Survival

Undoubtedly, Ralston's story of becoming trapped in Blue John Canyon and surviving for six days with little water and food only to amputate his arm and hike out of the canyon for help is an incredible testament to the will to survive. Ralston's experience with survival is not limited to his most dramatic tale, however. He escapes a hungry bear by aggressively challenging the bear, not a recommended way to deal with a bear. He jumps into the Colorado River for a good photo opportunity only to get sucked into the current and nearly drown. He is buried in an avalanche that nearly kills him and two friends. Considering his experiences, it is a wonder that Ralston lived to enter Blue John Canyon on April 26, 2003.

Risk

Ralston is a risk taker. From solo climbing in winter to navigating rafters down a river on a midnight run of a...