was documented by a camera crew and his family on social media, with his father and brother noting on Instagram how amazing it was to watch him tackle the seemingly impossible climb.
Keeping It in the Family
The Evermore family, hailing from Colorado Springs, is no stranger to breaking records. Joey took the "youngest climber" title away from his older brother, Sam, who climbed El Capitan at just eight years old back in 2022 and went on to tackle Switzerland's famous Matterhorn at age eleven in 2025. Before the Evermore brothers came along, the record was held by Selah Schneiter, who made history in 2019 by reaching the top at ten years old. Joey was joined on his trek by his father, Joe, and his two older brothers, Sam and Sylvan.
One Massive Goal a Year
The jaw-dropping climb is part of a unique family tradition. Their father, Joe Evermore, explained that once his boys turn five, they have to choose one "colossal goal" to work toward every single year. The rules for the goals are simple but strict: they must require daily dedication, they have to be remarkable enough to remember forever, and above all, they have to be done safely. The family hopes their wild adventures inspire others to challenge themselves and push through personal limits.
Advice for Other Parents
For parents who might look at the Evermores and wonder how to get their own kids motivated, Joe says you don't need to start by scaling massive cliffs in Yosemite. He suggests simply being more intentional and creating an annual plan with your children, whether that's a classic road trip or a smaller local challenge. For the Evermores, the true objective isn't just about bagging famous peaks—it’s about building unbreakable family bonds and raising courageous adults.
