The 8th ascent of The Return of the Sleepwalker (Red Rock Canyon, Nevada), 9A, first ascended by Daniel Woods in 2021, will be remembered as a landmark achievement. American climber Nate Williams needed no fewer than 100 sessions spread over 4 years before succeeding on February 3rd. By chance, Jo & Françoise Montchaussé were present at the base of the boulder that day, deep in one of Red Rock’s canyons. While waiting for the video to be posted on Nate Williams’ Instagram account, here are a few shots of the ascent from an unusual angle that captures the overhang of the boulder perfectly.
Nate Williams – Return of the Sleepwalker – Red Rock Canyon, Nevada ©J&F Montchaussé
Nate Williams is no stranger in the bouldering world. He had completed Sleepwalker, 8c+ (the standing start version) in 2020. His ticklist includes numerous 8b and 8b+ problems as well as two 8c+, among them Creature from the Black Lagoon (Boulder, Colorado) in spring 2024 — yet another boulder opened by Daniel Woods. Nate Williams’ next goal will be Shaolin, also at Red Rock Canyon, and also graded 9A. First ascended by Sean Bailey in February 2024, Shaolin already has 5 repeats, the most recent by Jakob Schubert this past Monday, February 9, 2026.
Nate Williams – Return of the Sleepwalker – Red Rock Canyon, Nevada ©J&F Montchaussé
