Nina Williams

BOULDER, COLORADO


Growing up in New Hampshire, Nina discovered climbing at 12 years old and joined a Rhode Island-based youth climbing team the following year. In 2016, Nina made the first female ascent of Ambrosia, a 50ft boulder graded V11 in the Buttermilks outside Bishop, California. Currently based in Boulder, Colorado, Nina has spent the last decade making the first female ascents of countless boulders, sport routes, and big wall trad climbs including Spray of Light V13, China Beach 5.14b, and Father Time, a 2000ft 5.13b in Yosemite.


In the last few years she has pushed into endurance sports by adding cycling and running to her skillset, most recently completing the Longs Peak Triathlon as the first unsupported female FKT (Fastest Known Time) at 13h:10m:07s, while free soloing the 1500ft face of the Diamond via the Casual Route, graded 5.10a.


In tandem with climbing, Nina earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Leadership Management from The University of Colorado and works with women and people of color to build confident, intentional lives. She has worked with Color the Crag, Flash Foxy, and the London Women's Climbing Symposium in addition to leading clinics at climbing gyms across the country. When she's not climbing, biking, or running, Nina hangs out at home with her cat Charlie.


Nina’s career stands as a testament to her calculated approach, technical mastery, and willingness to venture into the unknown. A true legend in climbing, her legacy is one of boldness, resilience, and an unyielding passion for moving through mountains.


  • 2015, RAY OF LIGHT V13, ROCKLANDS, SOUTH AFRICA—FIRST FEMALE ASCENT​
  • 2016, EVILUTION DIRECT V11, BISHOP, CALIFORNIA—FIRST FEMALE ASCENT​
  • 2018, FATHER TIME 5.13B, YOSEMITE, CALIFORNIA​
  • 2019, SUNDIAL (V11), ROY, NEW MEXICO – FIRST ASCENT
  • 2019, TOO BIG TO FLAIL V10, BISHOP, CALIFORNIA—SEVENTH ASCENT, FIRST FEMALE ASCENT​
  • 2022, WEASEL PRINTS (V11 R), BISHOP, CALIFORNIA – FIRST ASCENT
  • 2023, CHINA BEACH 5.14B, RUMNEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE-FIRST FEMALE ASCENT​
  • 2023, PAPADARIUS 5.14A, LYONS, COLORADO – FIRST FEMALE ASCENT
  • 2023, FKT OF LONGS PEAK TRIATHALON (FEMALE, UNSUPPORTED)